Divisional Series Preview

Russell Lansford-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Lansford-USA TODAY Sports

With the AL Wild Card game in the books, it's time to see what the NL Wild Card game has in store, but I will be writing about the Divisional Series today.

The Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, and the Los Angeles Dodgers all won over 100 games during the regular season. Will they make it far or will they implode when it matters?

ALDS: (4)New York Yankees vs (1) Cleveland Indians: If Yankees fans actually believe they have a chance in this series, then they must have not been paying attention to the Indians all season long. Their starting rotation is down right nasty with Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, and Carlos Carrasco. They will have a couple of starters move to the bullpen like Mike Clevinger and Ryan Merritt. The Indians have a solid offense too, but the Yankees will have a punchers chance with having Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez.

The pick: Cleveland in 4.

(3) Boston Red Sox vs (2) Houston Astros: This is going to be a very intriguing series. The Red Sox's most dangerous hitter is Mookie Betts, but the x-factor for Boston will be Rafael Devers. The Astros have more weapons in their lineup. Carlos Correa is a nightmare for the Red Sox pitching. Jose Altuve had the highest batting average during the regular season. Justin Verlander has made a big difference for the Astros. It wouldn't surprise me if the home team won every game in this series.

The pick: Houston in 5.

NLDS: If Colorado Wins: (5) Colorado Rockies vs (1) Los Angeles Dodgers: The Rockies have weapons throughout their lineup, but they may not have enough pitching to slow down the Dodgers offense. Yasiel Puig once again has become a distraction, but I don't think he should be a distraction in this series. Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger will have fun facing this pitching staff.

The pick: Los Angeles in 4.

If Arizona Wins: (4) Arizona Diamondbacks vs (1) Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers struggled against the Diamondbacks in the regular season and Arizona is probably the favorite in the National League to knock out Los Angeles. Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock, and Jake Lamb are the most dangerous hitters in the Diamondbacks lineup. Arizona also has the best team ERA in the national league. Clayton Kershaw is going to have to continue his dominance for the Dodgers and the rest of the rotation is going to have to respond. The Dodgers high powered offense could easily be silenced.

The pick: Arizona in 5.

(3) Chicago Cubs vs (2) Washington Nationals: The Cubs obviously want to win another championship, but I feel like they are playing for house money in this series and all of the pressure will be on the Washington Nationals to win a playoff series. Both teams have a solid lineup from top to bottom, but this series will be decided by pitching. Also if Max Scherzer's injury is bothersome, it could spell trouble for the Nationals.

The pick: Chicago in 4.