World Series Preview

World Series Preview

Well we have finally made it baseball fans. The day we have all been waiting for; we have gone through regular and postseason. 14 teams have been eliminated from both the AL, and 14 from the NL. That leaves us with just 2 teams left in the fall classic. The Astros and Dodgers will go at it in Game 1 of the World Series tonight in Los Angeles at 8:09 EST.

This 7 game series is high anticipated as both teams had different paths to the promise land. The NL representatives Los Angeles Dodgers have been nothing but dominate this postseason; only losing 1 game this postseason. Also a dominant regular season posting a 104-58 record, best in the MLB. After constant speculation over the past few years on how the Dodgers couldn’t get it done; with such great teams. However the bats and pitching have come alive this postseason for manager Dave Roberts Dodgers. Yes we finally get to see Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers play in the World Series. First time back to the World Series for the Dodgers since 1988; when they beat the Athletics in 5 games. They have had 11 trips to the postseason; and 5 to the NLCS since then. Dodgers fans are sick of waiting; and so is this Dodgers team.  

The Astros should not be taken lightly by this Dodgers team though. They also had very good regular season. Putting up a 101-61 record while winning the AL West. Their postseason ride has had some scares. After it taking them 4 games to beat the AL East champs Red Sox; Boston’s rival gave the Astros a lot to handle. The New York Yankees took the Astros to 7 games in the ALCS. The Astros did survive the young Yankees in Houston in Game 6 and 7; to punch their ticket to the World Series. This is the Astros first trip to the World Series since 2005; where they lost to the Chicago White Sox. However this is their first as an American League team. They switched from the NL to AL back in 2013, so the MLB can make more interleague play by putting 15 teams in each league. The Astros have responded well since change leagues. Being the first team to represent the NL and the AL at least once in the World Series. This time however the Astros expect nothing less but a World Series crown.

Now how do these teams lineup against each other? Who has the advantages in each of the 3 big categories this postseason. Batting, Starting Pitching, and Bullpen are the big 3 this Postseason. See how the Dodgers and Astros lineup against each other in the Battle of the West.    

Stories

First before going into the World Series the Dodgers has it’s own stories surrounding them; that we should look at. The NL Champs LA Dodgers have made some roster moves that has left people wondering. After not getting a hit in the NLCS in 7 plate appearances the Dodgers remove outfielder Curtis Granderson from the World Series roster. They replace him with pitcher Brandon Mccarthy. Which raises some questions since Mccarthy hasn’t pitched this Postseason. He had a 3.98 ERA this regular season and hasn’t pitched since. He isn’t anything that great; but you can see that the Dodgers think pitching, and bullpen help will be big this World Series. Why else would you take veteran like Granderson off his 3rd World Series roster?

Adrian Gonzalez clubhouse leader for the Dodgers also won’t play because this World Series. Gonzalez has been a part of this Dodgers team since 2012 when he was traded from Boston. That was the Dodgers first blockbuster trade at a run for the World Series. If you didn’t understand how long they have been at this whole getting to a World Series thing. He was shutdown on September 28, 2017 due to back tightness; and he won’t play this World Series. He is in 3rd amongst active players that have played the most regular season games without playing in a World Series game. He is behind Brandon Phillips and Ichiro Suzuki. The Dodgers will miss his leadership this World Series; and it might play a role in the end.

Batting

Dodgers: Now the baseball side of things for the Dodgers. The Dodgers have been hitting the cover off the ball this Postseason. They are 3rd in Batting Average as a team with .273 average. The only teams that are ahead of them are the Rockies, who played 1 game; and the Red Sox, who played 4. They have kept the good work going their throughout the Postseason. Every game this World Series will be played at night; and that’s good news for the Dodgers. They are 2nd in BA at night, with a .283. They play on the west coast so most of their games are night with that 10:10 EST start. With average you can go and check their On base percentage (OBP) this Postseason as well. They are 1st in that with almost 100 point higher average than their BA with a .378 OBP. This just isn't in Dodgers stadium; they are 1st in OBP in the Postseason on the road.  They have runners hitting and getting on base everywhere home or away. They are just playing moneyball you might think to yourself. No these Dodgers can get the runners home either way. They are 2nd in RBI's with 45; and they got the long ball working being 2nd there with 13 home runs in October. The Dodgers got a lot working for them in their lineup; however Dave Roberts sets the order seems to always work.

Astros: This Houston Astros team has a big task if they want to match the Dodgers lineup this Fall Classic. If the Astros want a chance at giving their starters and bullpens some insurance, they have to get on base better this World Series. They are lacking behind the Dodgers in BA and OBP. They are 5th in OBP with a .324 average; while also being 6th in BA only being able to hit .247 this Postseason. These are both categories the Dodgers lead in; and the Astros lack. The Astros though can get runners in when they are on base being 3rd in RBIs with 41 behind the Dodgers 45. They are close enough in this category where it could either way but the Astros must produce. They can not rely on the long ball which they are also 3rd in with 12 trailing the Dodgers who are 2nd with 13. They trail in almost every category when it comes to batting to the Dodgers this Postseason. Nonetheless like the Dodgers hit well on the road. It won’t be easy in Houston as they are 1st in home runs; and 2nd in RBI's at Minute Maid Park in Texas. The Astros have to wake up the bats if they want a shot in this series.

Advantage: Dodgers a whole lot of firepower.  

Starting Pitching

Dodgers: The Dodgers starters led by Clayton Kershaw have not been lacking the ability to pitch in the big moment. The Dodgers starters have put together a 2.28 ERA; while only allowing the opposing teams to bat .169 against them. Both ERA and BAA they lead the Postseason in. It’s not when the Dodgers get you but where. If you face the Dodgers starters on the road you have a chance against them. If you play them in LA it's all over for you. Opposing teams are hitting .175 against the Dodgers starters in LA. No one can produce offense; and the Dodgers can produce a whole lot. Most of the time looking at the innings pitched, and seeing they are 4th with 71 you might worry a bit. Maybe thinking these starters don’t go as long. Not the case these starters go long, but they only have played 1 game away from the bare minimum to make it to the World Series. That’s how numbers can be confusing. The Dodgers get the job done; and whoever Dave Roberts puts out there, he can feel confident in.

Astros: The Astros this Postseason might not be able to live up to these Dodgers. The Astros starters are 5th in ERA with a 3.79 in October. After seeing how Keuchel and Morton pitched against the rebuilding Yankees in Game 4 and 5 of the ALCS. You have all the right in the world as an Astros fan to be nervous. Batters of the opposing team can get to these starters. The Astros are 6th in BAA this Postseason with the opposing team batting .236 against their starters. The Astros starters are however 2nd in innings pitched with 95 this Postseason; and 3rd on the road. The one big advantage that this Astros team does have when it comes to their starters, is they give up the 2nd least amount of walks. Which is great news, if they can keep the Dodgers off the base paths; not giving them a free pass this makes the task that much easier. They Astros do have Justin Verlander. Who this Postseason has been lights out; but he can only pitch 2 games, 3 if it's a must. The Astros starters have their hands full with this lineup; and must match or keep pace with the Dodgers starters to have a chance.  

Advantage: Dodgers more firepower.

Bullpen

Dodgers: Bullpen? The Astros must have a shot in that. They just faced the best bullpen this Postseason in the Yankees; who could be better? The Dodgers; that’s who could be better than the Yankees at bullpen this Postseason. The Dodgers lead every important bullpen stat that was ever made this Postseason. If you thought getting to the bullpen was a good strategy against the Dodgers. You were very wrong. I really don’t think I’m getting to how good the Dodgers pen is. They are 1st in ERA, BAA, and allowed walks. They don’t even allow a run per game; with a 0.94 ERA. The opposing team can’t even hit anyone's weight on the team; against this bullpen with a .125 BAA. Oh and that walks stat; yeah they’ve allowed 2 walks this Postseason. I don’t think much more has to be said about how dominant this bullpen has been; on this show of force by the Dodgers.    

Astros: Now the more than shaky Astros bullpen. The Yankees were a good warmup for this Astros bullpen. The Astros couldn’t out pitch the Yankees bullpen; which is far from bad. The Yankees would have by far the best bullpen if the Dodgers weren’t around. However the Astros struggled in the late innings throughout the Postseason. Being 7th in walks allowed and ERA. The Astros bullpen has a 5.03 ERA; which is more than a mile behind what the Dodgers 0.94 ERA looks like. The bullpen is where they walk people as well; putting 14 runners on base by the way of the walk this Postseason. The Astros can not contend in the category of ERA or walks against the Dodgers pen. They are going to have to, if they want a chance. Nothing more to say but the Astros need a miracle for their pen to even keep up with the Dodgers. Manager AJ Hinch has his hands full in figuring out the plan this World Series for the Astros bullpen.

Advantage: Dodgers more and more firepower!!!!!!!

Prediction

As you can see the Dodgers win in all of batting, starting pitching, and bullpen. The firepower of the Dodgers is a lot. I don’t think the Astros can have so many things go their way to win this series. The Dodgers are an unstoppable force right now; and the Astros are moveable.  I think the Dodgers finally bring home the World Series trophy in 6; and that soulless city of LA could not be any prouder at the end of this one.
By
Matthew Doherty