By LINDSEY KOMSON and ALEX LENNEBERG
This is the time of year when average players become instant heroes with the 2018 MLB playoffs. The action starts with the National and American League Wild Card games featuring the Chicago Cubs vs. the Colorado Rockies, and the New York Yankees hosting the Oakland Athletics. The Wild Card Round is a one-game playoff–the losing teams’ seasons come to an end, and the winners continue their journeys towards the World Series.
Alex’s American League Predictions
The American League side of the playoffs features the Boston Red Sox vs. the winner of the Yankees and A’s, and the Houston Astros hosting the Cleveland Indians in the American League Division Series, which is a best-of-five series.
The Oakland Athletics are the biggest surprise of the MLB season. No one expected them to compete at all this year, and they shocked the baseball world with a 97-65 record. Similar to the Yankees, the A’s hit home runs at a very high rate. Outfielder Khris Davis paced the MLB with 48 home runs this year, and they have a very deep lineup, with five hitters tallying over 20 home runs. Closer Blake Treinen has been one of the best in the baseball, and when the A’s are winning after 8 innings, it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll win the game.
Prediction:
A’s Lose in Wild Card game to the Yankees
The American League East champion Red Sox finished with a 108-54 record, the best in the big leagues. As a result of having the best record, they have home-field advantage for as many rounds as they advance and will face the winner of the Wild Card game. They have a scary lineup top to bottom, featuring the top 2 American League MVP candidates: outfielders Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez who are sure to leave their marks on the postseason. Whoever wins the Wild Card game should have their hands full with this offensive powerhouse of a lineup.
Prediction:
Red Sox lose in ALDS to the Yankees in 4 games
The Indians won the American League Central for the third year in a row with a 91-71 record behind historic pitching and phenomenal hitting from infielder Jose Ramirez and shortstop Francisco Lindor. They will face the Astros in the first round in a series that could definitely go either way. The 2018 Indians were the first team ever to have four pitchers amass 200 strikeouts in the same season, so opposing teams should have to scrape together runs and play good defense if they hope to beat these Indians.
Prediction:
Indians lose in ALDS to the Astros in 4 games
The defending World Series champion Astros won the American League West with a 103-59 record and will face the Indians in the first round. An all-around great team, the Astros have All-Stars on both sides of the ball. Third baseman, Alex Bregman has emerged as a force with the Astros along with former American League MVP Jose Altuve. Their pitching staff includes former Cy Young and MVP award winner Justin Verlander, along many other capable starting pitchers. The Astros are among the best teams in the playoffs and definitely have a chance to repeat as champions.
Prediction:
Astros Lose in ALCS to the Yankees in 6 games
The 27-time World Series champion New York Yankees, finished with a 100-62 record, placing them second in their division. The 2018 Bronx Bombers broke the record for most home runs as a team this year, so you can say they live and die by the home run. Their lineup from top to bottom can all hit home runs and are all very capable. On top of stellar hitting, the Yankees’ bullpen is considered by some to be the best in the MLB. They have five or six relief pitchers who can dominate the ends of games, as evident through their incredibly low and league-leading 3.38 bullpen earned run average, and can be the key to the Yankees advancing through the playoffs. The combination of home runs and a dominant bullpen has the potential to carry the Yankees through these playoffs.
Yankees advance to the World Series
Lindsey’s National League Predictions
The National League side of the playoffs includes the Milwaukee Brewers vs. the winner of the Cubs and Rockies Wild Card game, and the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series.
The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years in 2016 and became the 2017 National League Central Division Champions. This season, the Chicago Cubs were not as successful. After losing previous Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta, as well as starters John Lackey and Jason Hammel, the Cubs’ rotation has not quite been able to return to their World Series form. With the rest of the infield consisting of recent all-stars, defense is a focal point on the north side of Chicago. A bright side of this season for the Cubs came from MVP candidate, Javier Baez. Although he is well-known for his defensive skill, the infielder hit 34 home runs, collected a National League leading 111 RBI, and swiped 21 bases. If Chicago’s solid defense can make up for their shaky offense, they could very well win their second World Series in three years.
Prediction:
Cubs lose in Wild Card Game to the Rockies
The Colorado Rockies were given a short taste of the postseason in 2017; earning a wildcard spot, but surrendering the game to the Arizona Diamondbacks. With their 5-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado, and 2018 all-star shortstop Trevor Story, Colorado has an impressive infield. Behind them with Charlie Blackmon in center field and David Dahl manning one of the corners, the two power-hitting outfielders have been a huge part of this team’s offense. Pitching, however, was not the Rockies’ strong suit this season. Colorado’s pitching staff put together a 4.33 ERA in 163 regular season games. An outlier would be left-handed starting pitcher, Kyle Freeland. The ace of their rotation posted a 2.85 ERA in 2018, with a 17-7 record and 1.25 WHIP. If the Rockies’ bats continue to produce like they have all year, they can roll through the National League with ease.
Prediction:
Rockies lose in NLDS to the Brewers in 4 games
The Atlanta Braves have struggled to put their team into postseason contention since their NLDS loss to the Dodgers in 2013. Under the leadership of potential National League Manager of the Year Brian Snitker beside the veteran presence of first baseman Freddie Freeman and outfielder Nick Markakis, the Braves have found a way to dominate the rest of the NL East division. At the top of their lineup stand two young sensations for Atlanta: National League Rookie of the Year candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. and starting second baseman Ozzie Albies. The two combined for 50 home runs this season, and were able to lead their team to a NL East Division Championship. The Braves’ all-star ace, Mike Foltynewicz, posted a 2.85 ERA and led their staff with a 1.08 WHIP. If the rest of Atlanta’s rotation can keep up with their potent offense, the Braves should put up a good fight against the Dodgers in the Division Series.
Prediction:
Braves lose in NLDS to the Dodgers in 4 games
The Los Angeles Dodgers came off of their National League pennant-winning season with a sub-par regular season for their standards. Their 92 wins were a disappointment following their 104-win season in 2017. Rookie phenom Walker Buehler helped secure the Dodgers’ 6th straight postseason berth while putting up a 2.62 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Buehler excelled in a star-studded rotation alongside 3-time Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw and starters Alex Wood and Rich Hill. New free agent signings Max Muncy and Matt Kemp, along with mid-season acquisitions Manny Machado and Brian Dozier, have boosted Los Angeles’ offense due to the prolonged injuries to Justin Turner and Corey Seager. An important part of the Dodgers’ lineup belonged to sophomore slugger Cody Bellinger who played in 162 games in the 2018 campaign, launching 25 home runs and driving in 76 runs. If this team is able to stay healthy, a National League championship repeat is a strong possibility.
Prediction:
Dodgers lose in NLCS to the Brewers in 6 games
The Milwaukee Brewers have been a nice surprise this season. After missing the postseason last year by just one game, the Brewers came into this season ready to fight for their division title. With newly acquired two-time all-star outfielder Lorenzo Cain and breakout first baseman Jesus Aguilar, Milwaukee has plenty of options to turn to in a big moment. What gives the Brewers an edge over other teams this postseason is their possible MVP outfielder Christian Yelich. The first-year Brewer had a career year this past season, clubbing 36 home runs and leading the National League in OPS (1.000). Josh Hader, Jeremy Jeffress, and Corey Knebel are just three of the numerous bullpen weapons owned by Milwaukee making up one of the top 5 bullpens in the majors, posting a 42-21 record and a 3.47 ERA. If the Brewers can put all their key pieces into place, they are destined to go far.
Prediction:
Brewers advance to the World Series
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