Here are my round-by-round predictions.
With winner-take-all Wild Card Games over–and the Rockies and ‘Evil Empire’ advancing–it’s time to get serious about the playoffs.
NLDS: Rockies vs Brewers
Christian Yelich Brewers (photo, madison.com)
The Rockies and Brewers have two of the most explosive offenses in the National League. It’s Yelich, Cain, and Aguilar (Milwaukee) vs Story, Arenado, and Blackmon (Colorado). Neither team has the strongest rotation, but both teams have solid bullpens–with a clear edge going to the Brewers. But the Rockies are a dangerous team–even though the Cubs’ Jon Lester kept the Rockies’ bats in check during the play-in game.
I think the series may come down to Milwaukee’s offensive depth against Colorado’s lackluster rotation. The Brewers are stacked offensively with MVP Christian Yelich as the centerpiece. For Colorado to have a chance, it’s Big Three–Arenado, Blackmon, and Story–will need to produce … big time.
Prediction: Brewers in 4
NLDS: Dodgers vs Braves
Nobody thought the Braves would this good so quickly. Atlanta has ridden young and talented bats to the playoffs. Credit Acuna, Ablies, and the uber-reliable Freddie Freeman. Veterans contributed, too. Who would have guessed that Nick Markakis would have his best season at age 34?
But every team in the playoffs has three/four top bats. That means winning comes down to pitching and that’s what the Braves don’t have a lot of. Sure, 26-year-old Mike Foltynewicz has been awesome, but the Dodgers have somebody named “Clayton Kershaw.”
Walker Buehler has been just as good this year (he looked great against the Rockies in Game 163). And behind Buehler, the Dodgers have experience in Rich Hill, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Ross Stripling. LA has a great bullpen, too.
The playoff future is bright in Atlanta, but not this year. A lack of pitching depth and postseason experience will be their downfall.
Prediction: Dodgers in 3
ALDS: Red Sox vs Yankees
“Launch angle” is the thing for JD Martinez (photo, Midland Reporter-Telegram)
Ah! This is the best rivalry in sports. It’s Martinez/Betts vs. Stanton/Judge. Wow!
While the Red Sox may have more depth in their rotation, that doesn’t mean they have superior pitching. The Sox really need somebody to step up before Kimbrel closes the door. Still, though, the Sox have enough experience in the rotation to minimize the number of pitches thrown by relievers who aren’t named Kimbrel.
The Sox will ride two MVPs and an offense full of depth to grab a narrow series win.
Prediction: Red Sox in 5
ALDS: Astros vs Indians
The Astros–a very good team–became a very, very good with the addition of Gerrit Cole. With four aces, they have a nearly flawless rotation. And there’s more. Everybody knows how good the offense is and, with the addition of Osuna, this team has an almost unstoppable bullpen.
But Cleveland won’t be a pushover. Houston will have its hands full with Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor … and don’t forget about Josh ‘The Bringer of Rain’ Donaldson and Michael Brantley. The Indians have four aces in the rotation, too, plus a very good bullpen that got even better with the addition of Brad Hand.
The ‘Stros and Tribe are pretty evenly matched, but I still think the defending champs will come out on top.
Prediction: Astros in 5
NLCS: Brewers vs Dodgers
Lorenzo Cain has been a great addition for Milwaukee (photo, Yahoo! Sports)
This is another fun matchup with two young teams with firepower and depth. The Dodgers undoubtedly have the edge in the rotation department, but the Brewers have the best bullpen in baseball. Hader hit a few bumps along the way, but he still had a sparkling year and is debatably the MLB’s top reliever. Even if he falters late in the game, the Brewers have two more shutdown relievers in Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel.
I think the team with less experience and the better bullpen will upset the experienced team with the lesser bullpen.
That means the Brewers will advance to the World Series–it’s first in nearly four decades. It also means LA’s championship drought will continue.
Prediction: Brewers in 6
ALCS: Red Sox vs Astros
On paper, the Red Sox have the better rotation, but its rotation hasn’t been as dominant as it needs to be. Let’s face facts: Porcello has struggled down the stretch and Chris Sale doesn’t look healthy.
The Sox can’t rely on the bullpen to win this series. I predict the Stros’ offense will get the better of Boston’s pitching.
Prediction: Astros in 5
World Series: Brewers vs Astros
The Houston Astros celebrate after Game 7 of baseball’s World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Astros won 5-1 to win the series 4-3. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A David vs. Goliath matchup awaits in the year’s Fall Classic–the Brewers (David) v. Astros (Goliath).
I like the Brewers. I really d. But I think Milwaukee’s magic run will end here.
Why? I just can’t imagine any team topping these mighty Astros.
Prediction: Astros in 5
