Hoping for a truly classic Fall Classic

The 122nd World Series gets underway this evening (Friday) after this is being prepared for publication on Saturday. With that said, I can now give what can only be described as what loyal readers of my drivel are excitedly looking forward to with considerable anticipation. Naturally, I am referring to my pick on who wins the Fall Classic between a pair of teams that have seemingly defied the odds all season long and have proven themselves to be more than deserving to be playing in late October.

I kid of course, because that’s just what I tend to do, and I am only making a prediction because that’s what sports columnists enjoy doing, even if it makes us look stupid. You should always keep in mind that the following is by no means a reason (excuse?) to wager even the smallest amount of cash based on my prognostication, and I am certain that y’all are smarter than that anyway.

So, without further ado, the old, foggy crystal ball says the Milwaukee Brewers defeat the Tampa Bay Rays in seven games. Loyal readers also know I have been pulling for the Rays for a while – they’ve been my favorite American League team for years – but I also wouldn’t be terribly upset if the Brew Crew claim their first world championship. Their fans have been looking forward to celebrating

This year, Milwaukee got one rather gigantic monkey off their back in impressive fashion by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the NLCS, and look prepared to finish the job. They have all of the tools necessary to get it accomplished, starting with their bench boss, the inimitable Pat Murphy. The eminently quotable former Notre Dame and Arizona State head coach relates extremely well to his players and has their undivided attention, as well as their respect and admiration. “Murph” has also pushed all the right buttons since taking over the club before the 2024 season after Craig Counsell bolted for the big bucks in the Windy City to lead the Brewers’ most despised rival, the Chicago Cubs.

For all the praise I bestow upon Murphy, Tampa Bay skipper Kevin Cash deserves a multitude of kudos as well. Cash, currently the longest-tenured manager in the big leagues, was born and raised in Tampa. He has built a culture of winning with young players who enjoy playing with unbridled enthusiasm, and like Murphy, makes the astute in-game decisions more often than not. Cash also holds the unique distinction of playing in the Little League World Series, the College World Series with Florida State, and managing in the World Series, which he previously did in 2020 when the Rays fell to the Dodgers 4-2.

The primary reason I’m going with Milwaukee is that they’re blessed with a lights-out bullpen, which in today’s baseball world is invaluable. It has been proven time and time again over the past decade or so that having an abundance of quality arms ready in the pen is essential in postseason play. It isn’t that the Rays’ bullpen is not outstanding as well, especially closer Bryan Baker, but from this vantage point, the Brewers have the edge, especially among the middle relievers.

Tampa Bay may have a razor’s thin edge when it comes to starting pitching, but they will need solid performances from former Red Nick Martinez and former Brewer Freddy Peralta, with both going relatively late in games in an effort to mask the team’s middle relief issues.

Milwaukee is also a team that seldom loses two games in a row – they won an MLB-best 103 games during the regular season – and they possess a unique quality that champion teams usually have in spades. They never feel like they are out of a game, no matter what the scoreboard may say. The Rays would likely argue that they play the same way, and they would have a valid point.

One certain aspect of the series will be that weather will not be an issue, with both teams playing under a roof. It seems unlikely that the Brewers will move their retractable roof for a chilly, outdoors feel at this time of the year, and the immovable roof in St. Petersburg is a blessing, due to the humidity and possibility of rain in that area.

Both teams mirror each other in numerous respects, including going deep in the count and making pitchers work, making contact by putting the ball in play consistently, all while striking out less than the vast majority of teams nowadays. Neither team hits a ton of long balls, but the Brewers hold a slight edge – 169-154 during the regular season.

Defensively, both teams are among the best in the game. The Rays are solid if not spectacular, especially in the outfield and at shortstop with Taylor Walls making tough plays appear routine, but the Brewers can also flash the leather with the best of them and seldom beat themselves. Another point that cannot be ignored is that these two teams collected the most bunt hits in the game, with the Rays getting 49, and the Brewers 32. I’m not a huge fan of the term small ball, but it could certainly be an apt description when it comes to the way these teams perform at times, which in turn puts more pressure on the infield defenders.

Another factor that could come into play is the outstanding home field record both teams bring into the World Series. If the series goes the full seven games, Milwaukee will have the advantage of playing in front of their rabid fans four times. The Rays do hold a slight advantage in overall team speed, but the Brewers are also proficient when it comes to running the bases.

Tampa Bay will give Milwaukee all they can handle, and with a break here and there, could send the Brewers home still seeking its first-ever world championship, while earning their first title.

This is a series that could go either way, making it a guess or a mere hunch on what the outcome will be. But since I can’t pick both teams to win it, I am going with the Brew Crew, while wearing my cap that has “TB” prominently displayed on the front. My primary hope is for a well-played series that goes the distance, with both the Brewers and Rays showing the baseball world the right way to play the game, while showcasing memorable October baseball.

“There isn’t time — so brief is life — for bickering, apologies, heart burnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving — and but an instant, so to speak, for that.” — Mark Twain