STAFF PICKS
Eduardo A. Encina, Orioles beat writer: This World Series has the makings of one to remember, not just because one long-suffering fan base will finally find championship glory, but because two of the game’s best managers — the Cubs’ Joe Maddon and the Indians’ Terry Francona — will square off in a chess match. The game within the game will be interesting to follow. It’s hard to go against an Indians team that has gone 7-1 this postseason, owns a 1.77 postseason ERA and possesses the best weapon in reliever Andrew Miller, a former Oriole. But after winning three straight to win the National League Championship Series, there’s something about these Cubs — with a lineup led by youngsters Javier Baez and Addison Russell — that indicates they don’t quite realize the magnitude of what they can accomplish, which is a powerful thing heading into the bright spotlight of the World Series. Cubs in 7. Jon Meoli, Orioles reporter: With the way Chicago is swinging the bat, the Indians’ thin rotation will be tested. The best team rarely wins in baseball, but this Cubs team is breaking a ton of stigmas this year. This will be the last one. Cubs in 6.
Peter Schmuck, Orioles columnist: I didn’t pick the Indians in either of the first two playoff series, so why start now? They’ve been sitting around for a week and the Cubs just closed out the NLCS on an offensive roll. If that was Jon Lester’s NLCS, this will be former Oriole Jake Arrieta’s World Series. And Cubs fans can feel sorry for the rest of us for a change. Cubs in 6. Josh Land, Orioles editor: It makes it all the tougher when the Indians keep proving you wrong, beating one better team after another despite being severely short-handed. But that run will end here. The Cubs were the best team in baseball this season, and after being on cruise control going into the playoffs, have found a way to turn it back on to roll to their first World Series since 1945. They don’t have a glaring weakness and buried the Dodgers with ease after a two-game offensive blip. The Cubs have waited a long time to call themselves champions, but that wait is about to be over. Cubs in 6.