Baseball:
For San Gabriel Valley area baseball fans, there is no question that the 2021 World Series has just a fraction of the intrigue it would have if the Dodgers had not fallen short.
And while that makes sense, the show still goes on for diehard baseball fans, as well as those in the states of Georgia and Texas.
As we do before the Super Bowl, I reached out to current and former players and coaches to get their predictions.
It should be said that it was almost unanimous among those who responded, that even those who think Houston will win, almost everyone wants Atlanta, because of the cheating scandal a few years back.
The final count was 12-5 in favor of the Atlanta Braves.
We asked simply: Who do you think will win, in how many games and why?
Former Citrus College coach & Hall of Famer, Skip Claprood:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 7
Why: Here is my position by position:
C Astros
1B Push
2B Push
3B Push
SS Astros
LF Push
CF Braves
RF Astros
SP Braves, McCullers is a huge loss.
RP Astros, any team that depends on Jesse Chavez is in trouble.
Maranatha coach, Matt Shupper:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 7
Why: The Astros could likely win this, but I could never pick them. Houston has the ability to play “small ball” move runners, steal bases, hit behind runners etc. The Braves offense is similar to the Dodgers. Hot and then goes cold, if they go cold. Astros win it.
Former Glendora coach, Dan Henley:
Winner: Houston
Games: 6
Why: I think Houston is a more complete club from top to bottom. Their young starting pitching has been solid thus far. PS: I am rooting for Atlanta.
Arcadia coach, Nick Lemas:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 6
Why: I’m picking Atlanta, because I don’t want Houston to win, even though I think they’re the better team.
South Hills coach, Darren Murphy:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 6
Why: I hate Houston, but I also think Atlanta’s bullpen steps up big when it counts.
PCC coach, Pat McGee:
Winner: Houston
Games: 6
Why: I think the Astros are just the deeper and more offensive team.
Bonita coach, Ryan Marcos:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 7
Why: The series won’t be the same without the Dodgers, but we all love to watch a competitive matchup and it looks it will be a battle. I am not rooting for any particular team but hopefully it goes 7 with some epic moments. It’s been 20 + years since the Braves took home the championship so I’m saying Braves in 7.
Mt. SAC coach, John Knott:
Winner: Houston
Games: 6
Why: It pains me as a Dodgers fan, but I do think the Astros are the deeper team and have a good mix of both left and right handed hitters
Ayala coach, Chris Vogt:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 5
Why: Houston are cheaters and I’ve always respected the way Atlanta plays, dating all the way back to the 1990’s with Smoltz, Glavine, Avery and Maddox.
Rio Hondo Prep coach, Mark Carson:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 7
Why: Although the Astros have home-field advantage and an incredible lineup, the Braves seem to be able to find a way to win games, and I think that will be the case here as well.
Former La Salle coach, Mike Solar:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 7
Why: I think it’s going to be a fun one to watch. It’s so hard to predict this stuff, because both teams are playing so well. The Tomahawk Chop will be roaring for games 3-5, and I’ve got the Braves in 7 (hope we get 7 games). I am just going with my gut.
Bonita pitcher, Luke Mistone:
Winner: Houston
Games: 6
Why: I think they want to show that they can win without cheating.
Former San Dimas/current UCR pitcher, Zach Jacobs:
Winner: Houston
Games: 6
Why: I won’t be rooting for them, but I think Houston is the better team.
Former Charter Oak/current Westmont College pitcher-outfielder, Chris Ceballos:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 6
Why: They are just a solid and better team than Houston and I think their lineup will do damage on the Astros pitchers.
Glendora pitcher/outfielder, Braydon Wooldridge:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 6
Why: The Braves bats are hot and I think they’ll continue to stay hot against Houston pitching. I also think their bullpen will shut the Astros down in late innings.
Northview shortstop, Dean Curley:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 6
Why: I have the Braves winning in six games, because I think they have a better pitching staff and defense wins championships.
Former Muir/current PCC shortstop, Amaris Harrison:
Winner: Atlanta
Games: 7
Why: I think that either team can win the World Series. If the Astros win, I believe it will happen in five or six games, but I’m thinking and hoping the Braves win, and if they do, it will be in seven games.
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