As the 2012 World Series kicks off tonight, if course there has been a lot of discussion about the two participants. Coming into this season, the Tigers would be considered the favorite. But, the Giants had more regular season wins (91-88) and they also have homefield advantage because of the National League's victory in this year's All Star Game. Of course, the NL got their early runs off AL starter Justin Verlander, led by 3B Pablo Sandoval and the currently suspended Melky Cabrera. Matt Cain was the starter for the NL. But still, many think the better team on paper is Detroit, who clearly have the better star power.
Another advantage that may be mistaken is behind the bench. Jim Leyland brings his several postseason appearances and leadership against Bruce Bochy. On the surface, it would seem you compare the managerial numbers and it should be a mismatch in Leyland's favor. Right? Not necessarily.
Leyland won his first three division titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1990-1993, as it has now been 20 years since they last had a winning season. Though he won a World Series Title in his first season with the Florida Marlins, it was as a Wild Card entry. When he led the Tigers to an AL Pennant in 2006, that was also after winning the Wild Card, not the AL Central. He has though, led the Tigers to two straight AL Central titles.
Bochy won his first NL West title with the San Diego Padres in 1996. In 1998, the Padres won the NL West and won the Pennant, losing to the Yankees in the World Series. Bochy led the Padres to NL West titles in his last two seasons there in 2005 and 2006. Of course, the Giants won the NL West in 2010, on their way to the World Series. Bochy led the Giants to the NL West this year as well.
The tale of the tape says Leyland has 5 division titles (3 NL East and 2 AL Central) and 2 Wild Card appearances to go with his 2 Pennants (1 AL and 1 NL) and 1 World Series. Bochy has a total of 6 NL West titles (4 with San Diego and 2 with San Francisco) to go with his 2 NL Pennants and 1 World Series victory. Much closer than some thought. Leyland has managed a total of 21 years, going 1676-1659. Bochy has managed 18 seasons, going 1454-1464.
Another advantage that may be mistaken is behind the bench. Jim Leyland brings his several postseason appearances and leadership against Bruce Bochy. On the surface, it would seem you compare the managerial numbers and it should be a mismatch in Leyland's favor. Right? Not necessarily.
Leyland won his first three division titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1990-1993, as it has now been 20 years since they last had a winning season. Though he won a World Series Title in his first season with the Florida Marlins, it was as a Wild Card entry. When he led the Tigers to an AL Pennant in 2006, that was also after winning the Wild Card, not the AL Central. He has though, led the Tigers to two straight AL Central titles.
Bochy won his first NL West title with the San Diego Padres in 1996. In 1998, the Padres won the NL West and won the Pennant, losing to the Yankees in the World Series. Bochy led the Padres to NL West titles in his last two seasons there in 2005 and 2006. Of course, the Giants won the NL West in 2010, on their way to the World Series. Bochy led the Giants to the NL West this year as well.
The tale of the tape says Leyland has 5 division titles (3 NL East and 2 AL Central) and 2 Wild Card appearances to go with his 2 Pennants (1 AL and 1 NL) and 1 World Series. Bochy has a total of 6 NL West titles (4 with San Diego and 2 with San Francisco) to go with his 2 NL Pennants and 1 World Series victory. Much closer than some thought. Leyland has managed a total of 21 years, going 1676-1659. Bochy has managed 18 seasons, going 1454-1464.
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