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MLB - Let the Best Man Win

By David Hettrick
Sunday, October 20th, 2002
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Okay, so chances are your favorite team is out of the baseball picture. Heck, mine was never even in the picture to begin with. So, having no real passion for either team playing, I am left wondering who to root for this year's World Series. Upon further investigation, I found several good reasons to cheer for both teams. Here is what I have come up with to help others like me decide who they want to win the Fall Classic.

Giants: Barry Bonds

Sure, you might despise the guy. Sure, he seems selfish and arrogant at times. And sure, he doesn't play well with others. Having said that, Barry Bonds is arguably the best player in the history of the game. His numbers the last two seasons are beyond description and beyond unbelievable. He has always been terrible in the postseason and this is his first World Series appearance. Even though I've never been a big fan, I do find myself hoping to see him crush one of his monstrous homers.

Angels: Tradition

The Angels have none; well, at least as far as World Series tradition goes. For a team that has been around for over 40 years, it's amazing that this is their first World Series appearance. They are a franchise that has had more late-season collapses and postseason disappointments than the Buffalo Bills of the '90s. For the Halos to finally win a World Series in a year where every expert picked them to finish last would be a great turnaround. Besides, it's always fun to root for the underdog.

Giants: Shawon Dunston

Shawon Dunston is the anti-Bonds in almost every way. He is a terrific team player who has given everything he has to the game. Unlike Bonds, he is not blessed with ridiculous talent, but also unlike Bonds, he goes 110% all the time. Dunston, a longtime Chicago Cub, has been on perennial losing teams his whole career and this is finally his chance at a much-deserved championship. Finally, after prevailing through a rough season in which many fans wanted Dunston released to make room for speedster Tom Goodwin, Dunston came through with a clutch hit in the clinching game against the Cardinals.

Angels: Back to the Basics

As mentioned in a previous column of mine, the Angels play baseball the way it's meant to be played. They don't sit around waiting for the three-run homerun. Instead, they play hit and run, put pressure on the opposing pitcher, and play incredible defense. Mike Scioscia has changed the entire organization's outlook and it's paying off huge. Besides that, it's a blast to watch.

Giants: Tradition

Although the have won a World Series before, it was in 1954. For a team that has come so close so many times, it would be great to see Dusty Baker and company win what they finally deserve. They were swept in the '89 Earthquake Series with Oakland and haven't returned since, although they have been to the playoffs twice since then.

Angels: Garret Anderson

Sure, Francisco Rodriguez might be getting all the publicity and Tim Salmon has carried the Angels for years, but it's Garret Anderson that has been this team's MVP. Anderson has always been a five-tool player, but until this season, he seemed content to only try and fix everything with a hammer and the occasional screw driver. Now, his potential is finally being fulfilled and Anaheim is reaping the benefits. Often criticized in his past for lack of hustle, Anderson has been anything but lackadaisical in this magical season. Cheering for him comes easily.

Okay, so there it is. Three reasons to cheer for each team. If you're like me and still can't decide, at least you now you have six good reasons to watch.

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