The Mets and Kansas City Royals play Game 1 of the 2015 World Series on Tuesday, K.C. clinching the American League pennant Friday night with a win over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 6 of the ALCS. (New York swept the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.)
For the Mets, it’s their first trip to the Series since 2000; the Royals lost in seven games to the San Francisco Giants last season.
Kansas City has home field advantage thanks to the American League winning the All-Star Game this summer.
Games 3, 4, and 5 (the last if necessary) will be at Citi Field, in Queens; the first two and final two (also if necessary) will be at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
Which team has the advantage? Who will win?
See below for several experts’ takes and opinions on a Series set to be a good one, starting with who a former Mets pitcher thinks should start Game 1:
Today’s @NYDNSports back page as Doc Gooden says @Mets should start with @MattHarvey33 | https://t.co/QqyZGVDcya pic.twitter.com/V66luEO78h
— NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) October 24, 2015
The Mets have 5 days off between the NLCS and the World Series. 5 of the last 6 teams with 5 or more days off went on to lose the WS.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 24, 2015
Should be a great matchup. Mets bring the heat. KC applies the pressure EVERY inning. Can’t wait.
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) October 24, 2015
This World Series is going to be one of the best ever. KC hitters quality AB’s vs Mets stud arms. Prediction epic 7 game series. Stay tuned!
— Al Leiter (@Al_Leiter22) October 24, 2015
The Mets are built around starters & K’s. The Royals are built around bullpen & contact. Perfect matchup. Whose strengths win out?
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 24, 2015
#Royals look like a team with unfinished business after last Oct. Going to pressure #Mets in number of areas, especially defensively.
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) October 24, 2015
The 2015 World Series starts on October 27: – 30th anniversary of the last Royals WS title – 29th anniversary of the last Mets WS title
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 24, 2015
More from @paul_hembo: Average Fastball Velocity in Championship Series Royals – 96.2 Mets – 95.5 Blue Jays – 92.3 Cubs – 91.9
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 19, 2015
Mets pitching against a Royals team that doesn’t strike out will be fun.
— Mike Axisa (@mikeaxisa) October 24, 2015
VIDEO: Post-game interview with #Royals‘ Moustakas (while he is holding a certain trophy…. https://t.co/jhQQxMeTh4
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 24, 2015
Nailed it. https://t.co/mnlinof2Qi
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) October 24, 2015
In Spring training the #Mets were 40-1 to win #WorldSeries & #Royals were 22-1. Via @BleacherReport
— Robert Raiola, CPA (@SportsTaxMan) October 24, 2015
Ryan Hatch may be reached at rhatch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanhatch. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
