Having gone 2-0 in the wild card games (including picking the ‘Stros over my team…which was a no-brainer given what a mediocre team the Yankees were if you looked below the surface), I should just be happy and call it a day…but, no, I have to embarrass myself so:
Houston versus Royals: The ‘Stros are a fun, young team and I would not be surprised if sometimes in the next few years that group wins it all (yes, saying that is foolish given injuries, free agency and a whole lot of other weird shit that can happen). This isn’t the year. Royals in this one.
Texas versus Toronto: Pitching is usually the deciding factor…but, uh, Toronto had a plus 221 run differential which was 99 runs more than the team with the best record in the majors (St. Louis); of the 15 teams with a similar run dif in any league EVER, 12 went on to win the World Series. And the Jays have home field where they were 53-28 during the regular season. I just don’t think Texas’ pitching can shut down this machine over a 5-game series. So, the Jays bludgeon Texas and win this.
Cards versus Cubs: sure, St. Louis had best record in the league but I think the team piled a lot of that up in the first half and looks pretty vulnerable. If Arrieta pitches two games (since he pitched the wild card game and could be ready on short rest for a Game 5), Cubs only need to get one from Lester (who has had an up-and-down year but had a very strong September), or maybe Dan Haren (who has pitched better of late) …I love Joe Maddon (especially compared to the mediocre, pedestrian, now-on-vacation Yankees manager). So, I’m picking the Cubbies.
Mets versus Dodgers: I don’t have the antipathy to the Mets that some Yankees fans seem to have. I like the team and that young starting pitching–Harvey, DeGrom, Syndergaard–will be kicking butts for a long time. But, the problem for the Mets can be summed up in two words: Kershaw and Greinke. But for Jake Arrieta’s mind-blowing second half, those two guys would be unquestionably 1-2 in Cy Young voting (and you could debate forever which one should win). I would not be surprised if the Mets win the series but in a 5-game series where I assume K and G pitch a combined 3 games, I’m thinking LA has the edge. Dodgers in this one.
I could be smart and wait to see how this plays out but…
NLCS: Cubbies in a great series–but only if they can defeat Kershaw and Greinke just once in, say, a 2-1 game.
ALCS: The Royals are a great defensive team. But, the pitching, particularly the bullpen, isn’t as awesome as it was in 2014, IMHO. Jays in 6 or 7 games.
World Series: My head says Toronto. And I should go with my head. But…maybe. My heart is with the Cubs. Going with the heart here. Cubbies break the drought and win the crown.
