World Series or Bust!
The Dodgers, Yankees, and Astros all feel this is their year to win the championship of baseball. All of these teams appear to be very strong in all phases of the game. The obvious problem is that there can only be one ultimate winner.
I live in Los Angeles, so I hear all of the one-sided adulation heaped on the home team through talk-radio and other media. I’m sure this bandwagon effect is quite similar in New York and Houston. All three of these clubs are running away in their respective division races and on pace to win over 100 games.
Ask the single-season record-holder (116-46) Seattle Mariners team of 2001 how everything worked out for them? Not great. They were knocked out rather easily in the ALCS.
The Playoffs are a different animal. Does a particular team have the pitching, the hitting, the defense and the chemistry? Does everyone know their role? Is everyone willing to sacrifice for the good of the team? Is an organization all on the same page? Not just the players, but the owner, executives, operations people, manager and coaches.
The three teams I mentioned are the obvious choices for the next World Series winner. But I’m going to toss out two teams which I believe are serious competitors for the Champion’s crown. Both of these teams have probably not received the national coverage which each deserves.
National League
My National League team is the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are over 27 games above .500 and sit on top of the East Division. Atlanta has excellent starting pitching anchored by youngsters Mike Soroka and Max Fried. The organization went out and acquired Dallas Keuchel in late July. Not only does this strengthen the starting rotation, but it sends an all important message to the fans, Braves’ players and other teams: “We’re serious contenders and the championship has to go through Atlanta.”
Freddie Freeman is having an outstanding year at first base. He’s ready to lead this team bursting with young talent. Ronald Acuna, Jr. teased us with his tremendous ability last year. He is having a monster season with his hitting, speed and defense in the outfield. Ozzie Albies has been spectacular at second base. I get the feeling that after gaining a little maturity that the bright lights on the big stage will not be too bright for these two young stars.
Josh Donaldson is having an excellent year at third base. Dansby Swanson at shortstop and Brian McCann at catcher look really solid. Nick Markakis playing in right field, appears to be a great complement as well as providing veteran leadership. Relief pitching is looking to be a challenge for every club, but Luke Jackson has proven he is more than capable in this tough spot.
American League
My team to watch in the American League is the Minnesota Twins. The Twins are currently 30 games over .500 and lead the Central Division. Although I’m sure they’ll be fighting it out with Cleveland for the division supremacy. Minnesota has been playing winning baseball all season and has been flying under the radar. I think they like the attention being thrown elsewhere.
Jose Berrios, Kyle Gibson and Jake Odorizzi have given the Twins solid starting pitching all season. Jorge Polanco at shortstop is quietly having a breakout year. Jonathan Schoop was acquired from Baltimore to play second base and has been solid. Byron Buxton has proven that he is consistently one of the finest defensive centerfielders in the league and should be back in time for the playoffs.
In left field Eddie Rosario has exceeded expectations and has emerged as one of the team’s biggest offensive surprises. CJ Cron at first base and Miguel Sano at third have been more than solid all season. Designated hitter Nelson Cruz is putting up his usual power numbers. Look for catcher Willians Astudillo to have a big impact when he returns from the injured list in September.
Also pitcher Michael Pineda is coming on strong and will make a difference in the stretch run after returning from the IL. In addition I sense that Marwin Gonzalez, who was signed as free agent at the beginning of the season, will have a great impact in the stretch run and in the playoffs.
Minnesota vs. Atlanta
I’m pretty sure this is not the match-up that the networks want to see. It’s not a popularity contest, but rather one based on merit. I have nothing against the Dodgers, Yankees or Astros. But I also wouldn’t mind if baseball’s champion was a team other than the one with the most money.
