Some factors I am watching going into game 1.
1) Do we get World Series JV, who hasn't always been that great?. This is obviously a chance to cement his legacy so I'm hoping we see him at his best. Two stellar starts from him would put the Astros in the drivers seat. In a tight series, three JV starts not out of the question as he would have gone on short rest in game 4 against the Mariners. The Astros lost in 2019 with 4 starts from Verlander and Cole, when those two were unstoppable all year long, so who knows.
2) The Phillies not great on defense, but this hasn't come up yet in the playoffs. It's the kind of thing that gets magnified though in the biggest moments.
3) Harper has been unstoppable but Astros pitching depth and strategy is their strength. They will have a plan for Harper.
4) Cold weather in Philly might hurt Astro pitchers more as they spin the ball more than most.
Really should be a great Series. I have tickets to games 6 and 7 but guess I'm hoping it doesn't come to that.
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