Tigers, Guardians, Brewers, Padres … does anyone really want them in the World Series? With all due respect to these teams and their fans–you made the dance, good for you–this year we really need the big boys battling it out.

Dodgers, Yankees. These are the icons of baseball. They’ve got the likely 2024 MVPs, Aaron Judge of the Yankees and do-anything-and-everything Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers.

And the TV suits have to be salivating for Dogs-Yanks. Three of the top five most-viewed World Series have been the Yankees vs the Dodgers, in 1977, 1978 and 1981.

Meanwhile, most of the LEAST-viewed Series have occurred in the past five years. Those ‘thrillers’ have included Rangers, Diamondbacks, Braves, Astros and Phillies. Fine franchises all, but c’mon, we have a chance for YANKEES-DODGERS.

The top three players in OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) are in pinstripes or Dodger blue:

• Aaron Judge (Yankees): 58 home runs, 144 RBI, 1.159 OPS
• Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): 54 HR, 130 RBI, 59 stolen bases, 1.036 OPS
• Juan Soto (Yankees): 41 HR, 109 RBI, .988 OPS

And the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman rank 15th and 16th.

The Yankees and Dodgers rank first and third in runs scored. Sure, their pitching isn’t amazing, but don’t we watch baseball mostly for offense? C’mon.

Judge is going to win his second AL MVP award. Ohtani will win the NL MVP to go with his two AL MVPs from his years on the Angels. Betts won the AL MVP with the Red Sox in 2018. Freeman won the MVP with the Braves in 2020. Do you get the point by now?

Yeah, some of you probably hate these teams. We get it. We don’t particularly like them much ourselves. Maybe you’re more into these sappy storylines:

Detroit Tigers: Can they win their first title since 1984?

Let’s be real, Detroit fans. It’s been a while since your team had any real glory. The Tigers’ last World Series win was in 1984 when mullets were in style, Reagan was president, and people thought Atari was peak technology. Now, here we are in 2024, and the Tigers are trying to claw their way to a championship. Can they finally break the drought and give Detroit something other than car trouble to talk about? Maybe. Or maybe the heartbreak will continue. Either way, buckle up – it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

San Diego Padres: Can they win their first title ever? Can the city of San Diego actually get a championship parade finally (we’re looking at you, Chargers and Clippers)?

Ah, the Padres. The team that always feels like it’s on the verge of something great…until it’s not. San Diego has been thirsting for a championship parade for what seems like forever. And honestly, who can blame them? The Chargers packed their bags and moved to L.A., and the Clippers didn’t bring home any rings in their six mostly pathetic seasons in SD. So, is 2024 the year the Padres finally do the thing? Can they give this sun-soaked city a parade that doesn’t involve Comic-Con? Stay tuned. This could either be the Padres’ coronation or just another chapter in their long, sad saga of almost-but-not-quite.

Cleveland Guardians: 76 years and counting …

Americans were celebrating winning World War II that last time the Guardians (they were the ‘Indians’ back then) celebrated winning the World Series. We’re talking 1948. Heck, the Cold War was basically in its sad infancy at that point. Since then, Cleveland has flirted with glory a few times only to be denied, losing the WS to the Giants in ’54, the Braves in ’95 the Marlins in ’97 and the Cubs in 2016. At least the Indians/Guardians have been in the final two — the cross-town Browns haven’t even been to the Super Bowl.

New York Mets: They pulled off miracles in 1969 and 1986. Can they do it again?

Oh, the Mets. The team that always manages to teeter between “tragic disaster” and “absolute miracle.” 1969 was the Miracle Mets, 1986 was the year of Mookie’s magic, and since then? Well, let’s just say there’s been more disappointment than miracle-working. But could 2024 be another year where the stars align, the baseball gods smile, and the Mets pull off the impossible? It’s the Mets – anything’s possible. Just don’t hold your breath, New York. You’ve been hurt before.

Milwaukee Brewers: Packers and Bucks have repped Wisconsin well with championships. You finally in, Brew Crew?

Alright, Brewers fans. The Packers have done their part. The Bucks even brought home an NBA title. But the Brewers? They’ve been the bridesmaid, never the bride. Could 2024 be the year the Brew Crew finally crashes the championship party and gives Wisconsin another reason to drink beer (as if you needed one)? Or will the Brewers once again find a way to brew up some disappointment? If they can’t deliver this time, the cheeseheads might have to stick to football and basketball for their championship fix.

And of course, the inevitable showdown:

You kind of get where we’re coming from. Give us Dodgers-Yankees. The best sluggers in baseball. The biggest names, the biggest histories. Let’s do this.