Playoff Reviews

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

American League Division Series (ALDS)

Texas Rangers

From the 2011 Ondeck Circle World Series Champions to. What happened? is what many people are saying. At the midway point the AL West became a 2 team race between the Angels and Rangers and in the final week it seems like the Rangers will beat the Angels, to the finish line for the 2nd time in the last 3 years. In 2011 the Rangers dominated in the post season finishing with a record of 30-9, that record should be held for quite some time in the league. After not making the post season in 2012, the Rangers were on several peoples list to finish 2nd in the AL West but the Angels were the clear cut favorites to win. Now going into the playoffs the Rangers seem to be the underdogs against the Tampa Bay Rays a team they actually beat 8-5-1 in the 2011 post season to capture there 1st World Series title. Right now the team is riding there offense and Chris Davis and Billy Butler are carrying the weight. The pitching side however has been a let down the last month the bullpen only has 3 arms going and 1 of them is pitching awful and the rotation only Derek Holland is pitching good. Chris Sale has not been a factor and for the team to win they will need Sale to start up. In the 2 matchups the Rangers had against the Rays they lost both by a total of 10-17-1 so the odds are against the Rangers. Maybe Texas gets clutch like they did in 2011 they do have the best winning percentage in the post season so maybe its Tampa Bay who should be worried. This season the Rangers have only beaten 4 teams over the .500 so obviously there record against teams over .500 is not good and 3 of the teams they beat will not be in the playoffs. The Royals are the only team they beat that's in the post season and they beat them just 7-6-1.

Hot Hitter: Billy Butler 37/106 AB 18 R 5 HR 16 RBI's 14 BB .349 .421 .528

Hot Pitcher: Derek Holland 39.0 IP 30 H 12 ER 16 BB 38 K's 5 QS 1 W 2.77 ERA 1.18 WHIP

Player to Watch: Chris Sale

VS.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have always made the post season but it was as the Red Sox and after the very early round knock out from the White Sox maybe a franchise relocation is what Matt Forbz and the Rays needed. They currently hold a 13-25 record in the post season but that was as the Red Sox so maybe a turn around can be in order. The Rays in the last 30 days have out performed the Rangers exceptionally well. The key piece for the Rays is for the pitching to out perform the Rangers staff if they do that then the Rays will look into the next round. Unlike the Rangers the Rays are pretty good when they play teams over .500 as they are over the .500 mark when the play them. The Orioles and Tigers are the only 2 teams this season to have beaten the Rays. So if the Rays play like they did in the regular season they should cruise into the next round with no sweat. There is bad news for the Rays if they continue to struggle in the post season and end up losing to the Rangers the team may not make the post season for at least 3-4 years as the Red Sox, and Orioles might have the better teams by next year and the wild card should be owned by 2 AL Central teams.

Hot Hitter: Matt Holliday 39/112 AB 21 R 5 HR 24 RBI's 13 BB 3 SB .348 .430 .563

Hot Pitcher: Max Scherzer 34.2 IP 19 H 6 ER 11 BB 32 K's 5 QS 4 W 1.56 ERA 0.87 WHIP

Player to Watch: Robinson Cano

Matchup Prediction:

Tampa Bay Rays 9-4-1
Texas Rangers 4-9-1

I have the Rays beating the Rangers 9-4-1 mainly because the Rays team is currently hotter and this season the Rays destroyed the Rangers. Finally Texas is under the .500 mark when playing teams above it, while Tampa has only lost 2 matchups this whole season. For Texas to win they would need there pitching to wake up and for Davis and Butler to continue there hot streaks. So the great record of the Rangers in the post season might take a bit of a dip this post season.

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

Let me know if you guys want me to continue this throughout the post season and what do you think the matchup end result will be ?

[Mets GM (Jack)]

i like it, and i agree, Go Rays

[Deleted]

This is better then the rumors thing.

[White Sox GM (Michael)]

I think Rays' rotation is too strong for Texas. Something like 9-4-1 seems accurate.

[Deleted]

It could be possible Miguel. Although, a bad week happens even to the best of them. I think this is going to be a close matchup..

[White Sox GM (Michael)]

Yeah, obviously nothing is out of the question. Wouldn't be shocked to see Texas win.

[Deleted]

Hey. This post is offensive to me.

IT'S NOT OVER TIL IT'S OVER!!!

[Deleted]

Lol Andrew. Stop Crying and Do Something about this outrage. Prove silly little bry bry wrong.

[Rays GM (forbz)]

love it

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

National League Wild Card Matchup

Washington Nationals

First time in the playoffs for the Washington Nationals but could the early jitters knock them out as early as the wildcard showdown? In 2011 the team posted the National Leagues worst record at just 72 wins and with Harper and Strasburg traded the future did not look good for some time for the Nationals. Then in 2012 the team was on the rise hoping for a playoff spot but fell just short. At the start of the 2013 season the Nationals came out of the gates running, staying in 1st place for quite some time but come late July a couple of trades had the Nationals spiraling down. Had the Nationals and Reds played each other this week the Nationals would have won it despite low offensive numbers. On record the Nationals have never beaten the Reds in 2012 they lost 5-9 and in 2013 the team lost a close 7-6-1 matchup. The Nationals offense has been great the last 30 days but if Mauer returns this week it would be a big boost over there current UTIL hitter. The pitching side has been okay but Kazmir could anchor the team down if he does not get together. Also in the regular season the Nationals were only blown out by 1 team which was the St. Louis Cardinals who would be there next matchup if they go on to the next round. For the Nationals to move on they would need there team to continue hitting well, and for Kazmir and Kennedy to improve.

Hot Hitter: Martin Prado 41/111 AB 19 R 4 HR 29 RBI's 11 BB .369 .423 .568 

Hot Pitcher: Steve Cishek 9.0 IP 5 H 0 ER 1 BB 7 K's 5 SV 0 W 0.00 ERA 0.67 WHIP

Player to Watch: Ian Kennedy

Cincinnati Reds

2nd time making the post season for the Cincinnati Reds have they learned anything from it is the question. After a quick knockout in 2011 from the Marlins losing in the division series by a score of 10-2-2. The team thought they had the NL Central in the bag for 2012 but the Cardinals and Jake Bartley surprised the Reds and took away what could have been back to back NL Central titles for the Reds. Then going into the 2013 season the Reds looked for revenge on the Cardinals but as the season ended it was the Cardinals back on top once again. The Reds team is loaded with power but struggle in OBP and AVG which can be 2 very important cats in the playoffs. As of right now only 2 Reds hitters have been hitting above .270 in the month of August which is Matt Carpenter who has been the only consistent bat average wise and Will Venable who has been killing the ball this month. With the Reds not having many relievers it could be a reason why they lose if they do at all. With the Reds currently undefeated against the Washington Nationals they seem to be the current early favorites.

Hot Hitter: Will Venable 40/109 AB 20 R 8 HR 15 RBI's 5 BB 6 SB .367 .395 .697

Hot Pitcher: Mat Latos 36.1 IP 30 H 7 ER 6 BB 28 K's 4 QS 3 W 1.73 ERA 0.99 WHIP

Player to Watch: Matt Carpenter

Match Up Prediction:

Washington Nationals: 7-5-2
Cincinnati Reds: 5-7-2

Looking at the rosters you would think I'm stupid but the Reds offense has not been that great at all the last month and with no bullpen they won't be winning Holds or Saves, so thats 2 easy wins for the Nationals. Then with Nationals average always better there is another win. Another reason is because the Reds can't really hold there own some weeks they have lost to the Brewers, Marlins, Rockies, Mets, Cardinals (twice). Losing to the Brewers is not a good sign for a playoff team. I predict for another early exit for the Reds but what do you guys think?

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

American League Wild Card Matchup

Detroit Tigers

Oh Boy! What a last week for the regular season thinking the Tigers had the AL Central in the bag and a 1st round bye. Then out of no where the White Sox take it from them in the last minute. So now instead of that glorious bye week and getting there players healthy they have to go up against a team no one wants to face right now in the Kansas City Royals. Even being a favorite to win the World Series the last 2 years the Tigers seem to choke when it matters most. They barely squeaked by against the White Sox in there first playoff matchup and then were supposed to destroy the Yankees in the ALDS but ended up getting caught with there guard down and it looks to be that way once again. In the surprising lone matchup with the Royals this season the Tigers won 10-4, but now with the Royals on a hot streak and the Tigers losing there lead in the Central the team could get kicked out of the playoffs more the Texas Rangers. For the Tigers to continue there path to the title they will need Kendrick and Car Go back asap and for Verlander to erase that 4.11 era in August.

Hot Hitter: Coco Crisp 24/79 AB 15 R 5 HR 9 RBI's 6 BB 1 SB .304 .353 .577

Hot Pitcher: RA Dickey 44 IP 39 H 15 ER 13 BB 38 K's 4 QS 3 W 3.07 ERA 1.18 WHIP

Player to Watch: Justin Verlander

Kansas City Royals

What many considered the 2nd best team in the league to who? The Detroit Tigers of course the team they are going to play in the wild card round, surprisingly the 2 best teams did not win there division. Looking at the Royals to end the 2012 season they were not close to a playoff contender but some offseason trades made them a legitimate contender for years to come in the already crowded AL Central. Having never making the post season it seemed clear that they would make it in 2013 but with early struggles to start the season. Many started to question if they would still make the post season in 2013 but the GM Jason held his ground with the team he put together and it turned out as a good idea. This will only be the second matchup the Tigers and Royals have played each other since the Royals major transformation. The Royals have lost to far more teams than the Tigers have but the last lost came way back at the the beginning of June against the Indians. For the Royals to win there matchup they will need Starlin Castro to step it up and for there back end starters to pick it up. Will the Royals win there first matchup in the post season against a bitter rival in the Central?

Hot Hitter: Andrew McCutchen 38/97 AB 15 R 2 HR 15 RBI's 19 BB 6 SB .392 .487 .546

Hot Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw 35.2 IP 24 H 4 ER 11 BB 36 K's 4 QS 3 W 1.01 ERA 0.98 WHIP

Player to Watch: Jered Weaver

Match Up Prediction:

Detroit Tigers: 6-8
Kansas City Royals: 8-6

This matchup was by far more difficult to predict and I still may have the wrong winner here but my gut tells me it will be the Royals there offense has been outstanding much like the Detroit Tigers but the Royals Kershaw filty the last month having a era nearly under 1.00. I also dont think its good for the Tigers best pitcher going into the post season is RA Dickey. The bullpen matchup is where the Tigers will win most of there games but I still don't see it being a factor think that McCutchen and Kershaw give the Royals there first playoff matchup win and the Tigers make another unexpected exit and winless post season.

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

American League Division Series (ALDS)

Chicago White Sox

Last week of the season many thought the White Sox would settle for a wild card birth but a late come back in the final week had the White Sox with a much needed bye. There is very bad news for the White Sox and that is Derek Jeter will likely miss most of the playoffs this week and that would basically leave the White Sox without a player unless the start Mark Ellis. On to there starting pitchers they may have 1 to many Yankee pitchers on there team and the only consistent starters right now are Gio and Minor could be a rough match up for the White Sox if Doc,Pettitte, and Kuroda don't start holding there ground. The bullpen is good but it has been struggling the last 7-10 days. With the White Sox losing in the regular season to the Royals by a score of 16-10-2 it could be a quick end to the White Sox this post season. The White Sox are 3 games above .500 in the 2 years they have been in the post season but it could spiral under after the Royals match up.

Hot Hitter: Andrew McCutchen 38/93 AB 14 R 9 HR 25 RBI's 14 BB 0 SB .323 .411 .656

Hot Pitcher: Josh Collmenter 20.1 IP 14 H 4 ER 1 BB 25 K's 0 QS 0 W 0.44 ERA 1.08 WHIP

Player to Watch: Shane Victorino

Kansas City Royals

After winning there first playoff match up, which was expected to happen the Royals will now move on to yet another power house the Chicago White Sox. Many at the start of the season had the White Sox in the bottom of the food chain out of the 3 big AL teams. So the Royals won't have an easy match up at all and could very well end up in a tie in case the Royals would win. There has never been a AL Central playoff team win 2 straight post season match ups, but the Royals could be the first to do it as they hold a 16-10-2 record against the White Sox in the regular season. The bad news for the Royals is that Clayton Kershaw will only have 1 start this coming up week. Which means that Lincecum might have to be thrown out there for a chance to win more categories despite the high era this season.

Hot Hitter: Andrew McCutchen 38/97 AB 15 R 2 HR 15 RBI's 19 BB 6 SB .392 .487 .546

Hot Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw 35.2 IP 24 H 4 ER 11 BB 36 K's 4 QS 3 W 1.01 ERA 0.98 WHIP

Player to Watch: Jered Weaver

Match Up Prediction:

Chicago White Sox: 4-10
Kansas City Royals: 10-4

With the White Sox having pitchers struggling and there offense missing a player/roster spot it looks likely to be the end for the team despite only having to play Kershaw once this week. The Royals will likely be the first AL Central team to win 2 straight post season match ups.

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

National League Division Series (NLDS) Matchup

St. Louis Cardinals

Made the post season for the first time last season posting a 22-17-3 record coming up just short to the Yankees. Coming into this season it seemed like the Mets and Cardinals were the only 2 teams that could bring a World Series title to the National League but now the Mets have hurt players. So the Cardinals might be the only legit contenders at this point. For the team to beat the Reds they would need there offense to go back to form as only 2 players are hitting above .240. There pitching is doing okay but Garza and Samardjza need to gain some energy for this week. Homer Bailey and Mike Trout are the clear players to look at going into this ALDS match up. Also had the Reds and Cardinals played last week the Reds would have moved on. There has never been a team to win back to back National or American League titles the Cardinals are looking to be the first to do that and win the World Series.

Hot Hitter: Mike Trout 21/48 AB 7 R 1 HR 4 RBI's 12 BB 4 SB .438 .550 .604

Hot Pitcher: Steve Cishek 21.1 IP 13 H 2 ER 3 BB 24 K's 3 QS 2 W 0.84 ERA 0.75 WHIP

Player to Watch: Adrian Beltre

Cincinnati Reds

What does a offense that does what it never does get you? Your team's first playoff win in franchise history. Something that the Reds should take pride in is that they finally have one there first post season match up. But now they have to go up against the biggest rival in the league the St. Louis Cardinals, so not to much time to celebrate for the Cincinnati Reds. In the only match up the 2 teams had this season the Cardinals barely came out with a win. For the Reds team to win there offense will need to duplicate what it had done in the Wild Card match up facing the Nationals. Which is highly unlikely for the to do considering most of the players have low averages and on base percentages.

Hot Hitter: Will Venable 40/109 AB 20 R 8 HR 15 RBI's 5 BB 6 SB .367 .395 .697

Hot Pitcher: Mat Latos 36.1 IP 30 H 7 ER 6 BB 28 K's 4 QS 3 W 1.73 ERA 0.99 WHIP

Player to Watch: Matt Carpenter

Match Up Prediction:

St. Louis Cardinals: 11-2-1
Cincinnati Reds: 2-11-1

No way at all the Cardinals offense duplicates what it did last week and the same goes for the Reds. The Cardinals should cruise into the next round come Thursday night. The only thing that the Cardinals should worry about is who they will play next week Mets or Rockies.

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

National League Division Series (NLDS) Matchup

New York Mets

After the Nationals were so sure that they would hold on to the NL East they ended up choking after the all star break and the Mets took a 17.5 game lead come seasons end. The Mets missed out on the post season in 2011 but after making incredible trades and signing Prince Fielder to a monster deal it has lead the Mets to back to back post season births. In 2012 the team ended up getting put out surprisingly by the Phillies to a score of 8-5-1. Now going into to 2013 the team is arguably the best National League team in the league, but being the favorites does not mean anything in the playoffs. Just ask the Detroit Tigers who can't make it past the ALCS. As of right now the Mets offense is sort of struggling but should be okay against the Rockeis team. The pitching on paper looks wonderful but pitchers could go hot to cold at any time. The Mets are hoping in there case that they catch fire the next 3 weeks.

Hot Hitter: Shin Soo Choo 21/52 AB 12 R 4 HR 8 RBI's 13 BB 3 SB .404 .530 .692

Hot Pitcher: Koji Uehara 6.1 IP 0 H 0 ER 0 BB 10 K's 5 SV 0 W 0.00 ERA 0.00 WHIP

Player to Watch: Prince Fielder

Colorado Rockies

Probably the biggest surprise this whole season was that the Rockies beat out the Diamondbacks for the National League West. No one seen it coming but it was mentioned in a lot of bold predictions. The Rockies were close to the Yankees from 2012 but now can they finish off the miracle season like the Yankees. In 2012 the Rockies made the post season for the first time but ended up losing to the Cardinals 8-5-1 and if they win this match up that will likely be there next opponent. After the 2012 season the Rockies were in a rebuild type mode but a change of owners turned the boat around and now have the team ready to compete for the next 5 years. The Rockies offense should out perform the Mets with Pablo and Gattis getting hot at the right time but the problem is the pitching it does not match up at all. The best starter for the Rockies in the 2 weeks is Brett Anderson/ Bruce Chen neither one of those matchup against the Mets 3rd starter or even 4th for that matter. The best thing the Rockies could look at right now is that they made the post season and should do it with ease the next 3-4 years.

Hot Hitter: Pablo Sandoval 33/93 AB 11 R 4 HR 20 RBI's 9 BB 0 SB .355 .423 .570

Hot Pitcher: Alex Cobb 30.2 IP 25 H 10 ER 14 BB 28 K's 2 QS 2 W 2.93 ERA 1.27 WHIP

Player to Watch: Evan Gattis

Match Up Prediction:

Colorado Rockies: 5-9
New York Mets: 9-5

Offensively the match up will be close but the Mets should prevail and take at least 3 of them then pitching the Mets will likely take the majority of the board. The Rockies have made a good run but in the end they won't be hanging with any of the power houses much like last season.

[White Sox GM (Michael)]

I wish I had Andrew McCutchen lol

[Diamondbacks GM (Jason)]

I hope mccutchen makes you pay

[White Sox GM (Michael)]

FWIW I would probably call Victorino my hot hitter, Gonzalez or Minor my hot pitcher, and E5 as the player to watch.

[Deleted]

I'd probably swap out my hottest pitcher from Cishek to Bailey or Colon solely based on the fact that I don't own Cishek...

[Deleted]

Bryan you have more confidence in my team than I do haha.