So here we are, left with only a couple of weeks and the final four teams of the 2011 baseball season. With the Cardinals taking down the enormously favored Phillies last night, the Cards were the only blemish on my Division Series predictions. But 1 wrong prediction won't stop me from returning with my LCS predictions. Call me a gypsy if you'd like.....without further ado....
I like your analysis, and you make some valid points, but overall, I couldn't disagree with you more. The Brewers had the best home record in baseball this year and are 3-0 in the postseason at Miller Park. Like you, I myself am rooting for the the Brew Crew, but unlike you, I think they'll get it done. With Chris Carpenter not available until Game 3, I don't see why the Brewers can't take the first two at home putting the Cards in an early hole. But like you, I agree that the Cards have been there before so they have the experience and they still have Albert Pujols who is waiting to explode. The Cards won't go down easy, but the Brewers will take them down in 7 due to the home field advantage.
Over on the AL side, the Rangers are back for revenge and want to finish what they didn't last year. Unfortunately, I dont think they will get the chance. The bullpens may be key to many games but everything starts with the starting pitching. Verlander, Fister, Scherzer and Porcello will prove too much for Wilson, Holland, Harrison and Lewis. This series will also go the full seven, but the Tigers will prevail in Texas in Game 7.
Mark it down - your 2011 World Series will feature the Central division champions from both leagues, the Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers.
As for your last question - the bigger postseason bust between ARod or Howard is a true toss-up. In 68 career postseason games, ARod is hitting .277 with 13 HR, 41 RBI and an .884 OPS. As for Ryan Howard, he's played 46 postseason games and carries a .259 average with 8 HR, 33 RBI and an .845 OPS. All across the board, even though ARod has played 22 more games than Howard, his numbers are slightly better when considering averages and everything. On the other hand, ARod is supposed to be one of the top players in the history of the game while Howard is only considered one of the best power hitters of the current era. Outside of Home Runs and RBI, Howard doesn't provide much else. Lastly, I'd like to take into account ARod being the 1st draft pick in 1993 and Howard not getting drafted until the 5th round in 2001. So expectations for ARod are rightfully higher - and if that's the case - ARod has to be considered the bigger postseason bust.
South Side Hit Man back again.....
ReplyDeleteSo here we are, left with only a couple of weeks and the final four teams of the 2011 baseball season. With the Cardinals taking down the enormously favored Phillies last night, the Cards were the only blemish on my Division Series predictions. But 1 wrong prediction won't stop me from returning with my LCS predictions. Call me a gypsy if you'd like.....without further ado....
I like your analysis, and you make some valid points, but overall, I couldn't disagree with you more. The Brewers had the best home record in baseball this year and are 3-0 in the postseason at Miller Park. Like you, I myself am rooting for the the Brew Crew, but unlike you, I think they'll get it done. With Chris Carpenter not available until Game 3, I don't see why the Brewers can't take the first two at home putting the Cards in an early hole. But like you, I agree that the Cards have been there before so they have the experience and they still have Albert Pujols who is waiting to explode. The Cards won't go down easy, but the Brewers will take them down in 7 due to the home field advantage.
Over on the AL side, the Rangers are back for revenge and want to finish what they didn't last year. Unfortunately, I dont think they will get the chance. The bullpens may be key to many games but everything starts with the starting pitching. Verlander, Fister, Scherzer and Porcello will prove too much for Wilson, Holland, Harrison and Lewis. This series will also go the full seven, but the Tigers will prevail in Texas in Game 7.
Mark it down - your 2011 World Series will feature the Central division champions from both leagues, the Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers.
As for your last question - the bigger postseason bust between ARod or Howard is a true toss-up. In 68 career postseason games, ARod is hitting .277 with 13 HR, 41 RBI and an .884 OPS. As for Ryan Howard, he's played 46 postseason games and carries a .259 average with 8 HR, 33 RBI and an .845 OPS. All across the board, even though ARod has played 22 more games than Howard, his numbers are slightly better when considering averages and everything. On the other hand, ARod is supposed to be one of the top players in the history of the game while Howard is only considered one of the best power hitters of the current era. Outside of Home Runs and RBI, Howard doesn't provide much else. Lastly, I'd like to take into account ARod being the 1st draft pick in 1993 and Howard not getting drafted until the 5th round in 2001. So expectations for ARod are rightfully higher - and if that's the case - ARod has to be considered the bigger postseason bust.
Until next time.....
The South Side Hit Man