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Why I think the Detroit Tigers will beat the New York Yankees in five games
When I hear the statement "Bring on the Yankees" in regard to the Tigers, I can't help but thinking, "Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it."
The Yankees are very good. They won 97 games. They were playing for nothing in that final series against the Rays.
C.C. Sabathia is an excellent pitcher. Mariano Rivera is the top closer of all time - and still productive. They have excellent depth in the bullpen, and an outstanding and deep lineup. The new Yankee Stadium suits the team - and they have home field advantage. It could mean everything.
Also, of the Tigers final 50 games, only four were played against clubs that finished .500 or better.
Having noted all that, I think this is going to be a long series. I believe the Tigers match the Yankees in every area other than bullpen depth. I won't be surprised if the Tigers win the series. In fact, I'm picking them to win it - in five games.
Part of it is Justin Verlander. This is his time. Can't imagine him not succeeding on such a bright stage. Also, the Tigers have developed this sort of magical quality. They have so many MVP types (Verlander, Jose Valverde, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Alex Avila, Jhonny Peralta, Doug Fister, Delmon Young), and had an extraordinary number of thrilling, improbable victories the last couple months of the regular season.
The Yankees are very good. They won 97 games. They were playing for nothing in that final series against the Rays.
C.C. Sabathia is an excellent pitcher. Mariano Rivera is the top closer of all time - and still productive. They have excellent depth in the bullpen, and an outstanding and deep lineup. The new Yankee Stadium suits the team - and they have home field advantage. It could mean everything.
Also, of the Tigers final 50 games, only four were played against clubs that finished .500 or better.
Having noted all that, I think this is going to be a long series. I believe the Tigers match the Yankees in every area other than bullpen depth. I won't be surprised if the Tigers win the series. In fact, I'm picking them to win it - in five games.
Part of it is Justin Verlander. This is his time. Can't imagine him not succeeding on such a bright stage. Also, the Tigers have developed this sort of magical quality. They have so many MVP types (Verlander, Jose Valverde, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Alex Avila, Jhonny Peralta, Doug Fister, Delmon Young), and had an extraordinary number of thrilling, improbable victories the last couple months of the regular season.
posted by Pat Caputo at
3:21 AM
6 Comments:
If the Tigers win... I think it will be in fewer games than 5. Both Verlander and Fister are capable of winning the first 2. Even if they split, the Tigers have a great shot at winning at home. I like Scherzer v. Garcia.
Pat, it starts with Verlander. He doesn't have to throw a no-hitter but just pitch good. The Yankee bullpen bothers me so the Tigers have to score their runs in the first 6 innings which they can do. The weakness of the Yankees is the starting pitching after CC. Tigers can hit lefties too.
Man oh man that was some kind of magical night last night - I had two laptops stream Tigers and Texas games, and two TVs playing Yankess @ TB and Boston @ Baltimore - for it all to finish the way it did leaves me hopeful that Selig does not follow through with second wild card teams next year.
two things worry me - one you mentioned that the Tigers haven't seen a +.500 team for some time - and the other being Verlander's last outing was not Stellar - and you know he wanted to get 25 wins and homefield advantage.
We match up well with Yankers starter for starter - closer for closer - position for position (even CF) - even the bloody logo's match up well, if you're into caligraphy.
But Tigers have bigger advantage over Yankers in Comerica than Yankers do in New Yankee Stadium.
Even if ours is only a Park.
This is what we live for.
It's 2006 all over again - but better! Tigers in four ...
i believe tigers have to win 2 out of first 3. that porcello-sabathia matchup in game 4 is unfavorable.
still a bit surprised that bosox and yanks didn't do more at the trade deadline to reinforce their rotations. beyond sabathia, bombers are vulnerable.
This is a test and a big one ... to see if the Tiger's hitters can produce.
This is playoff sports .. some teams tighten up and go south, others focus and crank. I like our chances because we have some veterans, should help.
Also our pitching is in good shape but I'm kind of worrying that Verlander is flat. Let's see if he has an upload focus for these playoffs.
I'm also worried that our middle will give up runs. We have to produce offensive runs to hang in.
Overall I think we have a chance to proceed but it is below a 0.50 probability.
Hey fans, this is fun.
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