Pitchers and catchers have not reported yet, but baseball season is upon us.
With that being established, it's only right that predictions be made.
I give you my predictions in the race for 2008 World Series Champions.
Looking at all the teams (on paper), there are only two teams that stand a chance to win the World Series this upcoming season (barring any major injuries or major in-season trades.)
Those two teams are the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox.
For personal reasons, it better not be the Red Sox...again!
Let's take an in-depth look inside both teams, and then see if we can decide on which team stands the better chance.
DETROIT TIGERS
Speaking of major trades, Detroit's blockbuster during the offseason vaulted it to the top of my list of teams I find likely to win the World Series.
The additions of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis add an aura of dominance to this team, as long as both of the players live up to their potential, and don't bomb in 2008.
Looking at Detroit's opening-day lineup, you have to discuss it as one of the best ever put together, from one through nine.
The lineup will look something like this:
- Curtis Granderson .302-23-74 122 runs, 26 SB
- Placido Polanco .341-9-67 105 runs, only 30 Ks
- Miguel Cabrera .320-34-119 91 runs
- Magglio Ordonez .363-28-139 117 runs, 216 hits
- Gary Sheffield .265-26-75 107 runs, 22 SB
- Carlos Guillen .296-21-102 86 runs, 13 SB
- Ivan Rodriguez .281-11-63
- Edgar Renteria .332-12-57 87 runs
- Jacque Jones .285-5-66
That is an insane lineup.
Not to mention, the Tigers have Marcus Thames (18 HR) and Brandon Inge (14 HR) coming off the bench.
That lineup (if completely healthy) has the potential to score 1,000 runs. Only one team has achieved that feat since 1950, the 1999 Cleveland Indians. If the Tigers are unable to reach 1,000 runs; 900 seems extremely feasible.
Not to be outdone by the offense; the Detroit's pitching staff is also one to reckon with.
With Justin Verlander as the ace (18-6, 3.66 ERA, 1.23 WHIP), it has someone to count on every fifth start as somebody who can end any mini-losing streak.
After Verlander, the staff isn't anything to scoff at. Although it might not be everything you want, statistically, the potential it carries outweighs the numbers.
9 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
You know, there is a team by the name of the Cleveland Indians that was within one game of going to the World Series (and had they made it, they probably would have won it). Don't sell the Tribe short...look at Detroit's pitching vs. the Indians,' and if you know anything about baseball, recall the phrase "pitching wins championships." With all the offensive firepower, the Tigers are essentially the Yankees of yesteryear...and we all know what happened to the 07 Yankees.
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
I'll pay you $100 if Ellsbury hits 30 home runs. Seriously.
And I'm a Sox fan.
Edit Comment Cancel
Scott Ottersen about 1 year ago
The 30 home runs may have been a lot generous, but he did hit 3 in only 116 at bats last season. I realize that pace isn't on track for 30, but I never said he was GOING to hit 30, just that he could have that potential, especially with that short fence in right field. If Brady Anderson can hit 50 homeruns in a season, I will never doubt anyone's ability to hit more than expected.
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
I like to hear that Lester is one of the best young pitchers out there. Are the twins reading this?
Edit Comment Cancel
Michael Taylor about 1 year ago
The Tigers bullpen is actually the weakest point of the team. Joel Zumaya is out for half the season, Rodney is coming off of a subpar season when he had shoulder tendinitis and Todd Jones is as scary as Joe Borowsi as closer. I give you Bobby Seay as a solid bullpen option, but overall Todd Jones, Jason Grilli, and a recovering Fernando Rodney with Bobby Seay as one of best bullpens in the game? Cleveland's setup crew is way better with Jensen Lewis, Rafael Perez, Rafael Betancourt, and newly acquired Masahide Kobayashi.
I agree that on paper their offense is scary, but the pitching is a huge question mark! It looks as if the same as last year. Detroit scored nearly 900 runs, but still couldn't win enough to stay within 8 games of the Indians.
Edit Comment Cancel
Fred Thompson about 1 year ago
Perhaps the single most uninformed prognostication I've ever seen. As a Red Sox fan, I can tell you that there is no evidence that Ellsbury will hit 30-100; In fact, he had almost no power in the minors. Most scouts will tell you that Lester projects as a number 3 starter, and is by no means 'one of the most talented young pitchers in the game today.' He can't get out of the sixth inning with fewer than 100 pitches and 4 walks, and has shown zero ability to keep the ball down in the zone. As for Papelbon, the game's best closer is in all probability J.J. Putz - not Papelbon. And he did not have an 'off' year, as you suggested, since there is no statistical basis point for an average year to begin with (His only other year was cut short by injuries, which coincided with the loss of his velocity and a quick departure from immortality). And why does Schilling look to be anything other than what he was last year - an injury-prone old pitcher with occasional flashes of brilliance? And let's not get into your praise of mediocre long reliever Kyle Snyder, or lefty specialist (with the .300-against average by left-handed hitters) Javier Lopez, or 5+ ERA man Julian Tavarez.
As I said, I'm a Sox fan so I'm not eminently qualified to speak about the Tigers, but if your Tigers analysis is as uninformed as your Red Sox survey, I'd suggest you find a new line of work.
Edit Comment Cancel
Tom about 1 year ago
"If they get another 17-win season from Wakefield, I fear this team could easily win 100 games, plus some. With Jon Lester as the fifth starter, it's a given that this team will win 100 games."
Which is it? And can I get that guarantee in writing?
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
When did Schilling WIN a cy young?
Edit Comment Cancel
heaven exists about 1 year ago
who cares you people have the yankees out every year and every year they make the playoffs. but correct yourselves yankees fans may be worried but don't act you forget the yankees are always the kings of baseball and this year will be no different well they will play alot better from start and have a way different post season.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.