The Dodgers-Yankees World Series is a dream matchup for the MLB and its fans

In addition to Judge's MVP-caliber season, the big story for the Yankees this season was Soto, who came to New York via a trade with San Diego before the season began. So many star transplants have had problems after the pinstripes were applied, but Soto was no wilted flower. His three-run home run in the 10th inning was the decisive blow that defeated the Cleveland Guardians in five games, and he is on pace to become one of the highest-paid players in the game's history this offseason. Will that be the case for the Yankees? That remains to be seen. He could choose to take his talents elsewhere, perhaps to New York's other franchise, the extremely deep-pocketed Mets, or build a legacy in pinstripes.

Is it crazy to think that with enough storylines for a documentary, the Dodgers and Yankees could average 35 to 40 million viewers per game? If you look at the way the schedule is set up for the best-of-seven series, it's not crazy. It should have high viewership if we continue to believe in baseball as America's pastime.

Ohtani's record-breaking season began with a whirlwind of controversy after it was discovered that his then-interpreter and friend Ippei Mizuhara had stolen $17 million from the Japanese star that was used for sports betting. Mizuhara later pleaded guilty. In what caused a collective sigh of relief among fans, MLB determined that Ohtani was a victim and was in no way involved in the gambling controversy.

The Dodgers won the 2020 World Series with some of the same players. That was the Covid-shortened season that included just 60 regular-season games and neutral sites in the postseason. But just one World Series for manager Dave Roberts with such a stellar group of players could be considered a disappointment, considering he won eight division titles in Los Angeles and this is his fourth trip to the World Series. The Dodgers somewhat resemble Bobby Cox's Braves teams of the 1990s. Cox reached the playoffs eight times this decade and appeared in five World Series appearances, winning only one.

These are just a few of the storylines this series begins Friday in Los Angeles. This could be the series that pushes baseball back behind the NFL as the most popular sport in the country. The two biggest teams from the two biggest markets. Could they deliver an all-time classic? Everything points to yes. But that's why they play the games.