As November nears, it can only mean one thing: it’s time for the World Series to begin! For Tigers fans, it has been a long 5 days of waiting (and for some since Prince was announced as a Tiger and everyone got excited of what could happen this season). Although the road wasn’t always easy, we’re here and hopefully ready to rumble.

It’s an intriguing match-up of 2 teams that were both the #3 seed in their division, but took very different routes to get to the biggest stage in baseball. The Giants have a feeling of momentum on their side after staving off elimination 2 series in a row. But, have they run out of gas similar to what happened to Oakland after their run to take the division from the Rangers? Game 1 should answer there, but it’s definitely possible. On the other hand, the Tigers have done their best to stay hot during the 5 day layoff, including scrimmaging with minor league players. After what happened in 2006, fans can only hope that this was enough to keep them going with the rhythm they found in the ALCS. Again, tonight will likely show if the plan worked.

When I listened to the Tigers presser yesterday, I couldn’t believe how vanilla the questions were. I yelled at the radio some begging for some thought-provoking questions instead of easy things like “What did you think of the job Coke did in the ALCS” and “What does it feel like to be in the World Series.” Seriously? I could answer those for the team. How do you get media credentials to ask that crap? There are a couple questions I would have loved to ask if I had the chance….(to Verlander) “You’re used to going 7 or 8 innings, but since that may not be the case since you’re in a NL park, how will that change the way you attack the plate?” I would have also asked Leyland how the days off went and what he saw from those who had struggled last series.

Now that the table has been set, here are some key things to think about and watch for once the first pitch is thrown tonight:
– The pitching rotation definitely favors the Tigers. Getting their ace is Game 1 is huge. It also sets things up nicely for them where they have an edge, other than in Game 4. The Giants also don’t have any lefty sluggers, which is good news based on match-ups.
– San Francisco hasn’t seen this kind of power all season. How will they answer? They will also need their bats to test Detroit’s fielding and bullpen to get wins. Delmon Young playing left field is also a liability, buy necessary for road games in order to have his bat in the order.
– AT&T park gave up the fewest homeruns in MLB this season. It will be imperative for the Tigers to get base hits instead of just trying to play longball if they want to win. If they can do that, it should be a sign of good things to come since they honestly have too much sheer talent to lose.

Now, time for my prediction. The Tigers best chance to win the series is if they can wrap it up at home in game 5. If it goes back to SF, it will get a little dicey. I truly believe that this is Detroit’s series to lose. They have the better rotation and hitters, and just have to hope they all stayed hot to be a wrecking crew like they were against the Yankees. In this occasion, my heart and head agree. I’m picking the Tigers to win in 5 and bring Mike Illitch his elusive World Series Championship.