The World Series starts tonight in Houston. It should be a great battle between two offensively-minded teams.

MLB.com’s Mike Petriello breaks down the position-by-position advantages.

Catcher

Houston’s Martin Maldonado verses Atlanta’s Travis d’Arnaud:

Advantage: Astros

First base

Houston’s Yuli Gurriel verses Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman:

Advantage: Braves

Second base

Houston’s Jose Altuve verses Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies:

Advantage: Astros

Shortstop

Houston’s Carlos Correa verses Atlanta’s Dansby Swanson:

Advantage: Astros

Third base

Houston’s Alex Bregman verses Atlanta’s Austin Riley:

Advantage: Braves

Left field

Houston’s Michael Brantley verses Atlanta’s Eddie Rosario:

Advantage: Astros

Center field
Houston’s Chas McCormick verses Atlanta’s Adam Duvall:

Advantage: Braves

Right field
Houston’s Kyle Tucker verses Atlanta’s Joc Pederson or Jorge Soler:

Advantage: Astros

Designated hitter
Houston’s Yordon Alvarez verses Atlanta’s Jorge Soler or Joc Pederson:

Advantage: Astros

Starting pitchers

Houston’s Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, and Zack Greinke verses Atlanta’s Max Fried, Ian Anderson, and Charlie Morton:

Advantage: Braves

Bullpen 

Advantage: Astros

So, if you go by this, Houston has the advantage in seven of the eleven positions.

But there is always the Eddie Rosario or Ozzie Albies who steps up in big situations and makes a name for himself. Houston’s Chas McCormick could be that guy too.

Here is Petriello’s full breakdown for each position.

This is it. Today’s the day. Let the Series begin. 

*****
TODAY’S GAME: