The 2023 World Series preview

·44 min·4 clips

Mike Petriello and Matt Meyers preview the 2023 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers, two teams no one expected to be here.

The episode begins with hosts Mike Petriello and Matt Meyers introducing the unexpected World Series matchup between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers. They discuss the recent League Championship Series, noting both went to seven games, with the Diamondbacks overcoming a 2-0 deficit against the Phillies. The hosts analyze the Phillies' downfall, pointing to key players like Trey Turner and Nick Castellanos struggling, and a bizarre bunt attempt in Game 7. They highlight Bryce Harper's quote about his near-home run, illustrating modern players' analytical approach. The conversation shifts to whether the Diamondbacks are a fluke, with references to Anthony Castrovince's article and the team's ability to capitalize on rule changes. The bulk of the episode is a position-by-position breakdown, starting with catchers Gabrielle Moreno and Jonah Heim, where Moreno gets a slight edge due to his postseason performance. At first base, Christian Walker is favored over Nathaniel Lowe despite Walker's playoff struggles. Second base sees Ketel Marte compared to Marcus Semien, with Marte's NLCS MVP performance noted. Shortstop is a mismatch, with Corey Seager as the clear advantage for the Rangers. Third base favors Josh Jung over Evan Longoria, who has a weak postseason history. The outfield comparisons include Evan Carter versus Robbie Grossman, Leody Taveras versus Alek Thomas, and Corbin Carroll versus Adolis García, with García's power giving him an edge. Designated hitter is a push between Mitch Garver and Tommy Pham. Starting pitching is analyzed, with Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi for Texas versus Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly for Arizona, and depth questions around Max Scherzer and Brandon Pfaadt. Bullpens are considered weak, but Arizona's unit, featuring Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald, is preferred over Texas's. The episode ends with predictions: Meyers picks the Diamondbacks in seven with Christian Walker as MVP, while Petriello chooses the Rangers in seven with Corey Seager as MVP.

As heard by us

A grounded World Series preview that finds real stakes in the unexpected Rangers-Diamondbacks matchup.

Ballpark Dimensions treats the Rangers-Diamondbacks World Series as a strange, lower-wattage matchup, but not an empty one. Mike Petriolo and Matt Myers use the seven-game NLCS and ALCS as a clean way in, then move through Arizona and Texas by matchup, weighing where each club…

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Why you'd press play

You get an unexpected Rangers-Diamondbacks World Series preview that treats the matchup as more than a surprise.

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