MLB: World Series Preview
1908 and 1948; those are the last times the Cubs and Indians, respectively, won the World Series, combining for 176 years since either Chicago or Cleveland have taken home the ultimate prize.
It has been a long road for both the Cubs and Indians, but in 2016, both teams have a shot at ending their lengthy droughts. The Cubs (7-3 in the playoffs) moved past two NL West opponents, the Giants and Dodgers, to get to the Fall Classic. The Indians (7-1 in the playoffs) on the other hand have been more impressive, blitzing through two AL East teams, the Red Sox and Blue Jays.
Blake Stoll and I (both 3-5 in playoff predictions) have broken down the World Series, giving our opinions and thoughts on the Cubs and Indians pending series, with a projected champion, alongside an MVP.
Before we get to the preview of the World Series, here is a breakdown of the AL/NLCS Round.
No. 2 Cleveland Indians (4-1) over No. 4 Toronto Blue Jays.
Top Hitter: Francisco Lindor (SS) -- 7/19, 3 RBI.
Top Pitcher: Andrew Miller (LR) -- 6.4 IP, 0.00 ERA (MVP).
No. 1 Chicago Cubs (4-2) over No. 3 Los Angeles Dodgers.
Top Hitter: Anthony Rizzo (1B) -- 8/22, 5 RBI.
Top Pitcher: Jon Lester (SP) -- 1-0, 1.38 ERA (MVP).
World Series -- Game 1, Tuesday, October 25:
Chicago Cubs (103-58, 7-3) @ Cleveland Indians (94-67, 7-1)
Game 1: Tuesday, 10/25, 8:08 in Cleveland.
Game 2: Wednesday, 10/26, 8:08 in Cleveland.
Game 3: Friday, 10/28, 8:08 in Chicago.
Game 4: Saturday, 10/29, 8:08 in Chicago.
Game 5: Sunday, 10/30, 8:15 in Chicago.
Game 6: Tuesday, 11/1, 8:08 in Cleveland.
Game 7: Wednesday, 11/2, 8:08 in Cleveland.
Post: Chicago struggled offensively in Game 1, 2, and 3 in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, before breaking out and averaging 7.67 runs per game for the remainder of the series. Big keys to the Cubs turning their offensive woes into incredible production was Anthony Rizzo (32 HR, 109 RBI) and Addison Russell (.238, 94 RBI) breaking out of a combined 3/54 slump. If Kris Bryant (.292, 34 HR), who hasn't been himself since the NLDS, can get it going again; Chicago will have an immense advantage. On the mound, the Cubs' starters have been outstanding in the postseason. Jon Lester (2-0, 0.69 ERA in the playoffs) is looking like the NL Cy Young winner, and will start Game 1, followed by Jake Arrieta, and then Kyle Hendricks (16-8, 2.13 ERA) who went seven innings against the Dodgers, giving up two hits and zero runs. Aroldis Chapman is the main arm out of the bullpen, which should play a role in who wins. Cleveland's offense hasn't been dominant in anyway during the postseason, but their defense and pitching has been top notch. Francisco Lindor (.301, 78 RBI) has been the leader and stabilizer, while Mike Napoli (34 HR, 101 RBI) and Carlos Santana (.259, 34 HR) have added power at the top of the lineup. However, the pitching is what will win this World Series. Corey Kluber (18-9, 3.14 ERA) has looked great in the playoffs and will start Game 1. He will be followed by either Josh Tomlin (13-9, 4.40 ERA) or Trevor Bauer in Game 2 and 3. Andrew Miller, out of the 'pen, has been the best pitcher in the playoffs and will be held with the difficult task of shutting down the Cubs' bats. I have said it from the beginning of the season, and will continue to until the playoffs are complete; I truly believe 2016 is the year the Billy Goat, Black Cat, Leon Durham, and Steve Bartman curses die, as the Cubs win their first World Series championship since 1908.
Prediction: Cubs (4-1)
MVP: Addison Russell (SS)
Stoll: The electrifying Chicago Cubs reach the World Series, after a 71 year drought, to face the Cleveland Indians, who haven’t been in 19 years. Both clubs own rights to just two championships a piece. Cubs coming in 1907, 1908 and the Indians in 1920, 1948. There are a lot of eyes on Cleveland and the whole state of Ohio, as they look to bring home a third championship in 2 years (Ohio State University football 2015, Cleveland Cavaliers 2016). On the other side, the City of Chicago hasn’t seen a championship since 2005, and it couldn’t have come from anybody that the Cubs hate more, their cross-town rival White Sox. The stage is set; These two teams are so different in their means of being built. The Cubs are built around great pitching and an All-Star infield and the Indians are built from solid position players all-around. Game 1 is set for Monday night at 8:08 p.m. The starting pitchers: NLCS Co-MVP Jon Lester vs. Corey Kluber. Both boasting a sub-1.00 era this postseason, we are in for a battle. Chicago began the NLCS poorly at the plate, at one point they had an 18-inning stretch where they did not score a run. That all changed in Game 4 after falling down 2-1 in the series to the Dodgers. They couldn’t have gotten hotter at a better time. Cleveland has been impressive all season, all across the diamond. They have one or two players who stand out above all else in Kluber and Lindor, but everyone else knows their role and fit into it nicely.
Prediction: Cubs (4-1)
MVP: Anthony Rizzo (1B)
Photo Credit: RightInYourWheelhouse.com.
