Playoff baseball is one of my favorite things. In no other sport does the game change quite like it does in baseball. Starters have the shortest of short leashes, some even come out of the bullpen> Plus, you can get crazy plays to end games like Kolten Wong getting picked off to end a 2 run game, or the Cardinals winning game 3 of that same series because of obstruction. The intensity of playoff baseball will have people on the edge of their seats regardless of what team they follow. I think the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the best thing in American sports, but the MLB playoffs are close behind because in both, anything can happen. The NBA has become too predictable in recent years, and the NFL has the Patriots (I’m not complaining about that in the slightest, merely pointing out that there is often less intrigue for the neutral fans). This year the playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most exciting Octobers in years. I will be posting a National League preview today, and an American League preview tomorrow for the Division Series. Please note that making the Wild Card Game is NOT considered making the playoffs. I’m just stating facts here.
NLDS Series #1
Dodgers (1) vs. Nationals (4)
Key Starters:
LAD: Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson, Max Muncy, Justin Turner
WSH: Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Trea Turner
Key Pitchers:
LAD: Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Walker Buehler, Kenley Jansen
WSH: Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, Stephen Strasburg, Daniel Hudson
Possible Impact Players:
LAD: David Freese, Gavin Lux, Joe Kelly
WSH: Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Eaton, Michael A. Taylor
The Dodgers are looking to make it back to the World Series for the third straight season. The Nats are just trying to get past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. On paper this is a pretty one sided series, with the Dodgers finishing the regular season with an NL best 106 wins. However the Nationals do have a very good starting rotation, with Corbin getting the nod in game one. Look for playoff legend David Freese to make an impact in that game, and further games down the road as a pinch hitter against lefties in the Nats bullpen. The Dodgers just have too much talent for the Nationals, but an excellent rotation will steal the Nats a game. Dodgers in 4 .
NLDS Series #2
Braves (2) vs Cardinals (3)
Key Starters:
ATL: Ronald Acuna Jr., Freddie Freeman, Josh Donaldson, Ozzie Albies
STL: Paul Goldschmidt, Dexter Fowler, Yadier Molina, Tommy Edman
Key Pitchers:
ATL: Dallas Keuchel, Mike Foltynewicz, Mike Soroka, Mark Melancon
STL: Jack Flaherty, Dakota Hudson, Giovanny Gallegos, Carlos Martinez
Possible Impact Players:
ATL: Matt Joyce, Sean Newcomb, Johan Camargo, Nick Markakis
STL: Adam Wainwright, Harrison Bader, Kolten Wong, Jose Martinez
This could very well end up as the best divisional round matchup. Both teams have a lot of very talented young players, and are looking to return to contention. These two teams were probably the best two NL teams of the 2000s decade, and I am really enjoying their resurgence. This is their first postseason matchup since the infield fly game in 2012. I think the Braves certainly have an edge on offense, but at this time of year, pitching, baserunning and defense are often the most important. The Cardinals led the league in stolen bases this season, and Yadi Molina might be the game’s best baserunner. The Redbirds also have the better pitching staff from top to bottom, especially their bullpen. Defense is a much closer call. Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Acuna (who just missed a 40 HR/ 40 SB season as a 21 year-old), and Nick Markakis are all elite defensive players. Though they are missing star center fielder Ender Inciarte for the series with a hamstring strain. For Saint Louis their best defensive player- second baseman Kolten Wong- is questionable (also with a hammy problem), but DeJong, Fowler, Bader and Edman are all very good with the glove too. Not to mention the wall that is Molina behind the plate. At this point I’d say defense is a wash, especially if Wong can give it a go. I think this series will go five games for sure, but the experience of guys like Carpenter, Molina and Wainwright will ultimately make a difference. Redbirds in 5.
