2008 World Series Predictions
May 22, 2008
Dave Price’s 2008 World Series predictions showcase which teams he feels will meet in baseball’s championship and which team will eventually be crowned World Series champion.
Because it is so tough to repeat as World Series champs (we’ve seen the trouble the White Sox and Cardinals have had when trying to accomplish the feat), I don’t think the Red Sox can get it done this season. The target on a World Series champion’s back is huge. Boston still likely wins the AL East, but I like the Detroit Tigers to emerge out of the AL. With the addition of Dontrelle Willis to the starting rotation and Miguel Cabrera to the batting order, the Tigers now have the most complete team in the AL. Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, and Kenny Rogers combine with Willis to form a staff with virtually no weak links. Cabrera joins a lineup with Curtis Granderson, Gary Sheffield, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Edgar Renteria, and Pudge Rodriguez.
The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs are both poised to make postseason runs, but I’ll avoid taking either and go with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Diamondbacks have one of the best starting rotations in the NL and the Cubs have are a solid all-around team, but the Phillies are better. No team in either league has three players like Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Chase Utley. Howard won the NL MVP award in 2006 and Rollins won it last year. All three players finished in the top eight in NL MVP voting last season. While these guys are brilliant, it is the evolution of the pitching staff which has me sold. Cole Hamels emerged as a star last season and Brett Myers is another ace-quality slinger. The pen was sensational down the stretch in 2007 when the Phillies caught the Mets and the pen will be a major strength again in 2008. Add the confidence factor that getting a 14-year playoff drought off your back instills, and the Phillies will be primed and ready to win the NLCS.
I have to side with the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Offense will carry the Phillies through the NL, just as it did the Rockies in 2007, but up against the Tigers’ mighty bats, the Phillies’ starting rotation won’t have quite enough to get the job done. Detroit has the deeper starting rotation which gives it an advantage in a lengthy series.
Bet the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series at 9/1 odds at Bodoglife.com.
Dave Price’s 2008 MLB predictions will help you beat the MLB odds right out of the gate. While other handicappers spend a month or so to get a good read on teams, Dave Price does his research before the season starts so that he can beat the books on Opening Day.
If you’re looking for in depth articles on your favorite MLB team to see where it stacks up in its respective division this season, check out Dave’s individual team predictions articles.
Related News
- World Series Predictions
- 2008 World Series Odds
- 2007 MLB Predictions
- 2007 World Series Predictions
- 2007 NBA Finals Predictions
- Mets Predictions 2007
- 2007 Cardinals Predictions
- 2007 Dodgers Predictions
- MLB Predictions
- 2008 MLB Predictions
Latest Headlines
- Free NFL Pick for October 12, 2008
- Free College Football Pick for October 11, 2008
- Louisville/Memphis Friday Night Lights G.O.T.Y. tests 6-0 perfection!
- Clemson Wake Forest ACC Atlantic Division G.O.T.Y. for October 9, 2008
- Sun Belt Conference Total of the Year for October 7, 2008
- Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints Football Pick for October 6, 2008
- Free College Football Pick for October 4, 2008
- Cincinnati at Marshall ESPN Game of the Week for October 3, 2008
- White Sox v. Rays Free MLB Pick for October 2, 2008
- Two MLB Playoff Winners in Wednesday’s 3-Pack for October 1, 2008