MLB Playoffs 2017 Predictions Amid Baltimore Orioles Withdrawal
By Nate Wardle
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals – Cubs in 5
The Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals will face off in another series that could be very strong. The Cubs’ typically strong rotation was solid down the stretch, and Kyle Hendricks will take the mound for Game 1.
The Nationals are already off to a bad start in the 2017 MLB playoffs with the injury to Max Scherzer and will have a rotation led by Stephen Strasburg in Game 1.
Both of these teams are led by multi-dimensional offenses that can do a lot of things. But, in the MLB playoffs and particularly in the National League, a lot of strategies come into play regarding when to pull your starter and go to the bullpen, among others.
Joe Maddon has a bullpen that is experienced and has been here before. Dusty Baker has some veterans in his bullpen, but it isn’t the strong suit of his team.
With a lot of good pitching on both sides, it may come down to all the offensive pieces. The Cubs have a slight edge here, mainly as two Nationals (Bryce Harper and Trea Turner) work themselves back into shape.
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodgers in 4
Speaking of good pitching, the Dodgers are teeming with it. The D’Backs, not quite as much, and Zach Greinke may only be able to pitch in one game. Robbie Ross too.
That leaves Taijuan Walker, Patrick Corbin or Zack Godley to face Clayton Kershaw.
Sounds like a loss to me.
Sure, the Dodgers’ offense has been nearly anemic at times down the stretch this season, and they haven’t exactly been surging down the stretch.
But, I don’t think that any of these pitchers outside of Greinke match up to the likes of Kershaw, Rich Hill or Yu Darvish. In fact, if the Dodgers are up 2-0, they could use Alex Wood or Hyun-Jin Ryu and attempt to save Darvish for the NLCS.
The offensive edge indeed goes to the Diamondbacks, but I can’t see them competing with the pitching the Dodgers have. As October baseball proves time and again, pitching often wins in the postseason.