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Long rest is in favor of Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are home in Detroit, following the NLCS series between the Cards and Mets on television. Sweeping the NLCS against the A`s has earned them a ticket to the World Series, as well as a full week`s extra rest. It is a good chance to ponder on the turnaround they have almost completed, coming from 119 defeats only three years ago to the World Series favorite.

They can also think of the following encouraging statistic: 12 of the last 13 World Series have been won by the better-rested team. The drenching series being played in New York and St. Louis is also being stretched longer due to rainouts. The National League winner may end up with as little as a single day of rest. "It isn`t fair," said Billy Wagner of the Mets. "There`s nothing anyone can do about it."

The Tigers are likely favorites regardless of the rest they get, over either team. Veteran manager Jim Leyland has led a team of devoted and talented players assembled over the past several years to the ultimate stage. A dynamic starting rotation and a dynamite bullpen have built up expectations from the Tigers going into next week.