Against all odds, we made it to the 2020 World Series!!! Our #HomeRunLine World Series analysis presented by BUSR is below. Sign up today and receive the Best Value in Sports and Exclusive Odds only on BUSR!
We are 9-5 thus far on our picks for series winners and are definitely #INTHEMONEY! The 2020 World Series is for all the marbles and The Commissioner’s Trophy, and features the Tampa Bay Rays taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both teams are the #1 seeds. This is the first time since 2013 that both #1 seeds have made it through to the World Series, and only the second time this century. Important to note, all games are played in Arlington, Texas at Globe Life Field. Unlike the previous series, not all games are played on consecutive days. There will be a day off after games 2 and 5.
Let's get down to brass tacks and dive into some numbers. We'll start off by acknowledging that the Dodgers are the clear favorites at around -200. The Rays are sitting around +160. The Dodgers have the second highest payroll in baseball (behind the Yankees by about 1.5M), while the Rays are at #28 (Pittsburg & Baltimore spent less this year). We lead with those because it really sets the tone for all of the other numbers. Offensively, during the regular season, the Dodgers were better at everything but walks and stolen bases. To add to it, the Rays struck out the most in the MLB. Pitching, during the regular season, goes to the Dodgers. They had the lowest team ERA in baseball. They also allowed the fewest runs and gave up the fewest free bags. Defensively, both teams are top 5 in Runs Saved and if you have watched any baseball at all, you’ve seen both of these teams take away hits and home runs. They could literally do an entire Sports Center special on their tops plays.
In the playoffs, the Rays have made this matchup more interesting. The Dodgers have scored the most runs (69) by putting up the second most hits (102). The Rays have scored the third most runs (57) with the fourth most hits (93). Of those hits, the Rays have a bevy of Home Runs. 25 to be exact. That's 7 more than the Dodgers. The Rays have continued their ways by striking out the most, 150 times. The Dodgers have struck out 106 times. The Dodgers are hitting .256 while the Rays are at .209. On the other side of the ball, both teams have a 3.36 ERA. The Rays pitching has 3 strike outs more than the Dodgers, but they’ve given up 12 more walks. They’ve also given up 21 home runs, compared to just 12 by the Dodgers.
While the Dodgers are the favorite and our pick to win the series, there is money to be made with Tampa Bay. Glasnow has the advantage over the Dodgers offense. His fastball averages 97 MPH and they struggle with the 95+ heat. Also, the Kershaw playoff struggle looks to continue as the Rays have a full and very capable right handed line up. Also, don’t be surprised by a first inning home run from either team.
With all that said, we're pickin' the Dodgers to win it all! It's been a wild season, so let's finish strong, enjoy the last moments of baseball and get #InTheMoney. Best of luck everyone!!
Hit us up @TTSportsLines and let us know what you think!
-TSL
/ As always, please forgive any typos and grammatical errors
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