The World Series 2015

First of all, kudos to The New York Times and D. Francis Barry for the deliberately anachronistic- style report Oct. 23 on the Cubs/Mets playoff:  Cubs Dreams Dashed in Loss to Metropolitans; Prayers of Wrigley Faithful Go Unanswered.  The whole piece read as though it were taking place a hundred years ago, with references to the "Sisyphean Chicago Cubs," the Mets' "Bunyanesque first-sacker." and "the larcenous Curtis Granderson."  There was even included an old-fashioned box score, listing at-bats, runs, hits, put-outs, and assists.  It was an effective visual and written reminder of the history of baseball.

 Now for the World Series between the Royals (who last won in 1985) and the Mets (1986).  I think it will come down, as it often does, to pitching and how many innings can starters Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard, and Matz go for the Mets, and the same for Volaquez, Cureto, Ventura and Young for the Royals.  The Royals might have a slight edge in the bullpen of Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera over Clippard and Familia but the Mets starters have been more consistent this post season and they also have Colon(and why isn't he getting a start?), Niese and Reed. 

As for hitting, one hopes Cespedes can play for the Mets -- he is something of a sparkplug -- while the Royals are slightly at a disadvantage not being able to use a DH in Citifield.  The Mets need Duda and Murphy to continue to hit, with perhaps a little more help from the rest of the starters.  Meanwhile, the Royals have speed and consistent hitting throughout their line-up that needs to be stymied by consistent Mets pitching.

My prediction:  an excellent World Series, with the Mets winning in seven games.