Both the Cubs and the Mets are two of the youngest teams in Major League Baseball. Now they are playing for the right to move on to the World Series.
Making the NLCS matchup that much more interesting is the different styles in which each team was constructed. The Mets chose to build up around young, live arms. While the Cubs are flush with big bats.
Each style has paid off for the clubs, most noticeably in the postseason. The Cubs broke records with their slugging during the NLDS against the Cardinals. Not only were they hitting home runs at a ridiculous pace, it was the young players leading the way.
10 HRs have been hit by players under 24 years of age this #postseason - the @Cubs are responsible for 7 of them. pic.twitter.com/hFc0AfAH9q
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 14, 2015
On the other side of the ledger, the Mets starting pitchers forced the Dodgers to play small ball.
Mets SP: 0 HR allowed in 29 1/3 IP in LDS. Only other NL rotation to allow 0 HR in at least 25 IP in a single LDS - 2014 Giants.
— currently out of nuggets (@jayhaykid) October 16, 2015
There is a lot that goes into every series, but if either team can enforce their style of play on the other will have a huge advantage in the NLCS.
The series starts Saturday in New York. The Cubs will send Jon Lester to the mound against Matt Harvey.