Pat Caputo: Why I Think The Detroit Tigers Will Beat The New York Yankees In Five Games
When I hear the statement "Bring on the Yankees" in regard to the Tigers, I can't help but thinking, "Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it."
The Yankees are very good. They won 97 games. They were playing for nothing in that final series against the Rays.
C.C. Sabathia is an excellent pitcher. Mariano Rivera is the top closer of all time - and still productive. They have excellent depth in the bullpen, and an outstanding and deep lineup. The new Yankee Stadium suits the team - and they have home field advantage. It could mean everything.
Also, of the Tigers final 50 games, only four were played against clubs that finished .500 or better.
Having noted all that, I think this is going to be a long series. I believe the Tigers match the Yankees in every area other than bullpen depth. I won't be surprised if the Tigers win the series. In fact, I'm picking them to win it - in five games.
Part of it is Justin Verlander. This is his time. Can't imagine him not succeeding on such a bright stage. Also, the Tigers have developed this sort of magical quality. They have so many MVP types (Verlander, Jose Valverde, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Alex Avila, Jhonny Peralta, Doug Fister, Delmon Young), and had an extraordinary number of thrilling, improbable victories the last couple months of the regular season.
