Baseball Pennant Winners

October 22, 2017

Although the season ended in disappointment, it was a good year. Cub fans can take solace that since the 1998 Yankees won three consecutive World Series there hasn’t been a back to back winner. In the past three years, the Cubs have won a World Series and played for the chance twice. That’s a remarkable stretch. Though there are moves to made, I’m confident that Theo can get them back in next year’s playoffs where anything can happen.

The Dodgers were just much better than the Cubs in all facets of the game. The biggest problem was the Cubs couldn’t hit. This may have something to do with Dodgers pitching. Kershaw was better than usual in the postseason, winning two games. For the second year in a row, they couldn’t solve Rich Hill. Yu Darvish was extremely impressive with almost every pitch having great movement. Jake Arrieta was able to salvage a game with a great performance and the Cubs scoring a series high three runs. Their bullpen is even better. I knew the closer Jansen was good. However, I did know how good the rest were. A formula for success is being able to take your starter out before the third time around in the batting order, where hitters are generally better. Then put relievers in to shut down your opponent.

The Cubs two big bats were completely silent in the playoffs. Rizzo had a couple of key hits against the Nationals. Bryant and Rizzo were both awful in this series. Aren’t your top hitters supposed to be able to hit good pitching?  Turner and Bellinger totally outplayed the Cubs corners at the plate and on the field. Cub pitchers are good when deployed right. The bullpen let them down in both postseason series.

Joe Maddon was exposed with his crazy lineups, pitching moves and deciding who to play in a crowded outfield. What was he thinking, letting Lackey go on consecutive nights?  When not hitting, Zobrist is a liability in right field. Heyward also can’t hit either, but at least won’t hurt you defensively. What to do with Almora, Jay, Happ and Schwarber? This is a quandary for any manager. Since the Cubs will need to acquire a starter after Arrieta leaves, one or two must go.

One more thing. Maddon got ejected for rightfully arguing a bad decision by the umpires on a foul tip that wasn’t. With all the reviews during a game why is this one not reviewable? The replay clearly showed he did not tip the pitch.

The Houston Astros held off the Yankees and won the series in seven games. These two teams led the major leagues in runs per game. You wouldn’t know it from the first two games. The Astros scratched out two runs off red hot Yankee starter Tanaka. Astros’ Keuchel is superb allowing only one run in a 2-1 Astros victory. In game two, Verlander was even better throwing a complete one run game. Yankees’ Severino was just as good. In the bottom of ninth, the Yankees brought in Aroldis Chapman in relief. Altuve singles. Correa doubles and Altuve comes all the way around from first base to score as Yankee catcher can’t corral a throw home. Astros win 2-1.

Series moves to New York and changes complexion. In game three, Yankees bats come alive scoring eight runs. Astros’ starter Charlie Morton has second bad post game outing. Yankees win 8-3. Game four Astro starter McCullers pitches into the seventh inning giving up just one run. However, in the era of the early hook, gets pulled. The Yankees score five runs and win 6-4.  In game five, Yankees knock out Keuchel in the fifth inning and Tanaka has another great outing holding the Astros scoreless. Yankees win 5-0.

Series goes back to Houston up 3-2. In another excellent postseason performance, Verlander gives up one run as Yankees easily tie the series at three games apiece winning 7-1. In game 7, the Yankees pull Sabathia after he gives up one run and runners at third and first. Relief pitcher, Kahnle gets double play. Then next inning gives up four runs.  Astros’ starter Morton has been their shakiest starter in the postseason. He pitches 5 scoreless innings followed by McCullers’ four and the Astros win the clincher 4-0. The Yankees scored 19 runs at home and only 3 in Houston.

Dodgers vs Astros, the two best teams in their respective leagues should be a great series. The Astros have Altuve and Correa to power their offense. Two outstanding pitchers Keuchel and Verlander. The Dodgers counter with Turner and Bellinger. Their pitching staff goes four deep and a lockdown bullpen. So, make it Dodgers in six.