MLB's 5 Dream World Series Matchups

This baseball season has been an interesting one and not a whole lot has gone according to the plan of the baseball "experts". Technically I was not much better myself with my picks. However, I think we can all agree that MLB has some dreamy World Series matchups still available and they are mostly between a few teams. For this season, their top 5 matchups are still available. I will break down each one and state why it is the dream matchup for the league.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers v. New York Yankees
This matchup engages both coasts. It pits the team that everybody loves to hate against the team with the pitcher that everybody loves. This is the game of the two franchises that typically spend the most money. The teams that are supposed to be there that never end up there at the same time. When you put Kershaw against ARod, a lot of people will want to tune in.

4. Chicago Cubs v. New York Yankees
The lovable osers against the evil empire. The cursed team against the team that curses opponents. The team that has won more than 20 championships against the team that never wins. These are two of MLB's top franchises and the story-lines write themselves.

3. Washington Nationals v. Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim
Trout v. Harper. Enough said.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers v. Toronto Blue Jays
Two of the games best pitchers against the games best lineup. A matchup between two countries. A true World Series. A team ending the longest playoff drought in American sports heading to the World Series to take on baseball's highest payroll. Price v. Kershaw. Tulowitski in the World Series. There is just so much potential here.

1. Chicago Cubs v. Toronto Blue Jays
Same as the previous matchup except add the Cubs cursed history to it. This matchup would have eyeballs galore. People want to see the Cubs and Blue Jays square off in the World Series. This World Series would be mega $$$$ for MLB.

Now, all of these would be $$$$ for MLB, but that last one (last two actually) would be on a different level IMO.

-Noland

Orioles Beat Blue Jays, AGAIN!

The Toronto Blue Jays have not fared well against the Orioles this season. Baltimore did another fantastic job last night beating the Jays 5-2. Reimold returned to the lineup and Matusz finally had a solid start.

Nolan Reimold went 1 for 5 in his return and is now hitting .353. Nick Markakis went 3 for 4 and really played a terrific all around game. Markakis also scored a run. Adam Jones finished off the solid night for the outfield with a home run in a 2 for 4 performance from him. Jones is now hitting .316. Chris Davis also went 1 for 3 as he added to his home run total. The story was not the bats though, it was the pitching.

Brian Matusz got his first quality start of the season. Matusz went 6 innings and gave up 2 runs. He actually gave the Orioles a chance to win. While he did not get the win, You could say that he deserved a win and say it with a straight face. Neither of the runs Matusz gave up were earned and one of them came because of a really bad play by Nick Johnson.

Darren O'Day picked up the win for the Orioles moving to 2-0 on the season. O'Day has been a terrific pickup for the Orioles and lowered his ERA to 0.90. Luis Ayala was not to be outdone as he picked up the save and continues his solid pitching. Ayala has an ERA of 0.00. Hopefully the bullpen keeps it up because this is fantastic.

More good news comes in the form of Jim Johnson and Robert Andino. Andino is expected back today and Johnson shortly thereafter. The corresponding roster move is not necessarily Jason Berken going back to Norfolk, it could be a DL move for Kevin Gregg. Who wouldn't love that?

Nick Johnson continues to disappoint for the Orioles. The critical error last night and another 0 for 3 performance. Johnson and Gregg are really holding this team back right now. If they continue to be dead weight, this can't go on much longer.

-Noland

Short Handed Orioles Pull Out the Win

Despite missing their closer and third baseman and left fielder, the Orioles pulled out a 2-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Earlier today I predicted that Pedro Strop would be the closer. I was right and Pedro Strop picked up his first save of the season. Strop can throw the baseball. I like the combo of him and Johnson at the back of the bullpen. He was a key part of the victory tonight.

The biggest key was the amazing play of the catcher. Matt Wieters is simply the best in the game. He called a brilliant game and helped Tommy Hunter give up only one run. Wieters also helped the O's bullpen throw three scoreless innings. Most of all though, Wieters hit his 6th home run in a game where runs were at a premium. Do not mess with Wieters.

Down on the farm, Dylan Bundy threw four more perfect innings at Delmarva. This guy is going to be really dang good.
-Noland