Who will win the World Series?

[GlassJaw]

I'll grant you that Bud Selig's notion of parity has done the NL no favors. Nevertheless, you can't really call Todd and the Toddlers mediocre. If you look at objective metrics, they're downright awesome.

They have the best fielding percentage of any team. Ever. They turn double plays like clerics turn undead (had to think of an analogy that wouldn't upset grandma).

They've got explosive batters throughout the lineup.

They play as well in 100 degree weather as in 35 degree.

They don't actually consume oxygen.

Oh, and they're unstoppable right now.

Without using any sissy designated hitters, either.

And the Red Sox or Indians will still tear them apart in the WS.

Also, there is no parity in MLB. No salary cap = no parity.

 

[drothgery]

Also, there is no parity in MLB. No salary cap = no parity.

Well, there's sort-of parity, except for a handful of teams on the extremes. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets spend tons of money and are always playoff contenders at worst. The Devil Rays, Royals, and a few other teams spend no money and always are cover-your-eyes awful. But there's the rest of the league, where everyones spending ~$70-$100 million with varying degrees of competence, and there's some level of parity there. Plus the two mega-spending teams (Boston and the Yankees) are in the same division, and two of the other three teams in the AL East (the Blue Jays and Orioles) are hardly cheapskates.

 

[GlassJaw]

Well, there's sort-of parity, except for a handful of teams on the extremes. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets spend tons of money and are always playoff contenders at worst. The Devil Rays, Royals, and a few other teams spend no money and always are cover-your-eyes awful. But there's the rest of the league, where everyones spending ~$70-$100 million with varying degrees of competence, and there's some level of parity there. Plus the two mega-spending teams (Boston and the Yankees) are in the same division, and two of the other three teams in the AL East (the Blue Jays and Orioles) are hardly cheapskates.

That's not parity though. That's just the unwillingness or the inability to spend more money. Parity in sports is only achieved when each team has to operate under the same salary and recruiting guidelines. The only league with true parity right now is the NFL (with the NBA coming in 2nd).

In the NFL especially, and the NBA to a lesser extent, a much large emphasis is placed on the draft, scouting players, having a good coach, and being fiscally responsible as an organization. If you have money in the MLB, you can essentially make up for any failings your organization may have.

In today's NFL, there's almost too much parity; it's almost impossible to maintain a good team year-in, year-out, which makes what teams like the Patriots, Colts, etc so much more impressive.

 

[GlassJaw]

Go Sox. Don't call it a comeback.

 

[Demmero]

"'Nother game, 'nother game, 'nother game, 'nother game!"

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

With all the Biotech companies in the Boston area, you would think at least one of them would have been able to develop a way to clone Josh Beckett for the Sox. Well, as long as we keep the bats hitting, and can stay out of the dang double plays I think we could still pull this off.

 

[GlassJaw]

With all the Biotech companies in the Boston area, you would think at least one of them would have been able to develop a way to clone Josh Beckett for the Sox. Well, as long as we keep the bats hitting, and can stay out of the dang double plays I think we could still pull this off.

Ellsbury better start Game 6.

 

[GlassJaw]

Game 7 tonight! Go Sawwwxx!!!

 

[AnonymousOne]

Game 7 tonight! Go Sawwwxx!!!

GO INDIANS!

No really, I don't care, just trying to be contrary.

 

[MojoGM]

The SOX did it again!

I'm dragging a bit today (as I suspect everyone in my office will be) but it was worth it.

Sox over the Rockies in six.