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.

Robinson Cano's Postseason

How good has Robinson Cano been for the Yankees this postseason?  Last night he hit his 4th HR in the ALCS and raised his line to .387/.406/.871 with a .522 wOBA over 32 plate appearances.

Robinson Cano's ALCS In Play SLG%

The handedness of the opposing pitcher has made little difference for Cano as he's hit two HRs off LHP (both against C.J. Wilson in two different games) and two off RHP (Tommy Hunter, Game Two and Colby Lewis, Game Five).  In the regular season, 13 of his 28 homers came against lefties.

Two of Cano's postseason HRs and his one triple came on sliders.  This should come as no surprise as Cano has slugged .706 against sliders in 2010, first in the AL among LHB with a minimum of 50 PA featuring sliders.  His .420 wOBA against the pitch is second in the AL behind Justin Morneau.

Robinson Cano vs. Sliders in 2010

As the Yankees look to mount a comeback in the ALCS, they will need Cano to continue his outstanding hitting.  Of course, they better hope his back doesn't give out from carrying the team for 5 games.

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.