With the Division Series set in stone and a few games played already, let's get into who I think has the chance to make the World Series. I see it as an easy choice in the National League. The American League, on the other hand, could have some upsets if it gets to that point by either the end of this week or next week.
What I view in the National League is very simple. I see it coming down to either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Arizona Diamondbacks winning a pennant. The Dodgers have good pitching. There is some power at the plate. Having a strong closer and a decent reliving unit helps. They shouldn't be too cold following that huge losing skid at the end of August into early September. The key for the Diamondbacks is their starting pitching, which improved a lot compared to last year. They aren't exactly a team that has big home run hitters everywhere, but they could net a few hits here and there. How far this team goes depends on the starters. That bullpen could potentially struggle.
As far as the other two NL teams go, I don't feel confident in the Chicago Cubs. I think it'll be too much if they have to face the Dodgers or D-Backs pending if they can beat the Washington Nationals. There is some power, but the starting pitching will be the reason they either advance or finish out of the playoffs. Their bullpen is a decent group that could help out if things go south fast. Regarding the Nationals, they got guys that can hit for contact and power. They also have a speedy runner in Trea Turner. In a way with their pitching, it's the opposite of the Cubs. The starters will help the team out with a good trio of pitchers that can get through innings quickly. For the bullpen, they could be the factor of advancing or being eliminated. Washington needs a number of things to happen if they want to get to the Championship Series or World Series.
In the American League, it's not an easy thing to predict. Each of the four have a chance. Beginning with the Cleveland Indians, they have probably one of the best trios in the game for starting pitching. They are playing it smart with Corey Kluber if things go to a Game 5. I see them as the team going to the World Series. They got good power and speed at the plate and on the bases. Not to mention their bullpen is one of the better ones in the league. If this next team plays their cards right, the Houston Astros could be the next favorite. The batters are a big mix of contact, speed, and power. They can win in various ways. However, a big issue lies in the pitching. Their starters aren't exactly a must watch, and the bullpen has a few blemishes, although they aren't that bad. Getting Justin Verlander added much needed insurance to their September run. They will need sweeps to avoid relying on some of the other starters.
It'll be tough for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox to even get a win or two. Even advancing could be something that they envy. The Yankees have power at the plate. There is some speed, and a few of their batters can hit for average. Their bullpen is one of the best, and the starters can hold their own. The question lies in whether these pitchers can bring their talent to the next level in order to win. Don't rule them out these next years, though. This is a young team that will catapult them into the new generation of baseball. Don't rule out the Red Sox, either. There are good contact hitters combined with a little power and speed. Craig Kimbrel is lights out as a closer in a questionable bullpen, and when healthy, the starters could be one of the most dangerous in the league. Similar to the Yankees, this is a young team, and both these teams could make these next few years some of the most exciting baseball that hasn't been seen in a good while.
No comments:
Post a Comment