The World Series is set and with neither League Championship Series going the distance, we’ve all had plenty of time to absorb the storylines that have either presented themselves or the media has stretched to fit the 2015 Fall Classic. The series presents an opportunity for two deserving teams to win a championship for the first time in quite a while, which is all I really need as far as intrigue is concerned. Let’s get to the fun stuff.
Free Pick
This series will be unique from a betting standpoint because of how even every game appears to be as of now. The series sides are each a pick and both Games 1 and 2 in KC appear pretty close to that, too. With how the pitching lines up, I can’t imagine Games 3 or 4 present a favorite much bigger than -120, either.
The Royals tabbed Edinson Volquez to be their guy in the opener. Kansas City has rolled with its 3-man rotation for much of the postseason and while none of the starters have overwhelmed anybody, Volquez has been the most pleasant surprise due in large part to his ability to slow the Blue Jays’ attack. I think slowing down the Mets might be all the Royals can hope for in this series, too. After being a constant fade in the first
half of the season, the Mets’ offense has proved worthy of its pitching and actually exceeded the status of not being a liability. With a total of 7.0 in this one, we just need 3 from each side. That’s what both the Mets have done and Volquez has allowed throughout the postseason. Give the checkmark there.
Then we need the same from the “relentless” Royals lineup, to quote tonight’s opposing starting pitcher. Matt Harvey was really good last time out against Chicago but, though more so than Volquez, he hasn’t been dominant enough to give me reason to believe he’s going to completely shutdown the KC attack. In fact, it could be a tough outing for him tonight against a lineup better than any in the National League. I lean KC but am happy to play the over in a game with designated hitters and at least a coupe on either side.
Free Pick: Over 7.0 -120
YTD: 29-25-5 -0.91
2014: 45-28-3 +9.02
daniel murphy • edinson volquez • kansas city royals • matt harvey • new york mets • yoenis cespedes