2016 World Series Preview
This year's 2016 World Series Preview is unlike any other. Stating that both the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs franchises are extremely hungry to bring a championship to their respective cities is an understatement.
Cleveland hasn't had a World Series winner since 1948 and the last time they appeared they lost to the Florida Marlins in a thrilling 11-inning game seven in 1997.
The Chicago Cubs haven't even been to the World Series in 71 years, and the last time they won it was 1908.
They are two teams that have taken to extremely different routes to get what is known as the Fall Classic.
The Cubs are a dominant, complete ballclub. Chicago packs a starting rotation that is filled with stars like Jake Arrieta, John Lester, John Lackey and Kyle Hendricks.
Cleveland doesn't possess the big names, in fact, most of their rotation has been decimated by injury with Corey Kluber being the ace of the staff.
Advantage: Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Cubs offense has guys who simply crush the baseball. They will rely heavily on Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo to do much of the damage with the long ball, but possessive considerable fire-power with guys like Dexter Fowler, Javier Baez, and Ben Zobrist.
Cleveland is very athletic and they have some really super talented and exciting players to watch. Mike Napoli, Carlos Santana, and Francisco Lindor will be the guys that Cleveland hangs its hopes on delivering in clutch moments during the series.
Advantage: Chicago Cubs.
The bullpen is an area that is often overlooked in the regular season but plays heavily in the postseason. Chicago can rely on flame-throwing lefty, Aroldis Champman to come in and close the door in the back end of ball games.
Cleveland's bullpen has been nothing short of phenomenal in their quest to win a title. Andrew Miller has been lights out and seemingly unhittable at times.
Advantage: Cleveland
Then you've got the managers. Chicago's Joe Maddon and Cleveland's Terry Francona are two of the best in the game and always seem to push the right buttons when it comes to tactics and motivating their players. However, it is said that managers can't really win ballgames they only lose them.
Advantage: Push
All in all, the 2016 World Series should prove to be an exciting one to watch. You've got this year's best time in baseball with 103 wins (Chicago Cubs) and a team that no one has given much of a chance to win anything (Cleveland Indians), but somehow, some way they have battled and found a way to look past everyone who has underestimated them.
The 2016 World Series will be one that has been highly anticipated and long overdue.
