The MLB Postseason is officially here. Yes, Game 163 had playoff atmosphere written all over it, but we couldn't go ahead and start predictions with 11 teams in the playoff picture. The new playoff picture includes 10 teams and that's the total remaining as of Tuesday. With the N.L. Wild Card taking place tonight, the 2013 MLB Playoffs have arrived. Here are predictions through the 2013 Wold Series as only one team will stand.
N.L. Wild Card Game: Cincinnati Reds
You can click here for predictions as I detail why the Reds will walk out victorious.
A.L. Wild Card Game: Cleveland Indians
The Indians closed out the season in rude fashion. They destroyed their opponents with unlikely offensive production from Michael Brantley. Granted, they picked on weaker opponents, this should be a fairly close game. The Indians will depend on a rookie hurler, but their offense should provide enough pop behind Danny Salazar. The Indians were put together to score runs and that's what they have done in 2013.
NLDS: Dodgers, Cardinals
This is a tough one, but the Dodgers and Cardinals have the better pitching rotations in the playoffs. No offense to the Braves, who's starting pitching one of the best in baseball, but their September stretch was not convincing. The Pirates and Reds have veterans in their rotations, but you have to like the Cardinals' chances. The Dodgers don't have much depth in their pitching following Ricky Nolasco's 6.66 ERA in September.
ALDS: Red Sox, Tigers
For some reason, the Tigers seem to have the Athletics' number in every postseason. They met last season in the ALDS and the Tigers almost cruised in the series, though things really got ugly for Papa Grande in the bottom of the ninth of Game 5. The Tigers are hungry and what pertains to the wild will pertain to baseball, they want a chip and they will mangle anybody who stands in their way. However, the Boston Red Sox have done their thing quietly this season. David Ortiz is a superstar, but David Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury provide support. The Red Sox are having fun, not Manny Ramirez fun, but the clubhouse is loose and they have a surprising pitching staff this season.
NLCS: Cardinals
Young pitching and dynamic offense will get the Cardinals to the 2013 World Series. They have a Top 5 pitching staff in baseball and their offense ranks amongst the Top 5 in baseball. They do not rely on the long ball, simply making contact and putting the ball in play. The Dodgers might push it to a six-game series behind their pitching, but don't expect them to challenge the Cardinals, who will have home field advantage throughout the series.
ALCS: Red Sox
Offense. Offense. Offense. The Red Sox are a scary bunch, not because of their beards, but because of their hitting. They can tally up runs in a heartbeat and the Tigers might be a little short on starting pitching for a seven-game series. If Justin Verlander can return to his Cy Young-caliber ways of pitching, the Red Sox still win in seven games.
2013 World Series: Cardinals vs. Red Sox
A rematch of the 2004 World Series, nine years later. The Red Sox and Cardinals have the better all-around teams in baseball. They put the ball in play and their pitching comes through in the clutch. Who will surface as the winner?
Boston Red Sox win the 2013 World Series
Why?
After all the adversity the team has faced in the last couple of seasons and the make-up of this ball club, they are due. They have not won a World Series since 2007. They have made questionable acquisitions in the recent past, but after major trades and getting the right pieces, the Red Sox have the right mixture of youth and age. The Cardinals might not have the right pieces to compete against a great hitting team like the Red Sox. Granted, Adam Wainwright is one of the game's best, Shelby Miller and Joe Kelly might not be seasoned enough to put up with the Boston offense.
