St. Louis ML +178. One unit. Kershaw is the best, but Wainwright is in the conversation. In fact, Wainwright pitched better than Kershaw in September, and is a "big game" pitcher without doubt. He might be the better competitor despite Kershaw's usual dominance. St. Louis also has the much deeper bullpen although with Kershaw on the mound it may not be a factor. I also think in the playoffs you can throw off much of the regular season stats, as if it's a new season. Lester and Shields both got knocked around, Scherzer lost, and certain hitters all of a sudden get hot. The Dodgers were hot again in the 2nd half, but St. Louis ended the season 19-9, and didn't play the hopeless Rockies, Cubs, and D-Backs almost every game, like LA did. The Cards looked awful vs. Boston in the WS last year, but it seemed as if god was on the Red Sox side, getting every break and making every play when needed. (Did Ortiz sell his soul?) But other than that, St. Louis has been a club of overachieving, fielding well, playing smart. The Dodgers are the team under pressure, and have the mercurial Puig to handle. I also think the +178 is a bargain considering all factors of this game. Kershaw never loses? He got hit hard in his last game of last year's playoffs.
