World Series Preview

Photo by: Reddit Inc. 2016

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the Chicago Cubs take on the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. Game time is 7 p.m. CT on Fox as Cub’s southpaw Jon Lester will toe the rubber against 2014 Cy Young winner Corey Kluber.

Lester has continued his run of dominating hitters with a 0.86 ERA this postseason and, frankly, all eyes will be on first base when he is on the mound. Lester’s throwing to first base has been well scouted and his opponents, the Indians, are the best base running team in baseball. Unlike the Dodgers in the last round, who took awkwardly huge leads off of first base but did not steal, the Indians will be bold and run rampant on Lester.

The Cubs are making their first appearance in the World Series since losing to the Tigers at the end of WWII and have not won the Fall Classic since 1908. Put this in perspective: The Ottoman Empire was still a thing the last time the Cubs won a World Series.

The Indians have not won the World Series since 1948 and are looking to heal the hearts destroyed by the Marlin’s Edgar Renteria’s single that won game seven of the 1997 World Series.

The Cubs boast an infield packed with budding superstars. Addison Russell and Javier Baez are a dynamic duo, whose athleticism helped push the Cubs past the Dodgers.

Indians manager Terry Francona has a unique combination of veterans such as outfielders Raji Davis and Coco Crisp contributing at the right time to go along with their own superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor. Francona has so far made all the right calls on his bullpen to support a beleaguered starting rotation.

It is hard to think of a more anticipated World Series matchup. Cubs and Indians are both seeking to end long championship droughts. Could it be that Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is able to dispel the curse from the Cubs like he did with the Red Sox? All the while defeating his former manager with the Red Sox, Terry Francona?

Prediction: For the sake of all that is righteous and decent, this series goes seven games.

Cubs Win!!!