MLB Playoffs 2017 Predictions Amid Baltimore Orioles Withdrawal
By Nate Wardle
Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Indians – Astros in 7
Get ready for a series for the ages. Honestly, that’s what I am expecting in this one.
These teams both have two full-on aces at the top of the rotation. Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco vs. Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel. Sign me up.
But, the Astros will be able to better set their rotation following my predictions, win in four games. The Indians, I believe, will need five to dispatch the Yankees, which makes things difficult.
Now, one could argue that Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin are better than anyone else Houston will throw out there, and they might not be wrong.
But here’s the thing about these teams. They don’t need to depend on the long ball like other teams to score runs. They are athletic all over the field and have speed.
The rotations aside, the bullpens have similar looks, although Cleveland’s carries a lot more postseason experience. However, Andrew Miller has dealt with injury issues, and some other guys, including Cody Allen, have been ineffective at times.
And speaking of experience, Terry Francona is one of the best.
But, AJ Hinch has done a masterful job and is the right man to lead his youthful group. This series win may surprise some, but I think the young Astros will defeat the experienced Indians.
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Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodgers in 6
Let’s first look at the similarities in these teams.
Each rotation has a guy who had a lights-out half of the season. Kyle Hendricks after the All-Star break and Alex Wood before.
Arrieta, Lester, Kershaw and Darvish are guys who will take the ball and attempt to gut out six, seven innings, no matter how they are pitching that day.
But, when you look at it, Arrieta didn’t have a solid season. Kershaw, despite missing time, was his typical self, dropping his ERA as he has every season in the majors.
The offense can be a little boom or bust, and to be honest, that should worry the Dodgers’ fans more. However, the pitching, in my opinion, is enough to overcome that.