Quinn Daly, Editor-in-Chief

My heart tells me the Boston Red Sox have the offense to carry the team through the postseason, but I know deep down that the pitching staff is not up to par with what’s required to make a deep run. The young trio of Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. have revived the Sox offense and returned credibility to the old school style of bringing players up through the farm system. With Betts and Bradley Jr. posting hitting streaks of 25 games and more this season, the pitching staff has not been at a loss for run support. Similarly, David Ortiz’s MVP caliber season has breathed new life into the Fenway Faithful. The story book ending to Big Papi’s 20-year career would be a Peyton-esque ride into the sunset after winning the World Series. Even with a league-leading offense, however, I’m doubtful the young pitching staff, and underwhelming “ace,” David Price, can get the job done.

I think the Sox could make it through the American League gauntlet, but ultimately fall to the National League champ, who undoubtedly will be the Chicago Cubs. With the third-ranked offense in the league, and a top-ranked pitching staff that features Jake Arrieta and former Red Sox ace, Jon Lester, I think the Cubs have the balance of a championship-caliber team. Look for them to coast through the early rounds of the National League playoffs and win their first world series since 1908.

J.T. Mehr, Sports Editor

The MLB season is in full force, and there are several teams that stand out in both the National and American Leagues. After the trade deadline, there is one team that was able to set itself apart from others in the National League – the Chicago Cubs. While the Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908, the longest current World Series drought of any team in MLB, they were able to acquire star relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees, filling one of their biggest needs. Chapman is known for his high speed two and four seam fastballs, consistently clocking in at over 100 mph. The bullpen rotation also appears to be performing well with all-star veterans Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester. In addition to the bullpen, the Cubs have seen strong seasons from hitters Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist, with all of the players driving in 60 RBI’s or more. The Cubs have benefitted from keeping a fairly healthy roster at this point in the season, which will be paramount to their chances of winning the World Series. 

If the franchise is able to stay healthy down the stretch, people should not be surprised by the possibility of the team winning their first title since the early 20th century. The Cubs are currently listed as favorites to win the World Series with six-to-one odds. Other favorites include the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, who have fourteen-to-one and sixteen-to-one odds, respectively. 

Henry Marshall, Sports Editor

The team to watch as the 2016 MLB season nears the postseason is the Cleveland Indians. 2016 has a been a big year for Cleveland, with the Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship. This season’s Indians ball club is young and talented. The team has a commanding lead over the American League Central at 70-50 and is 6 wins ahead of the trailing Detroit Tigers. Mike Napoli has been the driving force behind the team’s offense, with 29 homeruns and 86 RBI’s on the season. Other talent includes third baseman Jose Ramirez, who has led the ball club to some key wins. With 22 hits with 2 outs and runners in scoring position, he has been extremely clutch. 

The Indians have a very winnable schedule in the remaining weeks of August and September. Aside from a series against the red-hot Texas Rangers, they face the struggling Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics and White Sox, all of whom are teams that the Indians can easily sweep. The last time the Cleveland Indians won the World Series was almost 60 years ago in 1948. However, the team clinched a Wild Card playoff berth in 2013 and Central Division Title in 2007. Under the leadership of manager Terry Francona, the Cleveland Indians are a team to keep an eye on and have the potential to bring another championship to Cleveland.