The Cubs rank in the top four in both runs and batting average. They are going to an American League ballpark where the DH is in play. Chicago also gets to face one of the worst starters, Jake Junis, and a terrible Royals bullpen.

Junis hasn't been good in more than two months. His ERA since June is 7.33. He has surrendered 26 homers in 20 starts this season.

The Royals' offense has picked up. Kansas City is averaging five runs per game during its last five games and has scored four or more runs in 17 of its past 21 games.

Chicago starter Cole Hamels is well past his prime. This will be his second start with the Cubs. Obviously pumped up, he pitched well in his first start for Chicago against the Pirates. I don't think he will pitch nearly as well this time around. Before his last start, Hamels had yielded 21 earned runs in his previous four outings spanning 17 innings.

The Cubs' bullpen carries a high fatigue rating and their closer, Brandon Morrow, is on the DL.

The conditions are good, too, to produce a lot of runs with high humidity and the wind blowing out at 10-12 mph.