Big 3 Sports Blog

Well, the World Series is here!  It matches up the National League Champion Washington Nationals versus the American League Champion Houston Astros.  Both feature potent offenses, and absolutely outstanding pitching staffs.  On paper, this may be one of the best pitched World Series of all time.  So who has the advantage?

Wild Card Game Predictions – 1-1
Divisional Series Predictions – 2-2
League Championship Series Predictions – 2-0

Starting Pitching
How do you give an advantage to either of these teams?  They ranked 2^nd & 3^rd in ERA in the regular season, and both staffs have been even better in the postseason.  The Nationals top 4 pitchers, Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, and Anibal Sanchez are a combined 7-2 this postseason, with a 2.65 ERA.  Also keep in mind, the Nationals clinched the pennant on Tuesday, their staff will be fully rested coming into the World Series.  The Astros don’t have that level of depth, but they do have a top 2 that are capable of winning 4 games in a single series.  Despite his shaky performances this October, Justin Verlander has had postseason success, with a career 14-9 record and a 3.26 ERA.  Also noteworthy, he has also won a World Series title, something no other starter in this series can claim.  And they also have Gerrit Cole, who has been absolutely unhittable this post season.  3-0 record with a microscopic 0.40 ERA.  Madison Bumgarneresque.  The Verlander / Cole combination has the capability of matching the 2001 Diamondbacks Big Unit / Schilling duo.  Very possible.  The x-factor in this series may be Zach Greinke, who was 8-1 after coming to the Astros in August, but has struggled in the postseason throughout his career (3-6 record, 4.44 ERA).  If they can get 1 win out of him, that may be enough.  Like I said, excellent starting pitching on both sides.  I think the Nationals depth gives them a very, very slight Advantage – Nationals.

Bullpen
This one is tricky.  In theory, the Nationals have the disadvantage in any series they play in, as their bullpen had the worst ERA in all the MLB this season.  But in the postseason, bullpens aren’t utilized like they are in the regular season.  We have already seen several times this October that the Nationals will use their starters in relief.  And with their deep rotation, they should.  Houston’s bullpen had the 3^rd lowest ERA in the AL this season, but has struggled this postseason.  The Astros lack the starting depth to use their starters in relief too often, especially early in the series.  Later in the series though, expect to see Verlander and Cole in the later innings.  Should be interesting.  Advantage – Push.

Offense
This is the only category where either team has any real advantage.  Washington has been the highest scoring team this postseason, led by MVP candidate Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto.  But can those bats stay that hot with a week off?  Time will tell.  The Astros offense is absolutely loaded.  Alex Bregman, George Springer, Michael Brantley, Jose Altuve and company score runs in bunches, and most of them have been in a World Series before.  Don’t minimize that fact.  The pressure of playing in late October, they have been there before.  As hot as the Nationals were a week ago, I may have given them the advantage then.  But with a week off, I think they may cool off.  Advantage – Astros.

Intangibles
The Astros have a large advantage by having not only played in a World Series recently, but actually winning it.  That experience is huge.  But the Nationals have been the hottest team in baseball for over a month.  They have that look of invincibility right now.  And being a Wild Card team, they are playing with house money.  The pressure is squarely on the Astros shoulders.  Advantage – Nationals.

I gave the pitching advantage to the Nationals, and the offense advantage to the Astros.  My concern with the Nationals is the whole rest vs rust dynamic.  The full week off certainly benefits the pitchers, but how will it affect the batters?  With the Astros having the Verlander-Cole combination, I think, to an extent, they neutralize the Nationals advantage.  The difference between the pitching staffs is marginal, but the difference between the bats is not.  And that will be the difference.  World Series Prediction – Astros.

Like any World Series, all you hope for is a competitive series.  And all these matchups point to a great one.  It has a chance to go down as the best pitched World Series of all time.  Let’s hope so.  Now tell me, who do you got?!?!

Like this article?  Share it on Twitter or Facebook.  Like us?  Follow us on Twitter (@big3sportsblog1) or like our Facebook page (@big3sportsblog).  Not a fan?  Tell us why!