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Posted at 07:54 AM on 2 October 2018
Alex Bregman shows his eyes.(Photo: Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports)
The Houston Astros, who have won 103 wins, are expected to be the first team to win two consecutive World Series titles since the New York Yankees in 1998-2000, according to a panel of seven USA TODAY Sports personalities.
The Astros, not the Boston Red Sox, who won a franchise with a record 108 games. were the overwhelming choice to win with four panellists opting for Houston and one each choosing the Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers.
In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers and Dodgers, each of whom had to play a decisive game to decide the division title, each got three votes to win the pennant.
Our predictions in the playoffs:
Ted Berg
Dodgers on Astros in 6: The inability of the Dodgers to win the NL West in 162 games contradicted their best-time differential at the NL, and they enter in October with arguably the largest number of talented players in position and a Launcher staff now healthy. They will be tested by the strong rotation of the Astros in a rematch of the 2017 World Series, but it can be assumed that Clayton Kershaw finally launches his best in the most important time and takes L.A. to the long-awaited glory.
Scott Boeck
Astros over Brewers in 6: Houston's rotation is even better this season than when she won the World Series in 2017. Gerrit Cole was added to the rotation that already includes Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton. And both the starting rotation and the bullpen led the majors of the ERA (3.17 and 3.00, respectively), probably too much for the Brewers lineup.
Steve Gardner
Indians on brewers in 6: Regular season achievements mean nothing unless the team can win everything. This Indian team is designed for the post-season – with fewer obvious holes than any other team in the LA. The Indians reach their peak at the right time, with the best starting rotation in the majors and a deep-set pen, reinforced by the addition of Brad Hand. The Brewers can compete with everyone, but the Indians will run out of Milwaukee's starting rotation. Manager Terry Francona's experience could be a decisive factor in finally winning a World Series title in Cleveland.
Gabe Lacques
Astros over Dodgers in 6: Houston's biggest hurdle will be in the five-game Division series, where an Indian staff with big swing-and-miss problems could stifle his training, which strangely struggles to hit Minute Maid Park. Beyond that, no rotation is more reliable from one to four, and only the Dodgers can equal their overall depth. This time, they finish their work with a game to spare.
Bob Nightengale
Astros over Brewers in 5: The Astros won the World Series a year ago and are even better this time around. They are almost flawless, with a rotation reminiscent of former Braves teams with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. They have not won as many games as the Red Sox, but it is a more talented team, which will be revealed throughout the playoffs. Once again.
Heather Tucker
Red Sox on Dodgers in 6: Boston set a franchise record with 108 wins. Although it has little weight now, what matters is the formation of the Red Sox, which proved difficult to close with sluggers Mookie Betts and JD Martinez at the top of the ranking on average (.346, .330 respectively). ). The Dodgers needed 163 games to settle in the west of the NL and seemed to be shaking in the final stretch. Their much touted pitching staff – led by Clayton Kershaw Asylum – will not be able to handle Boston's firepower.
Jesse Yomtov
Astros on Braves in 5: Houston culminates at the right time, winning 21 of 27 to close the regular season. This team thrives in high pressure situations, as evidenced by the victories of the seventh game of last year in the ALCS and World series. Houston's rotation and enclosure are even stronger than last year and A.J. Hinch still seems to be pushing the right buttons to handle his pitchers. The Astros can be unbeatable in a series of seven games.
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