We at CCSports Weekly have chosen to expand our horizons to other sports, because the NFL is getting a little stale to write about. There’s only so much whining about roughing the passer that can be done. So here we go. With a few games left (that’s my excuse), here are some reasonable predictions for the MLB playoffs.
American League
The American League is a lot like the AFC in that the playoff race was decided by mid-August. It’s the usual suspects and then the A’s, who will (unfortunately) probably receive a beatdown in Yankee Stadium in the stupid Wild Card game. Zach Britton will probably pitch in this one. Wahoo. Speaking of Wahoo, the Astros sweeping the Indians seems pretty reasonable. In the other ALDS series, we get the MLB Instagram pants-pooping that comes with all Yankees – Red Sox games, but multiplied by a billion for the playoffs. Yanks in 4, just so we get another year of Red Sox memes. In the Astros – Yanks ALCS rematch, we’re looking at another good series, but the Astros will take it in 6 instead of 7. Good games all around.
National League
Now for the interesting part. The NL playoff picture currently stands at
- Cubs (clinched playoffs)
- Braves (clinched AL East)
- Dodgers
- Brewers (clinched playoffs)
- Rockies
with the Cardinals 1 game out of the second wild card. The Brewers at 4 is misleading because they have the second best record, but these are the seeds if the season ended today. I’m thinking the Cards miss the playoffs due to a tough matchup with the Cubs this weekend, who will be ferociously trying to keep pace with a Brew Crew that (I think) will win out. I also think the Rockies will take their inaugural NL West crown, just because the Dodgers get spoiled by the Giants. That gives us the Brewers with home field, Braves v. Rockies in the NLDS, and a Cubs v. Dodgers Wild Card game. In the Wild Card, the Dodgers take a close one on a 10th inning bomb by Manny. This sets up Manny vs Schoop in the divisional series. In this emotional battle of former Orioles finally in contention, the Dodgers win in 5 due to playoff experience. In the other series, the Braves win in 4 behind a solid rotation and clutch hitting from Ronald Acuna. The Braves take the NLCS over LA in 7. The Oriole magic is strong with Atlanta, too strong for Hollywood’s perennial playoff flops.
World Series: Astros in 5. Houston probably has the most balanced and exciting roster in the majors, so a repeat is likely. Atlanta will fall short by virtue of being an Atlanta team and having a bunch of former Orioles. Their one win in the Fall Classic will come on the heels of a Kevin Gausman perfect game, though.
One last comment. I want to personally welcome Bobby Witt Jr to the Orioles system. We’re glad to have you and eager to win the World Series in 2023. The formidable trio of you, Diaz, and Mountcastle will be something truly special.
AB
CC Sports Weekly 