Post Wild Card Predictions For Divisional Series

I had to wait on these predictions until the matchups were officially set, but as was predicted, the D-Backs and Yankees are moving forward so let’s get into their matchups:

Yankees vs. Indians: Ya know I really really despise the Yankees. Their unexpected success kills me, and to make matters worse, their core is young. They crushed the Twins 8-4 in the Wild Card game displaying their ability to both launch the clutch long ball and overcome their inconsistent starting pitching staff. This week they will face the Indians in the ALDS; the Indians are the best team in baseball in my eyes. They have the soon to be Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, they have one of the deepest lineups in baseball, and they have the best team ERA in baseball. BUT even with all that, the Yankees appear to be absolutely locked in and there is no scarier combo in baseball right now than Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez. The Yankees bullpen is capable of winning them any game and in the playoffs nothing is more valuable than a bullpen. Maybe Cleveland takes game one, but not much after that. Yanks in 4.

D-Backs vs. Dodgers: Teams like the Dodgers who come into the playoffs reeling typically struggle to put together a strong playoff run. However, this Dodgers pitching staff is nothing short of exceptional, and far as NL lineups go, they are as deep as you will find. The D-Backs showed their ability to rake against the Rockies in the Wild Card game, but Rockies starter Jon Gray is neither Clayton Kershaw or Rich Hill. The Dodgers got past the Nationals last year in a divisional series which was encouraging after their previous letdowns in the NLDS. The D-Backs have had an exceptional season and have peaked at the right time, but I still question the depth of their weapons in this series, and after a tough battle against the Rockies, it’s hard to say whether they will be lethargic or energized. I think the Dodgers are just too much here. Dodgers in 3.

Written by Paul McGovern