Astros/Dodgers rematch could be preview of another World Series

Last year, the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers faced off in World Series. They will encounter each other this weekend for the first time since then. And it could be an appetizer for this year’s World Series matchup.

Astros pitcher Charlie Morton watched his last pitch turn into a groundout to second base. It clinched Houston’s first-ever World Series championship.

Fans will reminisce about the prestigious moments that occurred throughout last October and November. And those memories will return this weekend when the Astros and Dodgers meet in an encore of last year’s ultimate matchup.

What’s even more surprising is that the two clubs may have a rematch this postseason. At least, that’s what the current odds expect.

And each of the three affairs are must-watch matchups for any baseball fan.

Los Angeles suffered what seemed like a World Series hangover, at one point boasting a lowly 16-26 record. But not long after that, the Dodgers returned to .500.

Now, with an augmented crew, Los Angeles is the favorite in the National League West and arguably the entire NL. That’s because they acquired superstar Manny Machado and a few other solid veterans.

Also, the Dodgers happen to have a top-five pitching staff as well, along with a top-10 offense overall. Though the front office didn’t make a move for a top-tier starter, the rotation is strong enough to make another deep postseason run.

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Meanwhile, the Astros didn’t struggle in the beginning of the season – Dallas Keuchel was right. And they once again possess one of the best records in the American League.

Yet, even though Boston has a far-better record, Houston owns the league’s best pitching staff. Its starting rotation is the best one that baseball fans have seen in a long time.

Though the offense won’t look as star-studded as it typically is, it can still pack a punch. Budding stars like Alex Bregman and veteran contributors like George Springer will bring back bad memories for Dodgers pitchers.

The three-game series will be entertaining to watch, but it won’t be an identical rematch. New faces will scour the field for each team. Some, like Gerrit Cole, will take the bump against Los Angeles for the first time in a Houston jersey.

Whichever team may be seen as the new favorites. Of course, it won’t necessarily affect each team’s path into the playoffs.

And by October, fans might see the two teams back in the World Series for a second-straight year.