The Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers are scheduled for a three-game series this weekend as Game 1 of their matchup begins Friday night at 7:10 p.m. ET from Comerica Park. Even before the 2013 season began, both teams had a very optimistic outlook for the new year. Could this be the 2013 World Series matchup as the Braves and Tigers are favorites, not only in their division, but in their respective leagues as well?
The Tigers were super optimistic about their 2013 season because they had made it to the World Series, though getting swept by the San Francisco Giants in four games, they were keeping the same talent. If anything, their team improved following the addition of Torii Hunter and the return of catcher, first baseman and designated hitter Victor Martinez.
This completed their lineup as they had major holes in 2012. Delmon Young would DH and they had platoons in right field, but now, this is no longer the case as they have replaced last year's failures with great bats. Hunter is thriving in the Tigers' lineup hitting second in front of Miguel Cabrera, the 2012 MVP and triple crown winner.
The Tigers also have the best pitcher in baseball, Justin Verlander, though his velocity has dropped this year. Anibal Sanchez, who takes the mound today against Atlanta, has pitched remarkable and Doug Fister and Max Scherzer are expected to come around as the season progresses.
As for the Braves, well not many expected them to begin the season 11-1. However, they are 5-5 in their last 10 games and showing that they do have holes, that is, whenever Justin Upton and Evan Gattis don't hit homers. These two sluggers have combined for 16 home runs in the young 2013 campaign. The Braves lead the majors in homers, which is not their M.O., but they also lead the majors in pitching.
So far, Paul Maholm and Mike Minor (ironically both lefties), have had the most success in the Braves starting rotation. Combined, they are 6-2 having allowed just eight runs in 51.1 innings pitched this season. Closer Craig Kimbrel already has eight saves in the season, though he blew his last one as Tim Hudson had his 200th career win in the books against the Colorado Rockies.
Who would win the World Series if these two met up? Granted the Braves have such a deep bench, they would have to be the favorite. They have a deep bullpen and the bats, however, the Tigers have the defense having committed only six errors and they have the best hitter in baseball.
First pitch tonight is a little after 7:10 p.m. ET.
