2017 World Series Preview

WORLD SERIES POSITIONAL PREVIEW

It’s almost time for the Fall Classic, bringing us the best baseball of the year. Last year’s matchup between the Indians and Cubs was the most entertaining baseball series in my lifetime, so the 2017 World Series has some big shoes to fill. Fortunately, the Astros and Dodgers are bringing two star-studded rosters who will both be trying to end lengthy championship droughts for their fanbases. The Astros have only one World Series appearance (in 2005) and they were on the wrong end of an embarrassing 4-0 sweep. The Dodgers, despite consistently being one of the highest payroll teams in baseball, have not won a World Series since 1988.

So here we go – another year, another series with a ton of emotion on the line. There’s nothing better in sports than seeing two starving fanbases go at it on the biggest stage. Let’s take a look at who’s got the edge, position by position, for this year’s Fall Classic.

CATCHER: Austin Barnes vs. Brian McCann

The Dodgers opted to go with their young righty late in the season and Barnes paid off. He has been a consistent hitter in both the regular season and the playoffs, showing great plate discipline and even launched a solo shot in Game 3. However, the Astros are getting the edge here because of McCann’s age and experience. Although he started slow, McCann torched the Yankees at the end of the ALCS series, hitting two doubles and racking up 3 RBI’s in key moments. Expect his veteran leadership to come out in the clubhouse and at the plate. Edge – Astros

1st Base: Cody Bellinger vs. Yulieski Gurriel

Bellinger is a lock for NL Rookie of the Year and has already become a superstar for a big-market team. He is a total threat at the plate, showing discipline and power all throughout the season. This should be a slam dunk advantage for the Dodgers, but Gurriel has quietly batted .366 so far this postseason. The edge still goes to the Dodgers, but not by as much as people might think. Edge – Dodgers

2nd Base: Logan Forsythe vs. Jose Altuve

People cannot totally ignore Forsythe, who has hit a respectable .319 in the postseason so far, but let’s be honest – nobody can compete with Altuve. If the Astros win you might be looking at the World Series MVP. He was nearly impossible to get out, batting .400 with a .500 on-base percentage. He is fun, lively, clutch, and talented as hell. Edge – Astros

Shortstop: Corey Seager vs. Carlos Correa

These are the two best young shortstops in the game, so it is fitting that they are going up against each other with a title on the line. Seager has struggled this season, partly due to injury, which kept him out of the entire NLCS. Carlos Correa, on the other hand, has been one of the Astros best and most consistent players throughout the entire year. He hit .295 with 22 homers during the Astros’ regular season, and turned it up a notch to hit .333 in the ALCS versus the Yankees. The ceiling for both these players is similar, but right now Correa will bring more to the table. Edge – Astros

3rd Base: Justin Turner vs. Alex Bregman

Alex Bregman’s postseason highlights might be his dominance of Chris Sale in the ALDS and some of his impressive defensive playmaking ability. He’s a great piece in the dangerous Astros lineup, but Justin Turner has opposing pitchers shaking in their boots. He is an emotional leader, and a deadly weapon for the Dodgers. He has hit .387 with 3 homers so far this postseason – and some of his best hitting comes with two strikes on him. He is the Dodgers counterpart to Jose Altuve; should Los Angeles win, he could very well be the World Series MVP. Edge – Dodgers

Outfield: Enrique Hernandez-Chris Taylor-Yasiel Puig vs. Marwin Gonzalez-George Springer-Josh Reddick

These outfields are full of personality, talent, and could be a decisive factor in who ends up on top this series. Reddick and Gonzalez have had their moments for the Astros (notably in the ALDS), but both were sluggish at the plate in the ALCS. George Springer is a huge threat both with his bat and his legs, but the production was also lacking a little in the ALCS. All three guys will need to contribute more in the World Series if they are to match production with Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor, who are consistent bats in the Dodgers lineup. Then you have Yasiel Puig, who has been proving his haters wrong. Puig has crushed opposing pitching in the playoffs, hitting .414 in the playoffs – he is the kind of guy that can spark an entire team. He pushes the Dodgers over the top in this battle. Edge – Dodgers

Starting Pitching: Clayton Kershaw, Yu Darvish, Rich Hill, Alex Wood vs. Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Charlie Morton.

An ace like Clayton Kershaw can shut down even the best lineups. He has overcome his postseason woes last year and will be the X factor this year. The Dodgers have great complementary starters for Games 2-4 as well. The Astros will counter them with a 1-2 punch of Verlander and Keuchel, who both have the ability to make some electric starts. The key to the starting pitching matchups will be how well these guys can pitch under pressure – this is uncharted territory for almost all of these players. The depth of the Dodgers starters behind Kershaw, however, gives them a very slight edge. Edge – Dodgers

Closer: Kenley Jansen vs. Ken Giles

There is not too much to be said here, as Kenley Jansen is the best closer in baseball. The Astros’ bullpen is probably their weak link, but that can be overcome by good managing. Still, Dodgers have a clear advantage here. Edge – Dodgers

There certainly are a lot of “Edge – Dodgers” in this article. Most people will probably pick the Dodgers, but I am not most people. I predicted the Astros rise since last December (LINK BELOW), and I am going to roll with them in this series. Astros in 6 baby.

https://tailgatesportsentertainment.com/astros-are-the-cubs-of-the-american-league/  

Written by Matt Loehle