Everybody knows about a few major jinxes, such as being on the cover of Sports Illustrated or Madden (the video game).
In this week’s issue of SI, they predict the Mets to win the World Series, over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Does this bode well for the Mets? Let’s look at SI’s track record.
In SI’s 2008 preview, they predicted the Tigers to win the World Series, triumphing over the Cubs. How did the Tigers fare last season? They finished with an extremely disappointing record of 74-88, after totaling winning percentages easily over .500 in 2006 and 2007.
In SI’s 2007 preview, they forecasted the Angels to defeat the Cardinals. While the Angels did post a solid record of 94-68, resulting in the AL West crown, the Halos were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual champion Boston Red Sox.
SI’s 2006 preview predicted that the White Sox would go all the way. While the White Sox did win 90 games, they finished third in the AL Central and did not compete in post season play.
The 2005 preview prophesied the Yankees winning a 27th World Series title. Although they won 95 games, they lost to the Angels in the ALDS.
In 2004, SI predicted that the Cubs would go all the way, ending a 96 year drought. Well, we know that didn’t happen. The Cubs held a lead in the Wild Card deep into September, only to lose six of their last eight games, getting passed by the Astros.
In 2003, SI’s crystal ball portended that the Oakland A’s would go all the way. Well, they won 96 games. In the ALDS, they won the first two games over the Red Sox, only to choke and lose the final three games.
Ok, that’s enough recapping and rehashing, but you should get the picture. In the last six seasons, none of the SI predicted champs have gone past the ALDS, with three of those six teams failing to reach the playoffs.
So, um, here’s to breaking the curse!?
Pete Lappin (3)
