this was truly a magical season and i cannot believe that the giants have swept the detroit tigers when everyone in the nation assumed Detroit would have annihilated the giants when they finally met in the world series.
The Giants who's backs were up against the wall in the NLDS and the NLCS needing to win 6 straight elimination games otherwise their season would be over and a nailbiting 7-game series while the Detroit Tigers swept the Yankee's and were on a 7 day layoff until the World Series began.
Here's what nobody knew, not even the so-called "experts" knew, the Yankee's sweep wasn't all that impressive. The Yankee's were struggling, they lost their best and most motivational player in Game 1 to a freak ankle injury, and their slugger realized he can't really slug without steroids. The better indicator that the Detroit Tigers would have their hands filled was against the tough series with the A's. The Tigers almost lost that series and that series showed that their defense and their bullpen was susceptible and throughout the World Series, that was definitely exploited. I was saying the whole series that if we can take the starters out by the 5th inning and keep the game tied or within 1 or 2 runs that the Giants have a GREAT chance to score a few more runs when the Tigers bullpen was up, and lo-and-behold Game 2 and Game 4 played out exactly that.
The Giants scored in the 7th inning in Game 2, and then 10th inning in Game 4. Now i'm not baseball expert, not by any means but i know what all the national media knew... the Tigers starting pitchers are really really good.... but here's another not-so-well-known secret. The Giants starting pitchers are better. Maybe it wasn't evident because they struggled towards the end of the regular season and the opening games of the NLDS and NLCS, but when they are on, they are absolutely untouchable. the Bullpen is stronger led by Tim Lincecum, and the unhittable Sergio Romo and his backdoor slider.
Alright, i don't need to reiterate what many of us already know by reading the news articles so i'll just reflect on this amazing series and I can finally say what I thought throughout.
After the NLCS when the Giants beat the defending World Series champions in Game 7, I made the decision to send my parents to the World Series. I know it was their dream to go and I know even more that they would never EVER pay for tickets themselves if they knew how much tickets actually were. So I scoured stubhub and waited for ticket prices to stabilize. Immediately after the NLCS Game 7, tickets were at an all-time high, so I waited until the next day. Less than 24 hours into Game 1, the ticket prices dropped to a reasonable price where my parents could have a seat and not have to stand in Standing Room Only and I pulled the trigger quickly. Surprised my parents, who was excited and nervous because I was sending them to Game 1 where it would be Justin Verlander (The Best Pitcher on the Planet) versus Giants whipping boy Barry Zito. Here's what was going through my mind when I decided to take them to this game of all games.
- Barry Zito is not a bad pitcher. He is cerebral and crafty.
- Game 1 of the World Series is ceremonial where the first pitch to start off the series is a memorable moment.
- If the giants were to lose (blasphemy right?) losing in Game 1 is not the end of the world versus maybe losing Game 1 and then a MUST win in Game 2 leading to a nail biting situation
- IF the giants were to beat Justin Verlander it would set the tone for the entire series because Verlander was the ace on the Tigers pitching staff and it would be an AMAZING win that would be unforgettable
- I secretly like Barry Zito.... his redemption story is as good as any of the redemption stories for the other pitchers on this staff
And the gamble paid off. All of the above got me to pull the trigger on the tickets and my parents had what they claimed an "unforgettable" and "priceless" experience.
And so, the Giants have swept the World Series. The unquestionable and undeniable BETTER team between the two. The Giants sure got breaks here and there during the series but how come nobody said anything when Miguel Cabrera ad Delmon Young used the windy conditions and smacked routine fly balls into right field for home runs??? how is THAT not luck either?
In any case this series is over. The giants are getting ready for the Ticket Tape parade. I enjoyed 2012 SO MUCH BETTER than 2010 because of the postseason ride. because of the domination by our team. because of all the redemption stories around the team. and their reactions when they won it all is truly amazing.
The Giants are World Series champs.
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