From 10 to eight and now from eight to four, the MLB playoffs feel like they just started and yet are already winding down as the teams move on to the championship series. With a group of four teams remaining that don't have the same pedigree as some of their league rivals, it is anyone's game, and the casual fan has plenty to cheer for.
The Mets haven't been the most lucrative team when it comes to postseason success, with their crosstown counterparts, the New York Yankees, casting a large shadow over the franchise. With only four appearances in the World Series itself—the last coming in 2000—and two titles in the club's history, Mets fans have to be desperate to end their drought and bring back another title.
But whatever pain the Mets might have suffered in the 29 years since they took down the Red Sox, it pales in comparison to the Chicago Cubs and their long-suffering yet incredibly passionate fanbase.
With no World Series appearances since 1945 and no titles since 1908, the Cubs have watched as their fellow unlucky ballclub, the Red Sox, became a semi-dynasty in the 2000s, hoping success would find its way to Wrigley Field.
It has yet to come, but after a surprising 3-1 National League Division Series win against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs will be hoping to overcome the Mets and find their way back to the top, cursed goat or not.
Here is a viewing guide for Game 1 along with ticket info and the live stream:
Cubs vs. Mets Game 1 Guide
Where: Citi Field in Flushing, New York
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, at 8:07 p.m. ET
Tickets: ScoreBig.com
TV: TBS
Live Stream: Watch TBS
Prediction
It doesn't get talked about a whole lot, but an argument can be made that the acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers was the most impactful midseason move that didn't occur in Toronto. The Mets were atrocious offensively and needed something to turn things around if they wanted to seriously challenge for a World Series.
He did have a lot of help—notably Curtis Granderson, Daniel Murphy and David Wright—but Cespedes turned the Mets from a baseball team that solely relied on its pitching to one that could outscore its opponents as well.
But as much as New York has improved since the trade deadline, it is tough to match what the Chicago Cubs' young lineup of hitters is capable of. Powered by superstar rookies Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber as well as superstar Anthony Rizzo, Chicago is one of the toughest teams to pitch against in the majors.
Even without an injured Addison Russell, who will miss the entire series with a strained hamstring, the Cubs are an offensive juggernaut and are more than capable of putting up huge numbers against the Mets young, albeit talented, pitching rotation.
On the mound, it is hard to tell who has a distinct advantage. The Mets are trotting out ace Matt Harvey, who was No. 6 in the NL with a 2.71 ERA and No. 12 with 188 strikeouts during the regular season, while the Cubs are turning to Jon Lester, who, despite putting up his fourth-best season in terms of ERA with 3.34 to go along with 207 strikeouts, was largely overshadowed by the brilliance of Jake Arrieta.
Harvey might have had the better season and look slightly better on paper, but there is something to be said for having the experience to handle the rigours of the postseason, and Lester has a much better resume in that department than his young opponents.
Having started 13 postseason games with the Red Sox, Athletics and now Cubs, Lester knows a thing or two about postseason baseball. His 2.66 career ERA in the playoffs is phenomenal and makes it hard to bet against the veteran. Over a full series, the youthful Mets rotation might carry an advantage, but in Game 1, Lester is the safer bet.
Joe Maddon's willingness to do whatever it takes to win and lack of hesitance to pull his starter if he is struggling gives the Cubs a slight edge in the bullpen as well, although Mets closer Jeurys Familia has been lights out in the postseason.
Under the lights of Citi Field, with emotions riding high after the hard-fought series against the Dodgers, it is hard to count out the Mets opening the series up with a win, especially if Harvey plays like he did in his start against the Dodgers.
But there is something about this Cubs team and all of its talented hitters that feels like this could be the year where the curse is lifted and fans in the Windy City celebrate. At least for one night against the Mets, Chicago comes out on top and wins Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
Prediction: Cubs 5, Mets 3
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