Root, Root, Root For the Phillies

Half of the 2022 World Series matchup is no surprise, but the other team fired their manager after a slow start to the year. It will be the mighty Houston Astros with home-field advantage as they take on the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies.

Even though the Cubs have been done playing for weeks, there are still plenty of reasons to tune into the World Series. For Cubs fans that are going to be watching, all of the cheering should be for the Philadelphia Phillies.

The World Series has turned into the annual Houston Astros showcase, and they are a big favorite against the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia has been a great story in the postseason though, and it would be a blast to see them win the title.

The Phillies also have one of the most beloved Cubs of all time on their roster, and he is going to show up big in this series.

Schwarber Still Clutch in Postseason

Kyle Schwarber is known for belting home run balls a long way, especially when it comes time for the postseason. Schwarber belted a 488-foot blast off of Yu Darvish in the NLCS, and the ball might still be traveling through the air.

With the Cubs, Schwarber made one of the most miraculous comebacks of all time and then helped the Cubs win the World Series over the Cleveland Indians. The Cubs made a mistake letting Schwarber go, but it’s great to see him getting another chance to lead a team in the postseason.

Nick Castellanos is also in the middle of the order for the Phillies, and all he did was rake when he was acquired by the Cubs.

Astros Did it Better Than Cubs

Heading into 2015, there was a big debate about if the Cubs or the Astros were building the better team. That debate stuck around for a few years, but it’s just no contest anymore, as the Cubs haven’t been able to keep up.

The Astros are a joy to watch, but that doesn’t mean that they should be celebrated and anointed. This team still won a World Series under pretty sketchy circumstances, as they were caught cheating to get it done.

Another reason to root against the Astros is that they are managed by Dusty Baker. Sure, Baker is a former Cubs manager, but he was also responsible for running both Mark Prior and Kerry Wood into the ground.

Cubs Got Next in 2023

You aren’t going to see many people picking the Cubs to win the World Series next season, but they should absolutely be in the mix. The Cubs should use the Phillies as a blueprint for success and go out and get as much offensive talent as possible in the offseason.

There is just so much randomness in the MLB Playoffs (besides the Astros) that just getting into the field at least gives the Cubs a chance. It’s been miserable watching the playoffs yet again without seeing the Cubs fans pack Wrigley Field.