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Aveosmth · June 3rd, 2005, 09:13 PM

Ok, this bout has gone to the judges!!!

The topic was: Who is going to win this year's World Series???

Btown Jay picked the Florida Marlins, and here's his article:

Just Cleaned My Crystal Ball

Ladies and gentleman, your winners of the 2005 MLB World Series are…. The Florida Marlins! As one of the most underrated teams in the league, Florida keeps flying under the radar. The 2003 World Champions never seem to receive the credit they deserve. Maybe it has to do with their inability to win a division title, something they have failed to do over their 12 years in the league. They have already proven they do not need a $200 million pay roll to win. As a matter of fact, this same core group has proven they can win the World Series. This year, the Marlins will finally get that credit when they knock off the perennial east champs, the Atlanta Braves on their way to their 2nd title in three years.

The off season loss of pitchers Brad Penny, Carl Pavano, and closer Armando Benitez seemed as if it would be too much for the Marlins to overcome. However, their pitching staff has the best ERA in the MLB. There is no better 1, 2, 3 punch at the top of any rotation than the Marlins monsters. Beckett, Willis, and Burnett have combined for an 18-9 record with an ERA of 2.40. Currently Al Leiter (4th starter) is struggling, but can be replaced in the rotation if necessary by Ismael Valdez. Valdez has been on the DL all season but it scheduled to return in June. Ismael, 14-9 last season, could help round out their rotation for the stretch run. Also, Brian Moehler is 2-2 with an ERA of 1.97 in seven starts. The Marlins will have three solid options to consider for their 4th and 5th starters.

The Marlins bullpen has very effective at times this season despite missing two of their best relievers. Those two major components of the pen will be back and soon and having major impact once again. Closer Guillermo Mota and reliever Antonio Alfonseca returning will help solidify the Marlins a top the NL. Reliever Todd Jones has been very impressive with eight saves and an ERA of 1.48 in Motas’ absence. With Jones and Alfonseca to hold down the 7th and 8th innings and setting up Mota to close it in the 9th, the Marlins will no longer be wasting any great starts by their starters.

Having the best ERA in baseball, by its self, can keep a team in playoff contention all year (well, unless you have an offense like poor Clemens in Houston). However, the pitching may not even be the best part of the Marlins team. They have put together one of the best line-ups top to bottom in the league. They have speed at the top, power in the middle, and “hit for average” guys at the end. With Pierre (averages 55 SB/year), and Castillo (.409 OB %) leading off there is always runners on for their power hitters. Miguel Cabrera (.356 BA, 10 HR, 34 RBI) and Carlos Delgado (.315, 10, 35) have been big run producers for the Marlins. With Encarnacion (.270, 7, 34), Lowell, Lo Duca, and Gonzalez rounding out their line-up they become a team that can put up runs in bunches. And you can’t forget Jeff Conine and Easley coming off the bench makes them solid top to bottom.

Looking back on this article, I asked myself “Why did I bother to include individual stats?” “Why did I bother to go over the line-up, or the rotation, or the players coming back from injury?” “Why did I explain that their bullpen is going to have four pitchers with ERA’s under 3.50?” In all reality I really only needed one paragraph to explain why they are going to win the World Series. Actually I don’t know if I even needed to form a complete paragraph. All I really needed to write was that the Marlins are FIRST in the MLB in team ERA. The Marlins are FIFTH in the MLB in team Batting Average. The Marlins are THIRD in the MLB in team fielding. If you ask me, there isn’t much else you can do but be among the best in hitting, pitching and fielding.

Mark C. picked the Chicago White Sox and here's his article:

The playoffs are ALL about pitching, and when it comes to pitching, the Chicago White Sox dominate. The White Sox will in it all because of their solid starting pitching, they have six pitchers who could easily be number 1s or 2s on other teams. They have a solid bullpen fronted by Dustin Hermanson, who in 22 innings hasn’t allowed a run. Their defense is much improved, because of their speed; they cover ground and don’t beat themselves.

Their hitting, while suspect at times has been clutch. Scott Podsednik and Tadhito Iguchi at number one and two in the order get on base, and their speed makes things happen. Finally, even if all the pieces aren’t there, GM Ken Williams knows that he has a deep farm system and has the will and ability to go and get another player for the stretch run.

The rebuttal round and the final scores will be coming soon!!! Who won this round? What do you think?? Remember, the writers are being judged on clarity and accuracy in this section.

June 3rd, 2005, 09:13 PM	#3
Aveosmth Loyalist Join Date: 01-28-2005 Posts: 241 Tournaments Joined: 0 Tournament Wins: 0	Article Round!!!!!! Ok, this bout has gone to the judges!!! The topic was: Who is going to win this year's World Series??? Btown Jay picked the Florida Marlins, and here's his article: Just Cleaned My Crystal Ball Ladies and gentleman, your winners of the 2005 MLB World Series are…. The Florida Marlins! As one of the most underrated teams in the league, Florida keeps flying under the radar. The 2003 World Champions never seem to receive the credit they deserve. Maybe it has to do with their inability to win a division title, something they have failed to do over their 12 years in the league. They have already proven they do not need a $200 million pay roll to win. As a matter of fact, this same core group has proven they can win the World Series. This year, the Marlins will finally get that credit when they knock off the perennial east champs, the Atlanta Braves on their way to their 2nd title in three years. The off season loss of pitchers Brad Penny, Carl Pavano, and closer Armando Benitez seemed as if it would be too much for the Marlins to overcome. However, their pitching staff has the best ERA in the MLB. There is no better 1, 2, 3 punch at the top of any rotation than the Marlins monsters. Beckett, Willis, and Burnett have combined for an 18-9 record with an ERA of 2.40. Currently Al Leiter (4th starter) is struggling, but can be replaced in the rotation if necessary by Ismael Valdez. Valdez has been on the DL all season but it scheduled to return in June. Ismael, 14-9 last season, could help round out their rotation for the stretch run. Also, Brian Moehler is 2-2 with an ERA of 1.97 in seven starts. The Marlins will have three solid options to consider for their 4th and 5th starters. The Marlins bullpen has very effective at times this season despite missing two of their best relievers. Those two major components of the pen will be back and soon and having major impact once again. Closer Guillermo Mota and reliever Antonio Alfonseca returning will help solidify the Marlins a top the NL. Reliever Todd Jones has been very impressive with eight saves and an ERA of 1.48 in Motas’ absence. With Jones and Alfonseca to hold down the 7th and 8th innings and setting up Mota to close it in the 9th, the Marlins will no longer be wasting any great starts by their starters. Having the best ERA in baseball, by its self, can keep a team in playoff contention all year (well, unless you have an offense like poor Clemens in Houston). However, the pitching may not even be the best part of the Marlins team. They have put together one of the best line-ups top to bottom in the league. They have speed at the top, power in the middle, and “hit for average” guys at the end. With Pierre (averages 55 SB/year), and Castillo (.409 OB %) leading off there is always runners on for their power hitters. Miguel Cabrera (.356 BA, 10 HR, 34 RBI) and Carlos Delgado (.315, 10, 35) have been big run producers for the Marlins. With Encarnacion (.270, 7, 34), Lowell, Lo Duca, and Gonzalez rounding out their line-up they become a team that can put up runs in bunches. And you can’t forget Jeff Conine and Easley coming off the bench makes them solid top to bottom. Looking back on this article, I asked myself “Why did I bother to include individual stats?” “Why did I bother to go over the line-up, or the rotation, or the players coming back from injury?” “Why did I explain that their bullpen is going to have four pitchers with ERA’s under 3.50?” In all reality I really only needed one paragraph to explain why they are going to win the World Series. Actually I don’t know if I even needed to form a complete paragraph. All I really needed to write was that the Marlins are FIRST in the MLB in team ERA. The Marlins are FIFTH in the MLB in team Batting Average. The Marlins are THIRD in the MLB in team fielding. If you ask me, there isn’t much else you can do but be among the best in hitting, pitching and fielding. Mark C. picked the Chicago White Sox and here's his article: The playoffs are ALL about pitching, and when it comes to pitching, the Chicago White Sox dominate. The White Sox will in it all because of their solid starting pitching, they have six pitchers who could easily be number 1s or 2s on other teams. They have a solid bullpen fronted by Dustin Hermanson, who in 22 innings hasn’t allowed a run. Their defense is much improved, because of their speed; they cover ground and don’t beat themselves. Their hitting, while suspect at times has been clutch. Scott Podsednik and Tadhito Iguchi at number one and two in the order get on base, and their speed makes things happen. Finally, even if all the pieces aren’t there, GM Ken Williams knows that he has a deep farm system and has the will and ability to go and get another player for the stretch run. The rebuttal round and the final scores will be coming soon!!! Who won this round? What do you think?? Remember, the writers are being judged on clarity and accuracy in this section.