The Los Angeles Dodgers meet the Houston Astros in the World Series. But who has the better personnel? Who is the favourite in the Classic case at MLB? SPOX takes a close look at the teams, compares all parts of the team and makes a forecast. See the first four games of the World Series 2017 in LIVESTREAM FOR FREE at SPOX and all games of the World Series live on DAZN.
Austin Barnes vs. Brian McCann:
Both teams have strong defensive catcher. Both the experienced McCann and the six year younger Barnes are among the better representatives of their guild behind the record. And both also played their part in the success of their teams.
McCann started the postseason weakly, but woke up late against the Yankees with walks in important situations and a few hits at the right time. His 2-Run-Double in Game 7 put the game out of reach for good. Barnes, on the other hand, has been a back-up for much of the season, but most recently showed a better form than Yasmani Grandal and shone as a substitute during the regular season.
Result: Draw.
Cody Bellinger (1B), Logan Forysthe (2B), Justin Turner (3B), Corey Seager (SS) vs. Yuli Gurriel (1B), Jose Altuve (2B), Alex Bregman (3B), Carlos Correa (SS):
The comparison of the infields of these teams is very interesting. While the Dodgers dominate the corners, the Astros in the middle might have advantages.
At the first base, the Dodgers are betting on Bellinger, who has beaten 39 homeruns in his rookie season and has already produced two long balls in the postseason. But he is also at home in the outfield, which makes him extremely variable. Opposite him is Turner, perhaps the most feared hitter of this lineup. Turner already has twelve RBI (3 HR) and a 1,177 OPS in this postseason. It has been virtually impossible to identify it so far, especially when it comes to the crucial phase of a game. The Astros Gurriel and Bergman are reliable members of their team, but they can’t hold their own against the Dodgers’ opponents.
The situation is completely different in the middle of the infield. Altuve is probably the best hitter of the current league, beat in this postseason. 400 with a 1,275 OPS and has already five homeruns and 16 hits on the account. He is actually permanently on base these days and there with his speed always a danger. His double-play partner Correa is meanwhile one of the league’s best short stops and also convinced in the postseason.
In this respect, this comparison is a draw, but not if Seager actually returns from his back injury. Because Seager is the guarantor for success with the Dodgers. If he’s fit – and it looks like that – this position group goes to the Dodgers.
Result: Advantage Dodgers.
Enrique Hernandez (LF), Chris Taylor (CF), Yasiel Puig (RF) vs. Marwin Gonzalez (LF), George Springer (CF), Josh Reddick (RF):
While the outfield of the Astros is basically standing, the Dodgers here are very variable. In the Left Field, for example, Kike Hernandez played his way to the forefront – not only because of his three home runs in Match 5 against the Cubs – but Joc Pederson or Curtis Granderson are also likely to play against right-handers. Puig, on the other hand, is in great form and beats. 414 in the postseason. Meanwhile, Taylor’s all-purpose weapon remains in Center Field.
While basically all Dodgers-Outfielders are in top form, the Astros are looking for the same.
Clayton Kershaw (LHP), Rich Hill (LHP), Yu Darvish (RHP), Alex Wood (LHP) vs. Dallas Keuchel (LHP), Justin Verlander (RHP), Charlie Morton (RHP), Lance McCullers Jr:
No pitcher is currently in better shape than Verlander, who dominated against the Yankees at will and also won against the Red Sox. 24 2/3 innings he allowed four runs and is 4-0 in the postseason. Dallas Keuchel, on the other hand, only weakened in game 5 against New York, and was also a bank. The games 3 and 4 will undoubtedly go to Charlie Morton and Lance McCullers Jr. again, the two heroes from game 7 against the Yankees.
The Dodgers are betting on the best pitcher on the planet, Kershaw, who only had problems against Arizona in his first three starts so far. Apart from that, he pitched almost effortlessly, even though he had already played six home runs – four against Arizona. Behind Hill is a reliable left-hander and Darvish, one who, like Verlander, came close to closing time and has since become the hoped-for reinforcement. As an ex-player of the Rangers he played Houston 14 times, his record is 5-5 (3.44 ERA).
Result: Advantage Astros.
Page 1: Catcher, Infield and Starter
Page 2: Bullpen, Banks and Forecasts