NEWSLETTER
First off, before my postseason predictions, you know that heart-wrenching scene in “Of Mice and Men” where George feels obligated to shoot Lennie in order to save him? I feel an eerie similarity between that and the Cubs season right now.
The Cubs, as we all know, are not going to the playoffs. But yet there they are, trotting out to play baseball for us every game from now until September 29th. Bless them and their efforts. Why can’t we put them out of their misery? I know they mean well, but gosh darnit we have to save them from public scrutiny. They’re not going to get to tend the rabbits this year. Hell, they’re not even going to make it to the rabbit farm. Let’s do the humane thing here.
Just shut it down, guys. Maybe institute a “White Flag” policy that let’s any team who is statistically out of the playoff race go home and play Xbox. I think it could work?
Nah, it couldn’t ever work. But I do want to fast forward to the MLB playoffs. It’s going to be exciting. There is no other postseason like baseball postseason. Don’t argue with me here. I’m right. You’re allowed to have your opinion, but sometimes opinions are just wrong. So there.
Anyway, let’s talk about my predictions. It’s only a little less than 3 weeks away.
AL East vs.Wild Card:
Boston wins the East and awaits the winner of the AL Wild Card game between the Rangers and the Yankees. The Yankees squeeze in after sweeping the Rays during their final 2013 homestand. The Yankees end up overcoming the loss of Jeter in the postseason and ride on the shoulders of their new savior, Alfonso Soriano. However they lose the ALDS to Boston in 3 straight games. Boston moves on to the ALCS.
AL Central vs AL West:
Detroit and Oakland square off in this ALDS. Oakland puts up a fight while riding on the backs of their pitching staff. They also get a lift from their budding superstar, Yoenis Céspedes, who proves to be clutch in postseason play. However they ultimately fall to the Prince and Cabrera losing in 4 games. Detroit goes onto the ALCS to face Boston.
NL East vs Wild Card:
Atlanta wins the East and awaits the winner of the NL Wild Card between St. Louis and Cincinnati. St. Louis falls to the Wild Card spot after losing their lead to the surging Pirates down the stretch. In the Wild Card game, there’s at least 2 bench clearings, but ultimately Molina and the Cardinals pull it out late. The NLDS between St. Louis and Atlanta goes the distance needing all 5 games to declare a winner. The Cardinals pull it out and head to the NLCS.
NL Central vs. NL West:
Pittsburgh makes their first postseason appearance since 1992. The Dodgers, having clinched the NL West weeks before, seem rusty. The Pirates however, playing all around good baseball with solid pitching and timely hitting, surprise the Dodgers in Game 1. AJ Burnett almost gets tossed. Dodgers win Game 2, the Pirates win Game 3, the Dodgers win Game 4. In Game 5 Puig shows what the the hype is about and is a triple short of the cycle. The Dodgers go on to the NLCS.
ALCS:
Boston seems to be hitting their stride after keeping their momentum going into the playoffs and wins Game 1. Detroit comes back with a vengeance, however, taking the next two as Cabrera and Fielder combine for 5 home runs. Boston hits back harder and wins the next 3 games to clinch their third World Series berth in 10 years.
NLCS:
This ultimately ends up being one of the best postseason series in MLB history. With 3 walk-offs between the two teams, the superstars Molina and Puig deliver for their clubs. Going to 7 games, the Cardinals again pull out an impressive World Series berth.
World Series:
The Postseason never seems complete without the Red Sox and the Cardinals. Now they face off against each other for the championship. Clay Bucholtz proves to be a huge addition for Boston as he pitches a complete game shutout. But Molina shows why he’s the NL MVP and manages his pitchers getting everything out of them. This and hitting with runners in scoring position proves again to be the difference for the Cardinals as they go on to win the 2013 World Series.
Conclusion:
I’m sorry. But I think that the Cardinals are that good. Agree? Disagree? Let’s tweet it out (@mphelps11). [Brett: Boo this man.]
I can’t wait for October.
