Detroit has the edge as it has rolled through the playoffs after losing ALDS Game 1 to the Yankees. But did it lose momentum in the week long layoff? The only team to win after a week off is the 1996 Yankees and we lost the first two before beating the Braves in the last four to return to glory.
As for tonight which is a rematch of the 1968 World Series, the most compelling matchup is that between close friends who talk everyday, Jim Leyland and Tony La Russa. It's also an interesting contrast in styles as Leyland often let's the players play while La Russa often micro manages.
Because of the fact that the Cardinals best pitchers, Carpenter and Suppan, had to pitch NLCS Games 6 and 7 against the Mets. They won't be available until Games 3 and 4. I still don't think Jeff Weaver can win a World Series game but he is pitching against fellow NY Choke Artist Kenny Rogers in Game 2 so someone has to win, don't they? Boston Bob points out that La Russa's long time right hand man, Dave Duncan, has worked miracles as a pitching coach before and Weaver is his latest student. If Weaver and the Cardinals win, Duncan is on the fast track to my new Mother Teresa Miracle Pitching Coach Award.
Prediction: Tigers win in five.
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Fearless Football Picks:
Pro:
Bills unfortunately lose against the Patriots who are starting to kick it in gear. The Patriots aren't as great as the past few years but the AFC East is so weak that they'll be a high playoff seed, either #1 if the Colts slip or #2 if they don't, which could get them back to the Super Bowl.
The Jets beat the Lions who beat the Bills last week as I had feared.
The Giants beat the Cowboys in what should be a great Monday night game. Many people criticize Tiki Barber for talking retirement but I think he is also trying to instill a sense of urgency in his teammates to get to the Super Bowl this year. Barber has a future in broadcasting, philanthropy, and other interests so he may want to literally walk away at the top of his game and I can't fault him for that.
College:
#13 Georgia Tech at #12 Clemson. It doesn’t get closer than this in the rankings but I give the edge to Clemson because they are at home.
Posted by The Tank in NY.