MLB: Divisional Round Predictions
The 2017 MLB Playoffs got off to a bang on Tuesday night when the (4) New York Yankees took down the (5) Minnesota Twins in a high scoring affair. After the Twins got up 3-0 in the top of the first inning, the Yankees responded right away, and wouldn't look back, winning 8-4, with Aaron Judge hitting his first postseason home run. The next night, the (4) Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the (5) Colorado Rockies, 11-8, after six runs in the first three innings. The Diamondbacks get to face the (1) Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Yankees will play the (1) Cleveland Indians in Round 1.
(1) Los Angeles Dodgers (104-58) vs. (4) Arizona Diamondbacks (93-69, 1-0): The Dodgers are the first team in history to win 16-out-of-17 games and lose 16-out-of-17 games all in the same season. And they did it while having the best overall record in the league. However, it matters how you're playing now, and that's where the Dodgers' consistency comes into question. The Diamondbacks have actually looked good against their rival this year going 11-8, so even though it's No. 1 versus No. 4, this is nearly a toss-up. The Dodgers are led by Clayton Kershaw (2.31 ERA) and Cody Bellinger (39 HR). On the other side, the D-Backs have MVP candidates Paul Goldschmidt (120 RBI) and J.D. Martinez (45 HR). This'll be a fun one out West.
Ariun Paige: Los Angeles Dodgers (3-2)
Billy Collins: Los Angeles Dodgers (3-2)
Charles Post: Los Angeles Dodgers (3-2)
Greg Schwochow: Los Angeles Dodgers (3-1)
MVP: Corey Seager (2), Cody Bellinger (1), and Justin Turner (1).
(2) Washington Nationals (97-65) vs. (3) Chicago Cubs (92-70): These two teams are in much different places now than they were last year. Round 1 in 2016 saw the beginning of the Cubs' chase for their first title in 108 years, and that was the headline story in the NL. The Nationals' series against the Dodgers wasn't as talked about but it was a heartbreaking Game 5 for the Nats. Both teams are looking for a championship this year. No title means it wasn't a successful year. Game 1 will be in Washington and it'll pit Max Scherzer (2.51 ERA) and Kyle Hendricks (3.03 ERA) against one another.
Ariun Paige: Chicago Cubs (3-2)
Billy Collins: Chicago Cubs (3-2)
Charles Post: Chicago Cubs (3-1)
Greg Schwochow: Chicago Cubs (3-2)
MVP: Anthony Rizzo (2) and Ian Happ (2).
(1) Cleveland Indians (102-60) vs. (4) New York Yankees (91-71, 1-0): Who else remembers Game 2 of the ALCS, when Joba Chamberlain was swarmed by bugs, in the midst of giving up the lead and losing the game in extra innings. The Indians would go on to win the game and the series, but the picture of Chamberlain will live on forever. Round 2? The new-look Bronx Bombers will get another shot at taking out the defending AL champions, but it won't be easy with how The Tribe have looked in the last two months. Cleveland has a ton of talent with Jose Ramirez (.318 BA), Edwin Enarnacion (38 HR), and Corey Kluber (18 W). But New York boasts Aaron Judge (53 HR) and Didi Gregorius (.287 BA).
Ariun Paige: New York Yankees (3-2)
Billy Collins: Cleveland Indians (3-0)
Charles Post: Cleveland Indians (3-1)
Greg Schwochow: New York Yankees (3-2)
MVP: Aaron Judge (1), Chad Green (1), Corey Kluber (1), and Francisco Lindor (1).
(2) Houston Astros (101-61) vs. (3) Boston Red Sox (93-69): After not initially making a trade at the deadline, the 'Stros acquired Justin Verlander (15 W) from the Detroit Tigers and he's looked great in Texas. He, with a pair of great hitters: Jose Altuve (.346 BA) and George Springer (34 HR), give Houston a chance to reach the ALCS for the first time ever. Although, the Red Sox are no slouch. Chris Sale (17 W, 2.90 ERA) should get the nod in Game 1, but Craig Kimbrel (35 S) will play a key part in the series. As will Mookie Betts (102 RBI) and Mitch Moreland (79 RBI).
Ariun Paige: Houston Astros (3-2)
Billy Collins: Houston Astros (3-1)
Charles Post: Houston Astros (3-2)
Greg Schwochow: Houston Astros (3-1)
MVP: George Springer (2), Carlos Correa (1), and Justin Verlander (1).
Photo Credit: MLB & Sporting News.
