By: Vincent Aldridge
Feature Image courtesy of ESPN
It’s that time of year again, folks. The 2020 MLB World Series is here, and I have a mountain of reasons why you should pay attention to every single at-bat in this thriller of a matchup
General Reasons:
- 1. One of the biggest reasons anyone should pay attention to this matchup is the simple fact that this is a battle of markets. It’s the Big Market Dodgers vs. the Small Market Rays. If the Dodgers win, it just solidifies the fact that more money equals more success. If the Rays win, then it shows that sometimes you don’t need all that money to win a championship. This is definitely a big reason to watch.
- 2. This is (Should be) the first world series without a group of cheaters since 2016, which was actually an electric World Series. What the Astros and the Red Sox did was not cool at all in the slightest, but it is now out of the way. (Hopefully)
- 3. Last, but certainly not least, this is going to be one of the most balanced World Series ever. Both teams have an absolutely explosive offense. They also both know how to pitch really well. Both squads know exactly how important this is to them both. For the Dodgers, it would be their first title since 1988. For the Rays, the dream would be complete. It would be their first title in franchise history. It’s all on the line.
Dodgers to look out for:
This guy is ABSOLUTELY EXPLOSIVE.
Not only is he a stud at the plate, but he is an incredibly talented defender. He littered the NLCS with game-changing grabs. Some of these were catches on the wall, and others were just difficult because of the angles of the hits, and he got the job done night in, night out. Don’t believe me? Check out this insane grab to rob Freddie Freeman of a solo shot:
2. Corey Seager
Corey has found his stride in this new season, and he cemented that fact by winning NLCS MVP. He was an incredibly fun player to watch this postseason, as he has absolutely crushed the ball so far. He had 5 home runs in the NLCS, 2 of which in Game 5. He will be a key asset to pay attention to.
Rays to look out for:
1. Blake Snell
Blake Snell is, without a doubt, the face of that pitching staff. As deep as it is, Snell is a monster on the mound. He currently has a 3.20 ERA and 19 strikeouts. Batters will miss badly against “Snellzilla”
Randy is the Rays equivalent of Corey Seager. He boasts 7 postseason Home Runs, 4 of which were in the ALCS. He also took home the ALCS MVP. Not only is he an incredibly dangerous powerhitter, but he’s also an incredibly consistent hitter, as he has a .382 batting average. The Dodgers will have a tough time getting this stud out.
Final Thoughts:
No matter what happened this season, the Dodgers epic comeback, the Rays taking it away from the Astros at the last second, will all mean nothing if they fall short of the title. Good luck to both sides. They’ll need it.