World Series preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Finally, at long last, the two combatants for the World Series have been finalized. It will be the Milwaukee Brewers taking on the Tampa Bay Rays, in what should be a classic battle between two squads that have proven all season long that they are among the very best.

The Brewers won 103 regular season games, and then swept the vaunted Los Angeles Dodgers four games to none to advance to the World Series. Tampa Bay had a bit more of a challenge,  but eventually came out on top, knocking off a very good Cleveland Guardians team four games to two.

The similarities between the teams are striking. 

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First, both are in the bottom half of spending—low-budget teams, if you will, who have had success through quality management, advanced technology scouting and smart player personnel decisions.

Second, neither team has ever won a World Series! Milwaukee was last in it some 44 years ago, but did not win, and Tampa Bay has made two appearances since 2008, but lost in both. So, one of these two championship-starved fan bases will be celebrating.

Third, these teams have similar styles. They hit the ball with efficiency, putting the ball in play and not striking out much. They both have great team speed and are outstanding defensively, while the pitching staffs have been stellar—particularly late in the season and into the playoffs.

Then there are other intriguing similarities: The Brewers have The Miz (Jacob Misiorowski). The Rays have The Raz (Drew Rasmussen). The Brewers have 22-year-old Jackson Chourio. The Rays have 23-year-old superstar Junior Caminero.

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The Brewers have beloved captain and team leader Christian Yelich. The Rays have beloved unofficial captain and team leader Yandy Diaz. The Brewers have speedster David Hamilton. The Rays have Chandler Simpson, perhaps the game’s fastest player.

The Brewers have a powerful bullpen led by closer Trevor Megill. The Rays have a powerful bullpen led by closer Bryan Baker. The Brewers have league championship MVP Jake Bauers, a former Ray. The Rays have league championship MVP Freddy Peralta, a former Brewer.

The World Series begins Friday, Oct. 23, with Milwaukee hosting the first two games. Weather could be a factor as we hit late October, and even into November, especially in the games in Milwaukee.

It should be a classic. Two great teams that have proven their quality all season long. 

A prediction? Go with the Brew Crew from Milwaukee, but it will take all seven games to get it done.