RE: OT: MLB Playoff Predictions
No way I can predict the Cubs-Mets series. It should be a very good series and I'm thankful that deGrom and Syndergaard both pitched in game 5. Winning game 4 seems more significant for Chicago given their lack of starting pitching. Cubs swept the regular season series, but both teams are significantly different, and more importantly, significantly better now. Chicago had success against deGrom and Syndergaard, so that gives me hope.
Chicago will miss Addison Russell. If you just look at his numbers, you won't realize how important he is to this team. Baez has more pop and is more athletic at SS than Russell, but Russell is smooth and really handles the bat well. If small-ball is needed, we'll miss Russell.
Chicago has offensive weapons from top to bottom in their lineup. Offense was highlighted during the division series', but starting Hammel (and to a lesser extent Hendricks) in a meaningful game scares me to death. He's been awful for a few months now. He was rarely getting past the 5th inning during the regular season. Doesn't sound like Maddon is considering this option, but I would tempted to start Hendricks in game 2, rather than Arrieta. We'll likely rely heavily on the pen in both starts by Hendricks and Hammel, so having the off day after game 2, with Arrieta pitching game 3 would be ideal.
I like Chicago in the series, but I'm so blinded I'd probably pick them against the '27 Yankees. Should be a fun series, and I'm looking forward to it as well. Can't help but wonder how many times we'll face each other in the playoffs in the next 5 years. Nothing negative to say about the Mets today, but this may renew our rivalry.
I'll be chewing my nails like they're bacon.
As for the AL, I've got Toronto as well. Price's performance, and the team's lack of confidence in him, gives me pause. But, I picked Toronto/Chicago at the start of post-season and I'm going to stick with it.
Note, I was much more confident in Chicago>StL than I am Chicago>NYM. Cardinals weren't playing good baseball to end the year. They deserve credit for overcoming injuries this year, but I believe it was a little overstated. IMO, Piscotty and Grichuk were improvements over Holliday and Adams. I know that sounds crazy as it relates to Holliday, but he's never been average as a defender, and he's showing signs of aging with the stick. The injury that they couldn't overcome was Molina's. He's the heart and soul of that team.
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