Keys to Beating The Tigers

Well, here we are with the post NLCS clinching celebration and it is time to move to really getting ready for the 2012 world series. In previous posts, I have focused on introducing you to the Tigers. Now, I am going to break down the keys for this Giants team to beat them. It should be a tough series but we are really used to that by now. So, here is what I believe would be the keys to winning another world series trophy.

1) Get the Pitch Count up on Their Starters
The difference in talent between their starters and relievers is very substantial and I don't expect the Giants to particularly matchup very well against the Detroit rotation. However, if you can get deep into counts frequently you can get them out of the game and do some serious damage off of their relievers.

2) Continue Pitching Deep into the Games
The Giants are still playing because our starters came to life after game one of the NLCS. In the last 6 games, they shut down a good Cardinal lineup 5 outta 6 times. Now, facing a better rotation on the other side that is even more crucial. The Tigers lineup is similar, in strength, to the Cardinals. Obviously, the middle of the Tigers lineup is more star studded but they aren't quite as deep as the Cardinals.

3) Put Pressure on Valverde and the Rest of Their Pen
It sounds like the Tigers are going to put Valverde back into the closer role after his repeated implosions in both rounds of the AL playoffs. He, and the rest of their pen, will give you opportunities to beat them and the Giants have got to capitalize. If the Giants can steal a game late, obviously, that would really help. The opportunities should be there, it is just about capitalizing.

4) Beat Verlander Once
This is the toughest one and maybe the biggest key for the Giants. Verlander is a weapon that we will probably see twice. If the Tigers win both those games, the Giants then have to win 4 out of the other 5. That is not an enviable situation to be in. Verlander is pitching as well now as he ever has.  If the Giants can find a way to beat him, that would send a huge message to Detroit about what we are all about.

5) Ride the Momentum into Game 1
The Giants have won three games since the Tigers last played a game and that, along with starting at home, can be a big advantage for the Giants. I have never been a fan of time off in the postseason, for this very reason. The Tigers are essentially being penalized because the Yankees were non-competitive. If the Giants take advantage of that, they can beat Verlander right away and the rest of the series looks much easier.


That is what I hope to see, let's go Giants.