Words by Jason Cordner
The 2017 World Series is set to begin tonight and it features two teams, both with over a 100 wins for the first time in 47 years.
The Dodgers are seeking their first World Series championship in 29 years. The Astros are seeking their first in the franchise’s 56-season history. Clayton Kershaw is making his first appearance on baseball’s biggest stage. Justin Verlander is making his third, but looking for his first ring. The Astros two aces are facing the Dodgers’ deep lineup. The Dodgers power throwing bullpen will face off against the Astros powerful lineup.
The Los Angeles Dodgers
The offense for the 104-win Dodgers is powerful. After outscoring foes by 190 runs in the regular season, Los Angeles upped its average from 4.75 runs per game in the first 162 to 6.0 in the playoffs. And the Dodgers have a lights-out bullpen with Brandon Morrow and closer Kenley Jansen at the back end.
The Dodgers’ lineup has been top heavy in the postseason, but the top has been really, really heavy, so it’s been just fine. Chris Taylor, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger and Yasiel Puig have been nearly impossible to pitch to. Fill-in shortstop Charlie Culberson was a revelation in Corey Seager‘s injury absence, but Seager’s back is better and he will be back for the World Series.
The Houston Astros
Houston is sharp after ousting the Yankees in Game 7 on Saturday. And the 101-win club has the best offense in baseball. Houston led the majors in runs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, were second in homers and struck out less than any team in baseball. The Yankees kept them quiet in the first five games of the ALCS but they roared back to life in Games 6 and 7. The attack will be keyed, as always, by possible AL MVP Jose Altuve, leadoff power source George Springer and shortstop Carlos Correa. As Houston showed all season, however, almost everyone in this lineup is dangerous.
Predictions
Defense wins championships and great starting pitching keeps the batters at bay. Look for the Dodgers to ride the wave of Clayton Kershaw and the rabbit LA fan base, starving for a Dodger championship since 1988. Going with the Dodgers in 6.
