The Score: Numerous baseball fans and sports broadcasters alike are suggesting that the 2006 Detroit Tigers are this year's version of the '05 Chicago White Sox.
Sfvftc's Shot: The '05 Chicago White Sox were superior to the '06 Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers, similar to the '05 White Sox, feature a dominant starting pitching rotation. Detroit's starting rotation combined E.R.A. is a sterling 3.85 and they have compiled an outstanding record of 54-29. The top starter, Justin Verlander, is 14-6 and opposing teams batting average versus him is a terrific .254.
In addition, Tigers manager Jim Leyland's coaching style is akin to '05 White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. Leyland is feisty and he demands first-rate effort from his players every night.
Nevertheless, the '05 White Sox were better than this year's Tigers. If you conceed that the '05 Sox and '06 Tigers are equal in pitching and managing, you have to compare Chicago's position players to Detroit's position players. Listed below is a comparison:
'05 Chicago White Sox Starters v. '06 Detroit Tigers Starters
Catcher-A.J. Pierzynski v. Ivan Rodriguez Edge-Tigers
1B-Paul Kornerko v. Sean Casey Edge-White Sox
2B -Tadahito Iguchi v. Placido Polanc Edge-White Sox
SS-Juan Uribe v. Carlos Guillen Edge-Tigers
3B-Joe Crede v. Brandon Inge Edge-White Sox
LF-Scott Podsednik v. Marcus Thames Edge-White Sox
CF-Aaron Rowland v. Craig Ganderson Edge-White Sox
RF-Jermaine Dye v. Magglio Ordonez Edge-Tie
Closer-DustinHermanson/Bobby Jenks v. Todd Jone Edge-White Sox
Key Play (s):
1. While there are similarities between the '05 White Sox and the '06 Tigers, it is a myth that the '06 Tigers are as good as last year's White Sox.
2. '05 Chicago Pitching & Managing = '06 Detroit Pitching & Managing
3. '05 Chicago Position Players Superior to '06 Detroit Position Players
