World Series Picks

We've been asking around for World Series Picks... Here are some of the highlights:

Jonathan Scippa (http://www.rlyw.net)

World Series Champion: Texas Rangers
Games: 5
World Series MVP: Cliff Lee

Overview:
The Texas Rangers offense will be too much for the San Francisco Giants as Nolan Ryan's team looks to earn it's first World Series title in franchise history.  As good as the pitching has been for the Giants, especially the bullpen, Josh Hamilton and co. will be even better.  But the surprising effectiveness of the Rangers' starters behind Cliff Lee will be the story of the Series.  Proving they can shut down arguably the most potent offense in the league in the New York Yankees, the Rangers' starters will quiet the Giants' bats, winning the World Series in 5 games.

David Pinto (http://www.baseballmusings.com) 

World Series Champion: San Francisco Giants
Games: 6
World Series MVP: Tim Lincecum

Overview:
I will revise if the Rangers decide to use Cliff Lee three times

Bill Baer (http://www.crashburnalley.com)

World Series Champion: Texas Rangers
Games: 5
World Series MVP: Cliff Lee 

Overview:

While the Giants were busy taking advantage of a dormant Phillies offense, the Rangers' offense was clicking on all cylinders, averaging more than six runs per game in the ALCS against the Yankees. The Giants' starting rotation certainly has a tough task ahead of them with the likes of Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Young. Meanwhile, the Rangers also have a formidable starting rotation led by Cliff Lee, who has a 34-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in the 2010 post-season. Although the playoffs are a crap shoot, I don't see the Giants putting up a fight against the Rangers, who may have flown under the radar as the most well-rounded team in the playoffs.

Paul Boye (http://www.philliesnation.com)

World Series Champion: San Francisco Giants

Games: 7

World Series MVP: Tim Lincecum

Overview:

I like the Giants in seven games, but not because of anything tangible. Sure, their pitching staff is excellent, and their offense is (on paper) still a bit underwhelming, but after watching how they played in that excellent six-game series against the Phillies, I can't help but buy into the Giant bandwagon. The whole concept of "just enough" applies with these Giants, because, for whatever reason, this offense of scrap-heap plucks and a pitching staff of one superstar and a bunch of roleplayers has made it this far, and I can't help but think it's for a reason.

One Tough Out: Buster Posey

Buster Posey continues to have an impressive postseason. The image below is an overlay of the pitch sequence in his at bat vs. LHP Antonio Bastadro in the 7th inning of last night's game (NLCS Game 4). Despite Bastardo only giving Posey one pitch in the zone he still fails to keep him off the bases.

Pitch Sequence with 2010 In Play SLG% Heat Map: Buster Posey vs LHP Antonio Bastardo (NLCS Game 4 - 10/20/2010). Bot 7, 1 out, Bases Empty.

The Pitch Sequence:
Buster Posey doubles (2) on a line drive to right fielder Jayson Werth. Vs LHP Antonio Bastardo (Philadelphia Phillies - Home - 10/20/2010)

Bot 7, 1 out, Bases Empty, 2-2 Fastball, 94 mph

• 1: 0-0 - Strike Looking on a 93 MPH Fastball - Over the Plate
• 2: 0-1 - Ball on a 85 MPH Changeup - Inside
• 3: 1-1 - Ball on a 93 MPH Fastball - Inside
• 4: 2-1 - Strike Swinging on a 83 MPH Slider - Over the Plate
• 5: 2-2 - Foul on a 94 MPH Fastball - Over the Plate
• 6: 2-2 - Double on a 94 MPH Fastball - Outside

Here is video of all Buster's hits in Game 4 of the NLCS.

Too Much Plate

CC Sabathia ran into trouble this post season due to his inability to hit the outside edge of the plate against right-handed batters.  During the regular season, CC worked middle-out against RHB.

CC Sabathia vs. RHB, 2010 regular season.In the post season, his most frequent pitches are down the middle of the plate. 

CC Sabathia vs. RHB, first two starts of 2010 post season. Since righties have less of the plate to cover, they're hitting CC hard.  In the Wednesday afternoon game, watch to see if Sabathia can hit the outside corner as a clue that he's back on track.