Writers’ World Series predictions,

TED BERG Red Sox over Dodgers in seven:

The Sox don’t stack up well against many of the other postseason teams on paper, but the bet here is that ace Chris Sale seizes his first chance at a postseason spotlight and brings glory back to Boston. The left-hander is one of the game’s fieriest, most dominant and most durable pitchers, and he appears tailor-made for October heroics.

STEVE GARDNER Indians over Nationals in seven:

The Indians’ superior depth will be the difference, especially in the bullpen with Danny Salazar and Mike Clevinger added to the deadly duo of Andrew Miller and Cody Allen. The Nationals have just as much offensive firepower, but can’t match the Indians’ ability to make contact when it counts (secondfewest strikeouts in the majors).

BOB NIGHTENGALE Indians over Nationals in seven:

The Indians are loaded, as evidenced by their 22-game winning streak, and full of star power, with a future Hall of Fame manager at the helm in Terry Francona. They have lost four World Series and two ALCS championships since their last World Series title in 1948. Time for another curse to bites the dust.

JORGE L. ORTIZ Indians over Nationals in seven:

The Indians proved themselves capable of going one step further than last year by not only weaving together a record-setting 22-game winning streak, but then following that with a season-ending 11-3 run. Cleveland hitters put the ball in play but can also hit the long ball, and the club had the best starters’ and relievers’ ERA in the AL.