What was the most appealing WS match up of the decade?

[jose melendez]

Obviously 2013 and 2018... But I was thinking about what would appeal most to the neutral fan while filling time before the games begin. I almost wrote this has the potential to be one of the most interesting WS in a long time (non-Sox division, of course).

But actually think this decade has been pretty good in that regard.

The two Sox series were appealing--fourth meeting for one and two iconic franchises for the other. Cubs-Cleveland is probably the biggest draw, for those without a direct rooting interest with the two cursed teams, though Giant-Texas has some real snakebit appeal too. Dodgers, Stros was pretty appealing in terms of the talent on display too.

The big draw for this year, I really thing, is the starting pitching matchups. The first two are out of this world, and the third is awfully good.

 

[jose melendez]

Ratings for Game 1 are a point for Cubs-Cleveland. The 12.9 rating beat another game 1 in the decade by 2.2

 

[The Talented Allen Ripley]

Cubs-Cleveland for me by a long mile.

 

[LogansDad]

Honestly, as a huge fan of good pitching, I think that from a purely entertainment and aesthetic standpoint, this season might be the one I'm most looking forward to, non-Sox division.

From a historical aspect, though, I think Cubs vs Indians is probably the most appealing. Two teams with really, really long championship droughts, and a lot of fun players on both of those teams. It certainly lived up tot he hype, too.

 

[jose melendez]

Honestly, as a huge fan of good pitching, I think that from a purely entertainment and aesthetic standpoint, this season might be the one I'm most looking forward to, non-Sox division.

From a historical aspect, though, I think Cubs vs Indians is probably the most appealing. Two teams with really, really long championship droughts, and a lot of fun players on both of those teams. It certainly lived up tot he hype, too.

I very much have a rooting interest in the Nats, so while it's nearly as hard for me to be objective as it is with the Sox, it's still pretty hard.

 

[Bozo Texino]

I can't see anything other than Cubs/Indians being #1 when it comes to appealing to the average MLB viewer.

That said, the pitching matchups for Astros/Nationals are going to be absolutely bonkers. For a certain type of baseball fan, this series is going to be tough to beat.

The Astros have long been my #2 team (born in Houston, raised in Boston), so I am fucking AMPED for this one. It reminds me of the Scott/Ryan one-two punch back in '86 - only this team actually made it to the World Series.

 

[ehaz]

Scherzer v. Cole
Verlander v. Strasburg
Greinke v. Corbin

12 years from now, four or five of these guys could be in the Hall of Fame. Scherzer and Verlander are locks. Greinke is very close and should get to 3,000 Ks. Still early for Cole and Strasburg, but they have as good a chance as any pitcher in their age cohorts.

And then you throw in some of the best position players of this generation including Altuve, Springer, and Rendon. Then add a few new "face-of-baseball" guys in Juan Soto and Alex Bregman. This series has it all.

 

[Wallball Tingle]

Agree with the standard pick so far...both in terms of pre-hype and what actually happened, Cubs/Cleveland. Best single game might be that series's Game 7. But probably the 2011 Rangers/Cards Game 6. One strike away twice and Freese breaking hearts. Incredible rollercoaster.

 

[Cumberland Blues]

CHC/CLE because of the dueling droughts, and BOS/LAD because in the 10-team format it's rare for the two best teams to get there.

 

[Nator]

Cubs/Indians by mile. That game 7 was about as good as a baseball game can get.

 

[Ale Xander]

not counting who won or lost, just in terms of matchups, Indians Cubs. Counting who won or lost, probably Red Sox Dodgers.

For the games themselves, I probably have 2011 first (Cardinals Rangers), 2014 2nd (Giants Royals) and 2017 Astros Dodgers 3rd.

 

[Pablo's TB Lover]

To pile on, Cubs/Indians both due to the long-suffering fans of each side and selfishly from a Sox angle Theo vs Tito. That is probably the only non-Sox World Series winning game I would have finished Game 7 to see the last out, after the rain delay and overall length of game.

Sox-Dodgers could potentially have been the best just due to the east coast/west coast high-profile matchup but it felt like the Sox were such a wagon going in, despite outsiders trying to push a "hey the Dodgers came on strong" narrative I felt like the outcome was not in much doubt.

But Astros/Nats could potentially be the best WS to watch based on pitching matchups. Of course we've seen before that the starting pitching does not always go as planned in the postseason, but it FEELS like every run will be hard fought this series and one mistake or great play will decide each game.