By: Mike Carter
In the last few days, we have seen some amazing things happen in the baseball world. The World Series is upon us, with the upstart Cleveland Indians pitted against the spring favorite, the Chicago Cubs.
The coming week is what we long for when baseball season starts every year, when hope is eternal for all of our teams, and we hope for one good season from that aging veteran hurler, or a surprise year from an unexpected source. Both teams feature superstar players; both teams feature aging veterans looking for one more crack at glory; both teams ride hot streaks into the biggest series of their lives. The excitement is palpable and millions of fans are on edge. Which team will break their significant winless streaks? The Cubs have not been to the World Series since 1945; the Indians were last in the Fall Classic in 1997. The Cubs have not won it since 1908; the Indians last won in 1948. Someone is about to break a long streak of futility. Who will it be?
The Cubs look to be the favorites. Winners of 103 games during the regular season, they do not sport a glaring weakness, other than their propensity to stop hitting at key times. Chicago fans were apoplectic last week when the team went 21 innings without scoring. But the Cubs have depth and perseverance, and they have a tremendous starting rotation. Their bullpen could be called a weakness but with Aroldis Chapman holding the ninth, the pressure is on the opposition to score early against them. The Cubs were not sorely tested by either the Giants or the Dodgers, teams with issues that the Cubs were able to expose in each series. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell and Javier Baez are as good as advertised. What a team Theo Epstein has built here.
The Cleveland Indians are a great story. Built on pitching and defense and timely hitting, they were hamstrung by a rash of September injuries, but overcame every obstacle to make short work of the Red Sox and the Blue Jays, two teams on paper that seemed superior. But paper doesn’t win games or series. Playing each game as it came, and not looking ahead, the Indians are on the brink of winning it all. The exciting Francisco Lindor and the steady Corey Kluber lead this team. I admire what they have done through injuries to key starters; no excuses, they just win. Terry Francona is one of the best skippers in the game and is ready for anything. He also has the best weapon right now in the untouchable Andrew Miller.
Which brings me to the most interesting piece of the matchup for me: the managers. Arguments could be made that they are the two best in the sport. Terry Francona versus Joe Maddon. We all know that players win the games, but managers pushing key buttons at the right times make legends in the greatest game in the world. Both have managed in the Series before; Francona won two world championships in Boston before being unceremoniously dumped by them. Maddon is a joy to watch; his personality is perfect for this young Cubs team. Both of these managers know how to get every last drop out of their teams. They know how to prepare their guys to play this kids’ game.
So who wins? I can’t tell you. My head says the Cubs, but I just don’t know. Both teams can lay claim to being teams of destiny. It’s going to come down to whoever pitches better this week. While the Cubs have the mojo right now, the Indians have had no trouble taking down what seem to be better teams all month. I’m taking the Indians in seven games. I’ve been wrong about most things all year.
No matter who wins, enjoy this special week. I’d argue it’s the best week of the year, especially if your team is in it. Savor it. It’s going to be fun. Either team winning is great for baseball. And in a few short months, mid-February, hope springs, and we do it all over again. I’d like to thank Kelly and Josh for giving me a chance to write on the website all year.