World Series 2002: Giants in Six

Barry Bonds is the best offensive player ever to play the game. I've been a fan for nearly 50 years and spent about 1/3 of that time as a professional sports writer. I've seen a lot of the greats and I've seen film and talked to folks who saw the other greats. Nobody is greater from the offensive perspective.

He's going to be a factor in this World Series if he doesn't get a single hit, let alone a home run. And here's how that's going to come about.

When he comes to bat, he will often either force Angels Manager Mike Scoscia to make a player move or he'll create critical situations as his walk moves other players into scoring position and motivates guys like Santiago hitting behind him. As a result of either of these outcomes, Scoscia will be forced to go to his bench earlier than he might like at least three or four times during the Series.

Now the Angels' bench is good, but not great. I don't think they're better, e.g., than the Cardinals, who had to go to their bench often during the NLCS. The lack of real depth there will force Scoscia to stay with players he doesn't necessarily want to stay with for one or two outs. And that may be all the edge the Giants need.

Starting pitching is about even. The defenses are closely matched but I think the Giants get a slight edge because there isn't a weakness on the infield anywhere. Offensively, the Angels were #6 in the AL; the Giants were third in the NL. Across the board, the Giants seem to me to have a slight edge on stats.

Neither team's starting rotation is glamourous. They're all workhorse types. Jason Schmidt, if he continues his postseason form, could be a legitimate ace. None of the other starters for either club qualifies.

Both teams have margially efficient setup men and great closers.

So here's how I see the Series.

Games will be characterized by lots of early offense from one or both sides. The middle innings are going to be messy and relatively high scoring. Taking a lead into the 8th will, more often than not, predict victory. Games will be close. Some games will be 12-10 affairs. Others will be 3-2 affairs. More of the former.

I think the Giants win this thing in six. My wife says five. We both said the same thing about the NLCS. She was right. I was wrong. I hope the same outcome obtains here.

I may blog some of the games but I picked up a nasty cold Friday and I may not be up to it. I'll certainly be watching and commenting after the fact, though.

Go, Giants!

Last update: 11/13/02; 2:12:43 PM.