2017 MLB Postseason Predictions

    The regular season is over and the MLB postseason is here! It kicks off tonight with the AL Wild Card Game with the Minnesota Twins traveling to Yankee Stadium to face rookie sensation Aaron Judge and the Bronx Bombers. With the postseason officially here, these my predictions of how I think it will all play out.

AL Wild Card Game: Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankeees

 Every team in the 2017 Postseason is really good. They wouldn't be here if they weren't. That being said, this matchup is the easiest decision of all the matchups in this group. No disrespect to the Twins. They're very good and the way that they went from the worst record in the league in 2016 to the postseason in 2017 is really impressive and Paul Molitor deserves Manager of the Year consideration for what he's done. But this is a one game playoff, the Yankees are deeper, more experienced, playing at home, and they have a man named Aaron Judge, who's only going to get better. The Twins are good, but this one goes to the Yankees.  

NL Wild Card Game: Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Martinez: 29 HR, 65 RBI in 62 games with the  D-Backs

 In a series format, this would be great series. This matchup is loaded with stars that would make a Best-of-7 series pop off the page. But, this is a one game playoff. I personally don't like this format, but it's what we've got. It's also difficult to pick against the Rockies considering that the last time they made the postseason as a Wild Card team, they made a miracle run to the World Series. However, that was ten years ago, and almost that entire roster is retired. Different team, different results. The Diamondbacks have come into the postseason as the MLB's hottest team, aside from the Indians. They have more experience on their roster and the midseason acquisition of JD Martinez is probably the best signing of the season, as his bat energized that team for their playoff push. The Rockies also have a young pitching rotation, which gives Zack Greinke a clear advantage of the young Jon Gray. If they hold on to Arenado and continue to develop their young pitching the way they are, the Rockies will be back, but the Snakes get will get the best of them in 2017.

ALDS: Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros

Verlander: Acquired via trade Sep. 1

  Coming out of Spring Training, I picked the Red Sox to make it to the Fall Classic. A pitching rotation that includes Chris Sale and David Price and a lineup that encompasses Hanley Ramirez, Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi was hard to dislike. But then David Price got hurt. He's back in the rotation for Boston now, but how will he do? Houston has been one of the best teams all season. Jose Altuve won the AL batting title easily and the trade for Justin Verlander was huge for the Houston Rotation. This will be a great series since both rosters are deep, but in a shortened series where starters may only get one start, and the fact the home field advantage has most of the series being played in Houston, I'm picking the Astros to win in 5 games.

NLDS: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals

Murphy; .351 career postseason avg. 7 HR, 17 RBI

  This is arguably the most exciting series in the postseason, which makes it the most difficult one to predict. That being said, I'm sure the popular pick is going to be the defending champs. Last year was a magical year for the Cubs, but their players were the first to admit that they suffered the dreaded World Series hangover this year. I was an up and down year for the Cubbies, and at times, I found myself wondering if they would even make the postseason. Alas, the Cubs got in and they are the first defending champions to make the playoffs the following year since 2008. The Cubs roster may be full of young stars, but they are experienced when the calendar turns to October. So, no-brainer, right? Not so fast. Max Scherzer is the favorite for NL Cy Young, Stephen Strasburg has had a career year even while dealing with injuries, Bryce Harper is back, Ryan Zimmerman is having a spectacular season and Daniel Murphy is at his best in October. It's a lot to take in, I know. Max Scherzer is battling a hamstring issue, but should be available at some point in the series. I may be in the minority here, but I think the Washington Nationals will survive and advance in a series that will go the distance. It's a shame that this is only a best-of-5 series.

ALDS: New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians

Judge: 52 HR in 2017 (MLB rookie record)

   Aaron Judge and the Yankees have been a great story this season, but it's the Indians who were 2017's best story. For anyone who didn't believe that this year's version of the Indians is better than last year's AL champs, Cleveland's AL record 22-game win streak changed the narrative. It's scary to think that the Indians could be better this year, but it can't be ignored. As much as I may want to see a Yankees-Red Sox matchup in the ALCS (when the rivalry is at it's best), the Indians are too good for Judge and the Yankees. Cleveland in 6.

  NLDS: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 

   This series will be FUN! I like the D-backs a lot in this series. Their on fire and ready to go. However, from the moment that Yu Darvish traded in one blue cap for another, I had the Dodgers taking the National League. Say what you will about Clayton Kershaw's career struggles in the postseason, but I still wouldn't want to face him. Alex Wood is having the best season of his young career and the Dodgers have a couple of players in their lineup whose cases could be made for NL MVP. That seems unfair. Not to mention that if the game is close in the 9th, the Dodgers have arguably the most dominate closer in baseball. If this was a one-game playoff, this might be a different conversation, but in a 7-game series, the Dodgers will prove to be too much. Dodgers in 6.

ALCS: Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Indians

Indians: 22-game win streak in 2017 (AL record)

   I remember the date: if you had asked me on September 1st who was making it to the World Series out of the American League, I would've said the Houston Astros hands down. They had just added Justin Verlander to an already stacked rotation and paired him with a great offense. That hasn't changed. What has changed is a 22-game win streak by their series opponent. Like I said, that can't be ignored, so I won't. This series will probably go the distance, but the Indians are going back to the Fall Classic.

NLCS: Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
    I'll keep this short: As good as the Nationals are, they haven't gotten too deep in the postseason in recent history. As clutch as Daniel Murphy is, the Dodgers have been clicking since Day 1. At one point in the season, they were 66-29. Even in the midst of a late season 10-game losing streak, they never coughed up home-field advantage. Dodgers in 6.

    

World Series: Cleveland Indians vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 

Darvish: Traded to LAD on July 31

   This one is tough. After the Cubs victory in 2016, the Indians have the longest World Series drought in the MLB, having not won a title since 1948. The Indians are coming into October hot, which is often seen as the most important thing when it comes to the playoffs in all sports. I sincerely hope that this series goes 7 games. The star power on both sides of the ball is astounding for both teams. This, like last season would be a matchup between THE two best teams in baseball. It's hard to pick against Cleveland given what they've done for the past two seasons, but I'm going to have to. I think this is the Dodgers' year. I said it after the Darvish trade and I still believe it: The Dodgers will win their first title since 1988. Dodgers in 7.

 2017 World Series Champion: Los Angeles Dodgers 

    There you have it! These are my MLB postseason predictions. Who do you have winning it all? October is for baseball! Enjoy!

This One's For You Chicago

The Chicago Cubs are the 2016 World Series Champions

    Legendary Cubs broadcaster Harry Carey once said, "Sure as God made green apples, the Cubs are going to be in the World Series...". Well, Harry was right. The Cubs made it, and I'm sure all of the baseball world wishes Harry himself was around to see it.

    The Chicago Cubs not only made it to the World Series, but in the early morning hours of November 3, 2016, the Chicago Cubs recorded the final out in Game 7 of the World Series, ending their 108-year title drought. Cubs fans were littered throughout the stadium in Game 7 despite the game taking place in Cleveland. Fan-made signs, such as "No More Wait Until Next Year" and "Now I Can Die Happy" took center stage as the celebration was on. The day Cubs fans worried would never come, the day Cubs fans of the past never got to see, was finally here.

The Cubs have won their first title since 1908 (108 years)

    Never before have we seen a team begin the World Series with this much pressure weighing on them. Ever since the Cubs hired Theo Epstein in 2012-the same man who ended the Boston Red Sox 86-year title drought in 2004-Cubs fans had been holding their breath. Each time Theo made a move from then on-trading for Anthony Rizzo, hiring Joe Maddon, drafting Kris Bryant, signing Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist....and the list goes on-the feeling got stronger that something incredible was about to happen.

   
    And after a 103 win regular season, a strong postseason run, and an amazing 7 games against a very talented Cleveland Indians team, something incredible did happen. In Chicago, with their team on the road, Cubs fans filled the street in front of an empty Wrigley Field and, in the shadow of Harry Carey's statue and other Cubs legends that couldn't be there, they just watched the scoreboard. For the first time in our lifetime, America woke up this morning with the Chicago Cubs as World Series Champions.

Cubs fans gathered outside Wrigley Field just to watch
the iconic scoreboard

   
    As a baseball fan, watching that game, I can say I have never experienced anything like it. This is what sports are all about, moments bigger than themselves. 108 years of curses, losing seasons, "Wait 'Til Next Years", Billy goats, black cats and Steve Bartmans. 108 years of waiting, hoping, dreaming, and unrewarded loyalty is over. Many sports analysts, included myself wondered during the course of the series, if maybe the Cubs losing this series and extending the drought to 109 was the best thing for the sport of baseball, but if you were watching last night, you will never forget where you were when that final out was made, and THAT is the best thing for baseball.

    The next generation of Cubs fans will never have to worry about "Next Year", they won't have to suffer the thought of their beloved team being cursed. There is no more curse. The goat is dead, the black cat has been scared away, Steve Bartman is a shut-in, and the Chicago Cubs are finally on top of the baseball world. Everyone one is a Cubs fan today. Will Ferris Bueller take another day off to celebrate this championship? Will the cast of According to Jim reunite to sing "Go Cubs Go?" Will NBC's Chicago Fire, Med, and PD tip their caps to the North Siders in future episodes? Who knows, but Cubs baseball has been a part of Chicago pop culture, real-life and fictional for generations, usually as the punch line of countless jokes, but finally, on the afternoon of November 3, 2016, Cubs fans are the ones laughing.

This flag has been flown after every home
win since the 1940s. #FlytheW

    Chicago: Remember those who couldn't be around to celebrate this with you and hold their memory a little closer today. It is finally time to Fly the Ultimate W and let it fly all winter, because the wait is over. This one's for you Chicago! As Harry Carey also said, "The impossible is possible." The Chicago Cubs are the 2016 World Series champions!

Kris Bryant's Here...Home Runs or Not

     Before making it to the Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs on April 17, Kris Bryant was perhaps the most highly anticipated prospects in the modern era of Major League Baseball. The arrival of Bryant in Chicago was not only great news for Cubs fans, but for baseball fans everywhere. The buzz around Bryant has electrified the league since he arrived almost a month ago.

              

    Kris Bryant’s big selling point was his power swing. He led all of college baseball in home runs during his final year at the University of San Diego, had 43 home runs in the minor leagues last season, and had more home runs than anyone else during spring training. To fans, Kris Bryant’s home run swing is his bread and butter. However, coming into Saturday, Kris Bryant has played 21 games so far in his career, and has yet to hit his first career Major League home run.

            

Kris Bryant made his Major League debut on April 17

    While all eyes are on Bryant waiting for that first big swing, that fans undoubtedly didn’t expect to take this long, they cannot be disappointed with his performance in the meantime. In his first 21 games, Bryant has 20 hits and is hitting .278. While his has yet to muscle the ball over the fence, Bryant does have six extra base hits and has been a major contributor to the Cubs offense with 14 RBIs. Kris Bryant is still seen as a power hitter, for good reason, and with the power comes the strikeout. Bryant has struck out 29 times in 21 games, but he is not a reckless swinger. He has a good eye at the plate, which has improved since his entrance into the big leagues. He has earned 17 walks, and in multiple instances, showed off his good eye by coaxing a walk after beginning in an 0-2 count.

The Chicago Cubs are 15-13 this season

           

     Kris Bryant has lived up to the hype that surrounded him, just not in the way we expected. But the power will come, it always does. I have no doubt that when Bryant finds the home run swing for the first time, more home runs will follow in bunches. Whether it’s the first win, the first hit, or in Bryant’s case, the first home run, you know what they say: The first one’s always the hardest to get.