1988 WORD SERIES PREVIEW

Player Comparisons:

Santiago is the better catcher and his speed is a bonus for the position although Scioscia did have an errorless streak of 62 games during the 1988 MWWL season. Advantage MBB

On the MWWL leader boards Brett was 2^nd in average, 2^nd in on base, 4^th in slugging, 3^rd in hits, 3^rd in runs, first in doubles, 5^TH in RBI, and had the second longest hitting streak of the year at 23 games.  He also had a 91 errorless game streak. The only top 10 list in the MWWL Galarraga cracked was triples, where he was 2^nd with 12.  He did have the best errorless streak of the MWWL at 145 games.  Advantage CHI

The two second basemen are pretty evenly matched. Doran might be a little better offensively, but Lind did have error-less streak of 102 games during the 1988 MWWL season. Advantage EVEN

Both players are in the top 10 for fielding percentage and assists for shortstops. Dunston was 10^th in the league in triples. His power ability gives him a slight edged. Advantage MBB

 Boggs had a fabulous offensive year in the MWWL. He had the best average, the best on base, was 5^th in slugging, first in hits, first in runs, 2^nd in doubles, third in RBI, had the longest hitting streak of the year at 25 games, and also had the 3^rd best on base streak at 28 games. Utility player Wilkerson may have been the Bears best third basemen although if Williams connects with the ball he has a chance to hit it out of the park. Advantage CHI

During the 1988 MWWL season for the Demolition Davis had a 98 game error-less streak. Strawberry was 5^th in home runs, 2^nd in RBI, and tied for the best on base streak in the MWWL with Greenwell at 33 games.  Young was 3^rd in steals. During the Series he might play a bench role for a key pinch running situation. For the Bears Greenwell was 7^th in batting average, 3^rd in on base, 5^th in runs, and he had a 112 errorless game streak. Gwynn had a down year offensively, but did have a 96 errorless game streak.  Advantage CHI

Moseby and Evans might get all the starts at DH for Missouri as the Demolition project to have an all right-handed starting rotation. None of the 3 DH candidates for the Bears can match Phelps offensively for Chicago although Moseby is a good base stealer. Advantage CHI

Hershiser and Stewart tied for 2^nd most wins in the MWWL at 22 and they also tied for 2^nd in quality starts at 28. Hershiser had the 5^th lowest opponent’s batting average against for starters at .191. Stewart was 2^nd in innings pitched and has the 2^nd best quality start streak at 13 games. Clemens was 3rd in innings pitched, 3^rd in complete games, and led in strikeouts with 237. For the Bears Rasmussen held his opponents to a .195 average for 7^th best in the league.  Scott had the 4^th best ERA, 5^th most quality starts at 25, tied Stewart in quality start steak, had the longest shutout streak at 31 innings, and had the 4^th best batting average against at .185.  Three of the Demolitions starters had more wins during the year than the Bears. Advantage CHI

Howell was 2^nd best in the MWWL in relief wins with 10, Eckersley was 5^th best in Saves, and McMurtry had the most holds with 22.  The Chicago bullpen is the more likely of the two to get the big strikeout. Advantage CHI

Overall team stats and MWWL rankings:

Chicago makes a MWWL record 6^th World Series appearance and the Demolition look to tie Ft. Worth for most MWWL Championships in MWWL history with 3.  Missouri would be the 5^th multiple World Series winner if they defeat Chicago.

Based on the player comparison and the overall team statistical comparison Chicago should win this series in 5 or 6 games.  Missouri could pull off the upset if their pitching is able to cool the Demolition hitters and their offense is able to manufacture some extra runs.