Major League Baseball - Post-Season Preview

Now that the play-in game to decide the Wild Card teams between Tampa Bay and Texas is over with and the Tampa Bay Rays advanced to the Wild Card round, it's time to preview the National League and American League playoffs and the World Series.
The Rays defeated the Texas Rangers and then shut out the Cleveland Indians, 4-0 in the AL Wild Card Game to advance to the Division Series (best of five) against the Boston Red Sox. Meanwhile, in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates knocked off the Cincinnati Reds, 6-2 in the National League Wild Card Game to advance as well. It was the first post-season action for the Bucs since 1992.

The following offers a capsule style preview of the AL and NL playoffs as well as predictions for the four series and also a forecast for the American League Championship Series and the National League Championship Series and the World Series.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox - The AL East division rivals go at it once again. The last time they faced each other in the ALCS in 2008, the Rays won the series and advanced to the World Series, only to lose in five games to the Philadelphia Phillies.
That was then, this is now... The Bosox have been a tremendous story this season, coming from last place in 2012 to the best record in the major leagues (along with St. Louis at 97-65) this year.
Both teams have had quality pitching this season to go with timely hitting and the Red Sox rate a slight edge with their lineup. PREDICTION - Boston in five games (3-2)

Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland A's - The Tigers boast a more formidable lineup, but the A's have better overall pitching and a more solid bullpen for sure. If the A's can contain the Tigers' dynamic trio of Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, they win this series. If not, then the Tigers move on.  PREDICTION - Detroit in four games (3-1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals have the edge with their diverse lineup while the pitching rates a slight edge to the Red Birds as well. The fact that Pittsburgh is making its' first appearance in over 20 years in the the NLDS is also a big factor. The Cardinals have been here many times, including winning the World Series twice in recent years (2006 and 2011), which does matter because they have players still on the roster from the 2011 championship team. PREDICTION - St. Louis in four games (3-1)

 Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- The Dodgers have been on a mission since mid-June when they emerged from dead last in the NL West division to storm back and win the division title going away. Rookie Yasiel Puig has been a huge part of the comeback along with the best pitching staff in baseball this summer.
The Braves also cruised home with the NL East division  title, surprising pre-season favorites, the Washington Nationals. The Braves do have a more dominant closer in Craig Kimbrel and did have the lowest ERA in the majors, but their starters are not as good (on paper) as the Dodgers' four starters in this short series and that will be difference. PREDICTION - Los Angeles in three games (3-0)

PICKING THE AL AND NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AND WORLD SERIES WINNERS





AMERICAN LEAGUE - Detroit over Boston in six games (4-2)






 



NATIONAL LEAGUE - St. Louis over Los Angeles in seven games (4-3)    







WORLD SERIES -   St. Louis Cardinals over Detroit Tigers in six games (4-2)