orioles

I haven't been writing up the live games this season because I didn't have the time - nobody missed much, I haven't had a stellar season on the bases. However, the Fall Classic demands a little effort.

In this World Series, it's the blazing Mets' arms taking on the masters of AL small ball (a rare beast indeed) The Royals just get it done. Just to put a little meat on the bones of a fascinating contest:

The Mets have mown down batters in the post-season, striking them out at at a 30% clip, that's about 10 points above the league's regular season rate. But, the Royals' batters have only struck out 17.4% of the time (an astonishing 15% in the regular season) and are the masters of contact hitting. The Mets have got their fastballs over in the post-season at an average just topping 94mph and yet, no team hits power pitching better than the Royals. You shouldn't dismiss the Kansas bullpen either, which edges the Mets for depth - always a crucial aspect of the game.

Strap in, it's going to be a helluva ride that could go all the way to Game 7.

Pick: World Champs Kansas City Royals @ 2.05
Pick: MVP Lorenzon Cain @ 21, Daniel Murphy @ 11

Game 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Matt Harvey (2-0, 2.84 ERA) vs. Royals RH Edinson Volquez (1-2, 4.32)

Matt Harvey will be well rested here after the Mets swept into the World Series and the Royals will need all their multifaceted offense to overcome the runs that I believe Volquez will give up here. Volquez is 2-5 with a 5.70 ERA in nine career starts against the Mets. He's also putting too many people on in the post season for my liking.

The books have a slight lean to the Mets, but you can still find Evens on offer. I'll take that price.

Pick: Mets @ 2.0