We're just one day away from Game One of the World Series. As we get closer Sports Director, Andy Baskin shares his thoughts.
1. It's hard to believe the Indians and Cubs will start the World Series in less than 24 hours. I’ve done a bunch of radio and internet shows across the country over the past 24 hours. Most people are confident that the Cubs are going to win. On paper, it looks that way. I still believe most people across the country are looking to be educated about the Indians. We won’t know what this is going to look like until Kenny Lofton throws out the first pitch. The Indians have nothing to lose.
2. I keep thinking back to the 1995 World Series and the 2007 NBA Finals. The Indians in ’95 seemed to be taken by surprise at the number of media covering the event. It seemed like the ’95 Indians, and the ’07 Cavs were just happy to make it to the finish line. It will be interesting see how two teams that have four combined World Series championships react to the brightest lights of the World Series.
3. Two things still amaze me about the World Series. The first is how dumb it is that the winner of the All-Star game has home field advantage and the second is that either you have a designated hitter or you don’t. It’s the oldest argument in baseball. I’m just trying to figure out if the Indians will sit Mike Napoli or Carlos Santana when they play at Wrigley Field. The only thing that makes it a little better is in interleague play during the season. They need one system.
4. I give the Cavs credit for moving the game time and the championship banner raising ceremony to 7:00 and 7:30. Cavs want you in your seats by 6:45. Fans at the game will be able to see what the Cavs championship ring looks like on their finger by downloading an app they call it “augmented reality.” It’s amazing how both Gateway franchises are embracing the winning ways for the fans. Bravo to both teams.
5. Just for fun, I keep looking at tickets prices on Stubhub. Game one in Cleveland starts at $750.00 and ends at $6,000.00. In contrast, game three tickets at Wrigley Field start at $1,989.00 for standing room and end at $38,000.00 for a dugout suite. It makes me wonder how many Cubs fans will be at Progressive Field for games one and two?
