World Series Dream Matchups

Tigers vs Nationals

May 16, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) on the bench against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers vs. Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals are players playoff series are dreamed of. This series would pit two heavyweights slugging it out and not resting until they are the best. This would also pit Nats’ pitchers Max Scherzer and Doug Fister coming back to Motor City, Michigan and proving Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski that he made a mistake letting them slip through his fingers.

Of course, most fans are aware that in January of 2015, Scherzer left for Washington after signing a 7 year $210 million deal. Doug Fister left Detroit as part of a trade that sent Steve Lombardozzi and left handed pitchers Ian Krol and Robbie Ray to Detroit.

The Nationals are leading the National League East and appear destined for a trip to the World Series. The Nats have never been to the World Series, since their move from Montreal. The Tigers are always considered a threat in the American League Central but do have some stiff competition from the other divisional rivals first before they even think about the World Series. Playing around with potential fun series, this could be a match made that would entertain fans and leave them wanting more.

Next: Yankees vs Cardinals

Yankees vs Cardinals

Mar 22, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (28) talks with Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and former Yankees manager Joe Torre at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

This could be considered the “grandfather” series as they have both been playing the game for years. The Cardinals have won 11 World Series, 2 of them this century. In 2006, they defeated the Detroit Tigers in 5 games. They were led and driven by Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa. In 2011, LaRussa led the team once again to victory as they defeated the Texas Rangers in 7 games.

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Since 2011, managers have changed in St. Louis with LaRussa leaving for Arizona to join the Diamondbacks upper management. Ex Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny moved into the manager role, replacing LaRussa. Some players have moved on, most notably Albert Pujols, but the team has somehow managed to maintain their reign at the top of the National League Central.

The New York Yankees have won 27 World Series titles, the most among North American sports and 2 of them as well this century. In 2000, they beat their state rivals New York Mets in 5 games. They were led by herald messiah, Joe Torre. Life began without Torre in 2008. In 2009, manager Joe Girardi led the team to a title in 6 games over the Philadelphia Phillies. These Yankees may keep aging but don’t show signs of slowing down. The Cardinals lost pitcher Adam Wainwright and their youth have somehow pulled them through.

Next: Mets vs Yankees

Yankees vs Mets

2000 World Series Subway Series

For the state of New York, this would be considered fantastic! Subway series – part two. The New York Mets would love to get retribution for the Yankees defeating them on their home turf of Shea Stadium back in 2000.

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It was a special series for New Yorkers. The city of New York decorated some subway trains that ran on the 7 train (which went to Shea Stadium in Queens, home of the Mets) and 4 train (which went to the old Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, home of the Yankees).

The 7 trains were blue and orange and showed the Mets colors. The 4 trains were white with blue pinstripes and featured the Yankees’ colors. Subway rides were offered for free to fans lucky enough to attend the game. The Yankees went on to win their 26th World Series title in 5 games and why not have this series revisited 15 years later? Sure, they have both played each other since that wonderful World Series in interleague play. However, to have them battle it out for all the marbles and another World Series title, that would be special.

The Mets have not won the whole enchilada since 1986. That’s a long time ago! If the Mets management were to go out and add some pieces at the trade deadline, they could be taken more seriously. Both teams are leading their Eastern division rivals and are separated by mere percentage points.

Next: Angels vs Nationals

Angels vs Nationals

Oct 5, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (left) and manager Mike Socioscia (right) prior to game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

This could be considered a backup choice – if the Detroit Tigers facing the Washington Nationals don’t work out. The Nationals case has already been stated but can you imagine Bryce Harper versus Mike Trout of the Angels? That would be something incredible.

Bryce Harper’s 22 years old and considered one of the brightest and best players among the National League. As of May 27, 2015 he has hit 72 homeruns and driven in 191 since his debut in 2012. Mike Trout’s 23 years old and fans on the west coast are recognizing just how special a player he is for the Angels and a headache for the Angels opponent. He has hit 110 homeruns and driven in 333 RBI’s over his career heading into the month of June.

Manager Mike Scioscia has been a goldmine out in Los Angeles and has always maintained a deep roster of high price talent, egos that may need stroking and yet wins are always there at the end of the season. Scioscia’s won the AL Manager of the Year award twice with the Angels and won a World Series in 2002. Matt Williams joined the Nats’ in 2014 as their manager and it could be a Goliath in Scioscia vs. David in Williams as a battle of the baseball minds. You’ve got to love it!