American League
Blue Jays vs. Rangers
Red Sox vs. Indians
How they got here: The Blue Jays won the AL Wildcard Game over the Orioles behind an explosive offense and solid pitching. Meanwhile, the Rangers won the AL West and homefield advantage throughout the AL Playoffs for the second straight year with an insane 36-11 record in 1-run games.
Prediction: In this series, I like Rangers to get revenge on the Blue Jays for beating them last year in the ALDS. Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish are two aces that Toronto can't match.
in 5.
in 5.Red Sox vs. Indians
How they got here: The Red Sox slugged their way to the AL East title, with a fearsome lineup top to bottom, led by MVP candidate Mookie Betts and retiring DH David Ortiz. Meanwhile, the Indians own the AL Central behind solid starting pitching and timely hitting.
Prediction: Can't go against the retiring Big Papi and the playoff experience of the Red Sox.
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in 4National League
Dodgers vs. Nationals
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How they got here: LA won the NL West behind an outstanding pitching staff, led by ace Clayton Kershaw, trade deadline acquistion Rich Hill, and rookie Kenta Maeda. Washington's pitching was also outstanding as it won the NL East, behind ace Max Scherzer, Steven Strasburg, and Tanner Roark.
Prediction: Runs will at a premium in this series, with outstanding starting pitching on both sides. It comes down to clutch hitting and I think the Nationals suffer due to the loss of Wilson Ramos and the banged up Daniel Murphy.
in 4.
Giants vs. Cubs
in 4.Giants vs. Cubs
How they got here: Giants rode a Madison Bumgarner shutout to win the NL Wild Card last night 3-0 in New York, while the Cubs won the NL Central with ease, behind the best pitching staff in baseball and an equally great offense.
Prediction: I might be a fool to pick against the Giants in an even numbered year, but this is the Cubs year and they are the team to beat. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo produce just enough runs for the Cubbies to advance.in 5.
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