Tom Singer does a nice breakdown onf the position players and the pitching...
Heres how i see it...
Catcher -- Mets
Lo Duca has Russel Martin beat. Sure Paul's never seen the postseason but either has Martin. Lo Duca is the grizzled vet with the dream in sight...he'll fight harder than anyone out there...
First Base -- Mets
Nomar was the comeback story of the first half, and has only come on recently. Delgado hasnt seen the posteason yet, but his big bat has been hot. Carlos wins this one.
Second -- Dodgers
Stupid Jeff Kent. Hes been at 2nd base longer. They have similar stats, with Kent having a better average, Valentin is clutch...he's already a cult hero in NY...but i have to give this one to LA
Third -- Mets
Wilson Betimit is no match for David Wright. Wright is so hungry for a ring...i dont think Betimit's speed can match up to the power of Wright.
SS -- Draw
Furcal and Reyes seem pretty similar to me...Furcal is a bit more stable, but Reyes is a wildcard...you never know what Jose will do
Left Field -- Dodgers
Ethier may beat Floyd (who will probably start 1&2) Chavez is another wildcard...he can pop one off you, made great plays in the field and so on...Ethier does not beat Chavez...but overall...Dodgers have the advantage...
Center Field -- Mets
Carlos Beltran is hurting a bit (he says he's at 80%) but thats still better than 100% of Kenny Lofton. Sure theyre different hitters...but overall Beltrans a much better hitter...and could be the new Mr. October (remember '04?)
Right -- Draw
JD Drew vs. Shawn Green...theyre very similar players, hitters, fielders...I might have to give it to Drew just because his hat stays on more...
Bullpen -- Mets
This was easy...without Gagne theyre not scary at all...
and we have one if, if not the best pen in the mlb.
Easy one for the Mets.
Bench -- Dodgers
Lugo, Kemp, Hall and ex-met-bench-phenom Marlon Anderson beat out "Ice Cold" Woodward, "Old Man" Franco, "Journeyman" Tucker, "Speedy" Chavez and maybe "The Rook" Milledge.
Pitching -- Draw
You never know with pitching...
El Duque is always good, and Glav has started more postseason games than almost anyone. The Dodgers have a more set rotation but will be missing Penny.
Manager -- Mets
Willie has learned. He knows when to pull pitchers now...he is def. a different manager from the start of this year.
Intangibles? -- Mets
There is so much going on in NY. the guys on this team are mostly friends, been through alot, and are HUNGRY!
LA just barely squeaked in...they dont look as hungry.
The Final Tally
Mets -- 7
Dodgers -- 3
Draw -- 3
