Way Too Early 2017 World Series Predictions Thread

[Clayton]

Across the league, the pitching isn't that deep. The point I was making, which I thought seemed obvious, is that a pitching staff can't afford to lose a quality starter and expect to be in the top contenders.

Most teams have marginally effective bullpens and everyone is looking for an upgrade. There are not that many 200-inning arms in the NL, though there may be more in the AL.

Thats a fair statement but lots of people are predicting a repeat of one or more of the World Series teams from last year mainly because of the pitching.

I get what you're saying, though. Everyone is one injury away from 'maybe next year'

 

[JohnU]

Thats a fair statement but lots of people are predicting a repeat of one or more of the World Series teams from last year mainly because of the pitching.

Here in warm sunny Northwest Indiana in February, I'd say with some certainty that the Cubs can afford to lose one of their top 3 pitchers and still win 96 games, mainly because of their hitting depth. The Giants could lose Smardy and still contend, though I like their chances less. The Mets are kind in that same spot.

Pls note I am only discussing NL teams.

 

[tducey]

Indians/Cubs once again.

 

[Shanemansj13]

The Indians take down the Giants

 

[Clayton]

Here in warm sunny Northwest Indiana in February, I'd say with some certainty that the Cubs can afford to lose one of their top 3 pitchers and still win 96 games, mainly because of their hitting depth. The Giants could lose Smardy and still contend, though I like their chances less. The Mets are kind in that same spot.

I don't think the Giants could lose anyone but thats partially because they are going to be in a better division than the Cubs.

(file that in: things said in February)

 

[ChicagoIrish]

Cubs v Red Sox

 

[JohnU]

I don't think the Giants could lose anyone but thats partially because they are going to be in a better division than the Cubs.

(file that in: things said in February)

NL-W is a big mystery to me. Other than the Padres inclined to want to suck and the Rockettes incapable of avoiding it, what the hell is up with the Arizonas? Every other year, they look like a decent operation and then they go around and lose 99 games.

 

[The Q]

epic choke job?

they were fortunate enough to even MAKE the world series while not having Carrasco/Salazar/Brantley

you know what an epic choke job is?

having the best offense in baseball and getting your ass swept in the first round by a team that is missing their #2 and #3 starters and their best overall position player (until Lindor established himself as the best ss in baseball).

The defense was a pure meltdown. Plain and simple.

Guyer cost you game 5 misplaying Rizzo's routine out into a double.

Look at Naquin and Chis in game 6.

Rajai Davis played worse than your average HS level CF in game 7. Chisenhall cost them another run.

 

[navamind]

I'd expect the Cubs to take a small step back, but even then I'd say 96-98 wins. I think the pitching regresses somewhat next year, though the rotation should still be among the best in the NL. Having a defense as good as the Cubs do certainly helps though. I don't think they'll be seriously threatened in the division. The Cards' collection of position players is pretty uninspiring and I don't see the Pirates having the pitching.

 

[The Q]

I'd expect the Cubs to take a small step back, but even then I'd say 96-98 wins. I think the pitching regresses somewhat next year, though the rotation should still be among the best in the NL. Having a defense as good as the Cubs do certainly helps though.

That OF D could be meh.

 

[navamind]

That OF D could be meh.

It should take a step back, especially if Schwarber's getting a lot of reps. But the infield should still be quite good.

 

[The Q]

It should take a step back, especially if Schwarber's getting a lot of reps. But the infield should still be quite good.

if it's not Almora out there, it could be downright shaky.

Schwarber in LF and Zobrist in RF with Heyward in CF is not an ideal setup.

 

[navamind]

Prediction: The top 3 NL pitchers will play for neither of those teams.

I don't think this is crazy at all, at least for the Cubs pitchers. Hendricks and Lester both had ERAs about a full run below their FIP/xFIP.

 

[JohnU]

It should take a step back, especially if Schwarber's getting a lot of reps. But the infield should still be quite good.

I have to believe Schwarber is going to be dangled in front of an AL team. He has to have some monster numbers to make up for his outfield play.

 

[soxfan1468927]

I don't think this is crazy at all, at least for the Cubs pitchers. Hendricks and Lester both had ERAs about a full run below their FIP/xFIP.

I was thinking Kershaw, Scherzer, Syndergaard. Seems like a good bet

 

[The Q]

I was thinking Kershaw, Scherzer, Syndergaard. Seems like a good bet

I was gonna say the same thing.

But I also think Thor is the most likely of the studs to get him.

Him or Cueto would be my bet.