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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