MLB Division Series Preview
Both Wild Card games came down to the 9th inning or later. Could this be a sign of a magical postseason ahead? The Chicago Cubs are looking to win the World Series from the first time since 1908. It is an even year and does that mean San Francisco wins the World Series for the 4th time in 7 seasons?
Will the Boston Red Sox will in it all in David Ortiz's final season?
ALDS: (4) Toronto Blue Jays vs (1) Texas Rangers: These two teams are ready to go in a cage and battle it out. They don't like each other very much. Rougned Odor punched Jose Bautista earlier in the season. Toronto defeated Texas in the ALDS last season. Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish has the power to shut down the Blue Jays lineup. Jonathan Lucroy has a been an upgrade at catcher for the Rangers. The pick: Texas in 5.
(3) Boston Red Sox vs (2) Cleveland Indians: Boston's offense is one of the most dynamic in all of baseball. They have Mookie Betts, David Ortiz, and Jackie Bradley Jr. The problem is David Price isn't trust worthy in the postseason. If Rick Porcello struggles in Game 1, it could be a bad sign for the Red Sox. Cleveland's staff is more consistent. The Indians are known for playing small ball.
The pick: Cleveland in 4.
NLDS: (5) San Francisco Giants vs (1) Chicago Cubs: The Giants know the even year is on their side, and the Cubs know they haven't won a championship since 1908. The Cubs present power throughout the lineup. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Jorge Soler, and Anthony Russell are the most dangerous hitters at the plate. They had a solid start rotation all season long. San Francisco will give them a run for there money, but the Cubs offense will be too much for them to handle.
The pick: Chicago in 4.
(3) Los Angeles Dodgers vs (2) Washington Nationals: This is Dave Roberts first postseason as Manager for the Dodgers, and Dusty Baker is back in the postseason as the Nationals Manager. The Nationals have a deeper lineup with Daniel Murphy, Bryce Harper, and Anthony Rendon, but the Dodgers are going to shut it down. Corey Seager, Justin Turner, and Adrian Gonzales are going to step up when it matters most. Dave Roberts team will play with more heart and Dusty Baker's postseason teams shouldn't be trusted.
The pick: Los Angeles in 5.