It’s the Fall Classic with a rare match-up in the World Series. Houston vs. Los Angeles sound like two National League teams, but we are reminded that Major League Baseball (MLB) years ago moved the Astros to the American League to balance the Divisions.
As recently as 2005, the Astros were in the World Series as members of the National League. Chicago’s other team, the White Sox, swept Houston 4-0 to win the first World Series for the city of Chicago in 95 years.
We are all aware that last year the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in seven games over Cleveland, the Cubs’ first World Series win in 108 years. The run-away Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the Cubs in five games in the National League Championship and have reached their first World Series since 1988.
The Dodgers were 104-58 in the regular season, the best record in MLB. The Astros were also outstanding, winning 101 games, the third-best record in baseball. Cleveland led the American League in wins with 102-60 record. This is the first time since 1970 the World Series has two 100-or-more-win teams in the World Series.
Both of these teams are loaded. The Dodgers are 7-1 in the playoffs. Houston just beat the New York Yankees in game seven of the American League Championship to reach the World Series. They scored 896 runs during the regular season and allowed 700; their plus/minus was +196.
The Dodgers shut you down with pitching. They allowed the fewest runs in MLB in 2017— just 580. The Dodgers are managed by Dave Roberts. He is really good.
I have always favored the American League game of baseball with the designated hitter. The Dodgers obviously play the National League game with the pitcher hitting. Los Angeles has the home-field advantage by virtue of winning more games.
Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish lead the Dodgers. Houston traded for pitcher Justin Verlander from Detroit, and since then he’s been dominating 9-0. Get ready for what should be a great World Series.
I saw the Astros and Dodgers both play the Twins. Houston, I believe, is just a little bit better.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday-Friday at 12:17 pm and 4:17 pm, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.