MLB World Series Schedule 2012: Dates, Start Times and TV Info for Fall Classic

The 2012 World Series is oh-so-close to starting. The Detroit Tigers have been patiently waiting for an opponent since dispatching of the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, but at least now they know the dates and times they will be playing. 

In keeping with the new Major League Baseball schedule, the World Series will start on a Wednesday. It is possible, if it goes to seven games, that we will have baseball in November. 

Here is a complete look at the schedule for this year's World Series, as well as some other tidbits to whet your appetite before the first pitch of the Fall Classic. 

Note: Game sites will be updated at conclusion of 2012 NLCS

Schedule courtesy of MLB.com

MATCHUP	DATE	FIRST PITCH
Game 1: Detroit at San Francisco	Wed. Oct 24	8:07 p.m. ET
Game 2: Detroit at San Francisco	Thu. Oct. 25	8:07 p.m. ET
Game 3: San Francisco at Detroit	Sat. Oct. 27	8:07 p.m. ET
Game 4: San Francisco at Detroit	Sun. Oct 28	8:15 p.m. ET
*Game 5: San Francisco at Detroit	Mon. Oct. 29	8:07 p.m. ET
*Game 6: Detroit at San Francisco	Wed. Oct 31	8:07 p.m. ET
*Game 7: Detroit at San Francisco	Thu. Nov. 1	8:07 p.m. ET

All games broadcast on FOX with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver announcing. 

*If Necessary

Detroit Tigers' Pitching Rotation

One of the benefits of sweeping the ALCS is that you can set your pitching rotation however you want. 

Tigers manager Jim Leyland is not deviating from the formula that has worked so well up to this point. We all know who will be taking the ball in Game 1, but the team has also lined up the starters for Games 2-4. 

Courtesy of Jason Beck, MLB.com

TIGERS' WORLD SERIES ROTATION
Game 1: Justin Verlander (17-8, 2.64 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 239 K, 238.1 IP)
Game 2: Doug Fister (10-10, 3.45 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 137 K, 161.2 IP)
Game 3: Anibal Sanchez (4-6, 3.74 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 57 K, 74.2 IP)
Game 4: Max Scherzer (16-7, 3.74 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 231 K, 187.2 IP)

The Tigers have a huge advantage right out of the gate, because they will have their best pitcher, and arguably the best pitcher in baseball, on the mound for Game 1. 

Meanwhile, the Cardinals and Giants are using their best starting pitchers—Kyle Lohse and Matt Cain, respectively—in Game 7 of the NLCS, which will likely make them unavailable until Game 3 of the World Series.

San Francisco Giants' Pitching Rotation

The Giants pitching rotation in the World Series is still completely up in the air. ESPN.com currently has Barry Zito slotted to start Game 1, and it’s hard to disagree with the poor postseason of Madison Bumgarner. He will be coming off full rest and a strong Game 5 performance.

Ryan Vogelsong could potentially pitch Game 2 on three day’s rest, but then the team would be in a major bind if they fall behind 2-0.

UPDATE: Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 9:35 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, manager Bruce Bochy has set his rotation for the World Series.

Here it is:

GIANTS' WORLD SERIES ROTATION

Game 1: Barry Zito (15-8, 4.15 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 114 K, 184.1 IP)

Game 2: Madison Bumgarner (16-11, 3.37 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 191 K, 208.1 IP)

Game 3: Ryan Vogelsong (14-9, 3.37 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 158 K, 189.2 IP)

Game 4: Matt Cain (16-5, 2.79 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 193 K, 219.1 IP)

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