MLB World Series Pick

After the toils of Spring Training, the grueling 162 game season, the fantastic League Division Series where every series went the distance, a surprising ALCS result, and a classic 7-game NLCS, we've finally reached the plateau. 30 teams had their chance at winning the World Series when the season started (okay, maybe the Houston Astros didn't) and now we are down to just two teams. Both squads have had their fair share of ups and downs, but both have gotten molten hot at the right time. 

vs.

Detroit Tigers vs. San Francisco Giants

Game 1 | 8:07 PM ET | Wednesday Oct. 24 | FOX | ESPN Radio

Game 2 | 8:07 PM ET | Thursday Oct. 25 | FOX | ESPN Radio

Game 3 | 8:07 PM ET | Saturday Oct. 27 | FOX | ESPN Radio

Game 4 | 8:15 PM ET | Sunday Oct. 28 | FOX | ESPN Radio

Game 5 (If Necessary) | 8:07 PM ET | Monday Oct. 29 | FOX | ESPN Radio

Game 6 (If Necessary) | 8:07 PM ET | Wednesday Oct. 31 | FOX | ESPN Radio

Game 7 (If Necessary) | 8:07 PM ET | Thursday Nov. 1 | FOX | ESPN Radio

What a potential series this could be. You have two of the best pitchers in the entire league (Verlander, Cain) that could possibly be starting Game 7 if that does occur, and at least Game 4. You have two probable MVP candidates (Posey, Cabrera) and should they both win it, it would be the first time since 1988 that the AL and NL MVP's met up in the World Series. Kirk Gibson and Jose Canseco were the two, if you aren't up on your baseball knowledge. There's the catalyst in Marco Scutaro, there's Prince Fielder, who despite his lucrative contract, has been a bit of an underscore behind the likes of Verlander and Miguel Cabrera. These may not be the best baseball markets in the country, but these are two excellent teams, nearly from top to bottom. Hard to ask for a better World Series, if you ask me.

When you look at how you can beat the Tigers, I think that the Giants need to be very patient when they face Justin Verlander tonight, and in the later starts. He admitted that he was gassed in his last outing, and although he has had plenty of time to rest, that does not discount the fact that he could have rust. Patience at the plate is definitely something the Giants need to do. I also believe that when it comes to the other starters, the same applies, and they need to get to them early to establish control. The Tigers bullpen has been very shaky, there's no doubting that the offense that the team from the Motor City boasts can get hot at any time and attack you from start-to-finish. The Giants pitchers need to control the likes of Cabrera, Fielder, and ALCS MVP Delmon Young. I also want to see a lot more of Buster Posey, but I can understand why he didn't make much of an impact last series. The Cardinals pitched away from him a lot and got him to chase, which is something that he needs to work on. If he, Sandoval, and Scutaro can continue to do what they do at the top of the lineup, the Giants can claim their second World Series in three seasons.

With your strengths come your weaknesses, though, and the Giants do have some. Madison Bumgarner, even with how much talent that he probably has, has looked shaky in the postseason. It came as a surprise to me, as well as one of my friends who is a Giants fan, that he is going to be starting Game 2. The Tigers can definitely be thankful that Matt Cain isn't starting until at least Game 3 or 4, but that's not to say the Giants don't trust Barry Zito or Ryan Vogelsong who both put together excellent starts in the NLCS. The Tiger offense will need to get it going from all their big guns. I think Delmon Young is definitely an x-factor for this Detroit ball club. He can definitely ride the momentum of his stupid good ALCS MVP performance and create a formidable 3-4-5 with Cabrera and Fielder that will be an extremely tough out. Also, you know, it's extremely helpful that Detroit will be putting the best pitcher in Major League Baseball out on the mound for Game 1, probably Game 4, and the possible Game 7.

When it comes down to it, the Giants are irresistible and all attempts to put them down in their grave have been futile. The Tigers though have been white hot since the calendar turned from August to September, and after thwarting off the resilient A's, they beat down the titanous New York Yankees. What we'll have to see is how they react to being off the field for so long. If there's a lot of rust, it might take them until the series heads back to Detroit for the offense to get going. I totally trust Verlander in Game 1 and I see them stealing Game 1 on the road, but the Giants will most likely take Game 2. From there, I think the Giants will take Game 3, but Game 4 will belong to the Tigers. Knotted up at two, I think the Tigers push the Giants to the brink again and go down 3-2 heading back to the city by the bay. Out on McCovey Cove, I think the pesky Giants take Game 6 with their backs against the wall, but give me the Tigers in a classic Game 7 with an über-performance from Justin Verlander and Detroit will be celebrating like it's 1984. 

Pick: Detroit Tigers in 7 Games