2022 World Series - some thoughts

The Houston Astros have probably been declared the favorites where their excellence over the past 8-9 years will be rewarded with another World Series trophy - while MLB fans still consider the organization and practices shady, where they are still probably cheating one way or the other, another championship will have to be seen as a less unsavory accomplishment than one in 2017.

On the other hand, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Philadelphia Phillies bludgeon their way into a World Series title - I couldn't even watch most of the games because my streaming service didn't have FS1, but Rhys Hoskins was on fire and NLCS MVP Bryce Harper delivered on cue.

With their 'band box' of a ballpark, no lead was ever safe - in their National League Championship Series against the San Diego Padres.

Back in 2019, I enjoyed what would become a World Series championship run by the Washington Nationals after Harper bolted for the Phillies - maybe it was a big [statement] for the Nationals to win despite not having this hot shot superstar lead them.

If Harper had continued to put up numbers and the Phillies continued to flounder, maybe that would be ideal where I didn't always like the player [who may be cocky, arrogant, and gave people reasons to hate on him] - but perhaps it's time for Harper to come full circle, from his Sports Illustrated cover in high school to all the years he has starred in the major leagues, with some great years and kind of up-and-down seasons.

If he wins the World Series, maybe he vaults up to just a higher sentiment than certain other guys who haven't won it yet - it's the case already I guess, but Harper wouldn't have anything more to prove in his MLB career if he ends up hoisting the WS trophy above his head.

Maybe it's sort of the perfect situation for Dusty Baker to finally be a manager of a World Series championship team - where for all the thunder the Phillies have shown, the Astros are considered the best team in baseball.

On the other hand, this World Series could be another close, but no cigar set-ups for the long respected professional baseball lifer - where things happen [during in game situations, in these postseason matchups] and his 2022 Astros ends up being another great Baker led team that doesn't take the final step to a World Series championship.

I think I expect another glum, post series interview with some national baseball writer at the end of this - but cautiously optimistic, where Baker's Astros play well enough and follow through with a championship celebration instead.