The Houston Astros will defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
I must first start off by saying that I am a die-hard New York Yankees fan and I am still pulling for them to make the playoffs this year. I do not think they have a strong enough roster to make it to the World Series, but I think they have a chance to host a wild card game. They are still a young team with rookies and they have had trouble with their starting pitchers and bullpen.
With that being said, I do believe the World Series crown will go to the Houston Astros. I believe this for a couple of reasons.
1. The Houston Astros Lead the AL in these categories
The Astros currently hold the best record in the American League (86-53). They are 13.5 games ahead of the Anaheim Angels who are second in their division.
At the plate, they also lead the American League in Batting Average (.284), RBI’s or Runs Batted In (736), Runs (773) and Hits (1371).
On the mound, the Astros pitching staff has been phenomenal. They lead the league in Wins (86). They are in the top 5 in ERA or Earned Run Average (4.11) and Saves (37).
2. The Verlander Trade
On August 31st, the Detroit Tigers traded away one of their best starting pitchers the club has had in its history. In 2011, Verlander, not only won the Cy Yong Award, but was also the American League MVP. The Astros traded three of their prospect players. Justin Verlander, (2nd All-time in Tigers’ history in SO only to Mickey Lolich) will be joining a star-studded cast of Starting Pitchers. He will be joining Dallas Keuchel, Charlie Morton and Brad Peacock who all have winning records.
3. Hurricane Harvey
Houston, we have a problem.
The city of Houston suffered a major blow when a Major Category 4 Hurricane made landfall in the southeast part of Texas. As a result, the storm claimed 70 lives in its wake and the city is flooded. Celebrities and athletes have come together to raise millions for hurricane victims.
I believe this city and state will come together and rebound from this tragedy. With the Astros’ having the best record in the American League, I think it will give the residents of Houston something to cheer for.
4. The Designated Hitter
If and when the Houston Astros face the Dodgers in October, the Dodgers will have to figure out whom they are going to use as the Designated Hitter. A Designated Hitter is used in American League parks ONLY.
A position player to bat in the line-up substitutes the pitcher for the American League team. The Dodgers are a National League team and in that league, the pitcher is the hitter. The Astros have Carlos Beltran as their primary DH.
One of the problems I see for the Astros is at the end of their regular season schedule, they have to travel and take on the Boston Red Sox in a four game series at Fenway Park. Currently, the Red Sox lead the American League East.
In the playoffs, I believe the Astros are strong enough to defeat the Red Sox, the Cleveland Indians and any other team that makes it through the Wild Card Round.
So, there you have it! The 2017 World Series Champions will be the Houston Astros!
