The 2017 World Series is special.
It features two teams that each won 100+ games, for the fist time since 1970, when the Baltimore Orioles beat the Cincinnati Reds.
As for predictions, I was wrong about the Indians, but right about the Dodgers winning the pennant.
The Dodgers have home field advantage and pitching edge with starters Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Yu Darvish, Alex Wood.
Clayton Kershaw. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The Dodgers bullpen features the best closer in baseball with Kenley Jansen.
Plus, All-Star shortstop Corey Seager is expected to be back in the lineup.
Add in superstar 3rd baseman Justin Turner and Rookie of the Year candidate Cody Bellinger at 1st, along with Chris Taylor, Yasiel Puig and Andre Ethier in the outfield and you’ve got a powerful lineup that knows how to win.
But the Astros are good too.
Start with Justin Verlander, who is 9-0 since joining the Astros. He has been lights out as a starter since tweaking his delivery. Expect him to start Game 2 on Wednesday.
Houston’s Game 1 starter is likely to be Dallas Keuchel, who dominated most teams this season, except for the Yankees in Game 5.
The Astros also have Charlie Morton, who pitched brilliantly in Game 7 along with Lance McCullers, who saved the game.
However, their bullpen is weak, as we saw in the American League Championship Series.
The Astros strength is their terrific infield, with Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa sparking the offense and defense. Altuve is the likely MVP in the AL. His performance this postseason showcases his greatness. The little man delivers big hits in the clutch.
The Astros have never won a World Series and I don’t believe this is their year.
The Dodgers are just too deep and too talented. But then I said the same thing about the Indians.
Nevertheless, I’m picking the Dodgers to beat the Astros in 6.
