Exhibit D: Underdogs
Many assumed the Chicago Cubs has the mojo to win the National League title. But the Mets defied the odds, like they’d done all season. Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
In our gambling-obsessed sports culture, it’s pretty easy to figure out who’s the favorite and who’s the underdog. As for this World Series, it’s virtually a pick ’em, although the Mets get the underdog nod on a few betting sites. This Series has all the makings of a seven-game barn burner, with extra-inning games, walk-off homers and amazing comebacks. Why should we pull for the Mets anyway? Because they were left for dead in July, when many writers and pundits assumed the World Series favorite Washington Nationals would pick up the pace and roll to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the defending American League champion Royals ran away with the Central. The Mets’ Phoenix-like rise in the second half makes them a cooler story.