Earlier today, they finally decided the last four spots in the National League playoffs, as the Central & West divisions needed tie-breaker games to decide the divisions and the Wild Card berths.
As a result, Tuesday's NL Wild Card feels like a losers' bracket elimination game in the College World Series. Colorado travels to Chicago, and the result of the game should shape the NL Division Series, which begins Thursday.
It was a surprise as Milwaukee captured the NL Central, unseating the Cubs, but don't think they're done with Joe Maddon's crew, oh, no. On that note.....
Colorado @ Chicago (Tuesday): Colorado has as solid an offense as anyone. The Cubs have post-season tested Jon Lester. Winner gets Milwaukee. Chicago will happily trade Coors for Miller in terms of beer in the clubhouse.
Pick: Chicago.
Atlanta vs. Los Angeles: The Braves had something to play for in the season's final week, but lost two of three to the Mets, and there went any chance of a #1 seed. The Dodgers would like to get back to the World Series, on the 30th anniversary of their last title. The Braves have the likely Rookie of the Year in Ronald Acuna, Jr., following behind last year's winner, Cody Bellinger. This will go the distance.
Pick: Los Angeles in 5.
Chicago vs. Milwaukee: The last time the Brewers were in the World Series, they were in the American League, and lost to St. Louis in 1982. There is momentum in the Second City, with the Bears leading the NFC North. The Cubs will get back on the horse and ride to the NLCS.
Pick: Chicago in 4.
And, over in the American League......
Oakland @ New York (Wednesday): This is why Giancarlo Stanton came to New York. To finally show his worth when it really matters. It took a while for the fans in the Bronx to warm up to Stanton, but warm up they did. Oakland seems to be just happy to be there. Not the right attitude in a short series.
Pick: Yankees.
Cleveland vs. Houston: The Astros organization is off the chain right now. In the wake of last year's World Series title, Houston's already seeing dividends in the minors, what with the Tri-City Valleycats winning the NY-Penn League title last month. Can the Astros repeat, when no one's done that since the Yankees strung together three in a row from 1998-2000, and denied a 4th with an upset loss to Arizona in 2001? We'll see. Terry Francona would like to do the same thing in Cleveland that he did in Boston 14 years ago, and take the Indians to the promised land. The window of opportunity for the Tribe is closing.
Pick: Houston in 5.
Boston vs. New York: You know Major League Baseball wants this to happen, because it means ratings. Let's just enjoy the ride. Can Chris Sale take the next step in the post-season, or is he destined to underachieve? Then again, the minute Boston is eliminated, Mookie Betts can swap his cleats for bowling shoes......!
Either manager, be it Alex Cora or Aaron Boone, could wind up Manager of the Year, and I think this is the first time two first-year pilots have reached the post-season. The Yanks have bullpen questions. Is Aroldis Chapman 100% ready for the playoffs? Can they align their best relievers to get to Chapman? Can Boston deliver Craig Kimbrel a championship before he tests free agency? Hmmm.
Pick: Boston in 5.
Of course, I could be wrong.
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