MLB: Division Series Preview/Spoiler
After a crazy and exciting round of Wild Card games, it is now time for the MLB divisional series. Although these series’ are just beginning tonight (Oct. 6), here is what you can expect to happen:
Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays:
Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (right) lands a punch on Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista during the 2016 regular season. The Rangers and Jays now meet in the playoffs again to kick off the division series'. (Photo/ESPN)
This series is surrounded by hype after last years dramatic game 5 that ended with a Jose Bautista game winning homerun and the greatest bat flip in MLB History. Additionally, during a regular season matchup this year, the Blue Jays' outfielder got punched in the face with an uncalled for (yet beautiful) swing of the fist by Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor.
This year, the series will get emotional, especially during games in Toronto, and the Blue Jays will prove that they are the real deal. Although I don’t think the Jays will make it all the way to the world series, they are a fairly sound baseball team with the potential to catch fire at any time. The big bats and playmakers in the lineup will propel the Jays past the favored Rangers and onto the Championship series.
Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Indians:
David Ortiz (AKA Big Papi) swings for the fences during the regular season. Ortiz leads the charge for the Red Sox During his final season in the league. (Photo/AP Photo)
The Cleveland indians have put together a remarkable season which has been one of the best in baseball this year and in Indians franchise history. Unfortunately for the Indians, they are from Cleveland where almost nothing goes right when it comes to sports (except for the Cavs).
The Indians are taking on the Boston Red Sox, who are currently the hottest team in baseball and are led by David Ortiz in his final season. The Sox will continue their recent success and roll through the indians in 4 games.
Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants:
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant celebrates with his teammates after scoring a run. Now, Bryant leads the MLB's best team (by record) into the playoffs against the San Francisco Giants. (Photo/Chicago Tribune)
After last night’s Wild Card victory against the New York Mets, one thing is for sure: the Giants will not get swept. With Madison Bumgarner on the team, the Giants are practically guaranteed at least one win. Additionally, the giants have players that have been known to step up and deliver during the playoffs.
This year, however, the Chicago Cubs are simply too strong and will come out of this series with a win and another trip to the ALCS.
Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers:
Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper screams after hitting a home run in Nationals Park. Harper needs to step up on both offense and defense to make up for the loss of starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg. (Photo/Ted Warren)
Unfortunately for the Dodgers, the best part of their team, legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, is not going to be with them in the playoffs. However, they will manage to stick with the Nationals and take this series all the way to five games. In game five, Bryce Harper and the Nationals will find a way to get it done and move on to face the Cubs in the Championship series.
One interesting note for this series is also the health of Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg has been ruled out of this series as a whole, and this void will definitely allow the Dodgers to hang in the series and make it just a little more difficult for the Nats.
With the Division Series’ starting today, there is still a long way to go. The good news for you, however, is that you already know what is going to happen because I just told you. Anyways, Happy Playoffs everybody.
