Pre-World Series Thoughts (#1)

THE ROTATION

I'll be really surprised if Leyland sticks with the same rotation used in the ALDS & ALCS.  I see this week off as a huge advantage and don't expect rust to be a factor on the mound or at the plate. 

This is how I would set up the rotation:

Kenny Rogers
Jeremy Bonderman
Nate Robertson
Justin Verlander

Kenny Rogers is obviously the hot hand right now and puts the Tigers in terrific position for a Game 1 win; he's also the best hitter in the rotation (though I don't think that is very important).

Jeremy Bonderman is an excellent counter to Rogers and has been more dependable than Verlander, who has been just a little shaky.  Pitching in the #2 slot, Bonderman would not do any pitching on the road; he's the worst hitter of the Tigers starting pitchers.

Nate Robertson is the logical next step as the rotation should be alternated between righties and lefties.

Justin Verlander would see just one World Series start in the #4 slot, and that's fine with me, if for no reason than because he'll go over the 200 inning mark (currently at 196.2 including his post-season innings) for the first time in his career in his World Series start.  He pitched just 130 innings last season.