MLB: Wild Card Predictions
The 2017 MLB Playoffs are officially here, as we welcome the Wild Card games. While the top dogs, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians are sitting out, waiting to see who they'll face in the Divisional Round, we're getting you prepared for the winner-take-all scenario that will take place when the New York Yankees host the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, and when the Arizona Diamondbacks play division rival, the Colorado Rockies, on Wednesday night. Below are our MLB Staff's Wild Card predictions.
(4) New York Yankees (91-71) vs. (5) Minnesota Twins (85-77): In a series that only stretches one game, the main aspect to look at is the starting pitchers, because getting off to a good start, just might be enough to push your team into the next round. The Twins will have Ervin Santana (3.28 ERA) on the mound, while Luis Severino (2.98 ERA) will run out their for the Bronx Bombers. It also helps that the Yankees have (likely) AL Rookie of the Year, Aaron Judge (52 HR) who set the rookie home run record this season. Also, just to note, Minnesota is 9-21 at Yankee Stadium since the ballpark opened in 2009.
Ariun Paige: New York Yankees (5-3)
Billy Collins: New York Yankees (2-1)
Charles Post: New York Yankees (4-2)
Greg Schwochow: New York Yankees (5-2)
MVP: Gary Sanchez (2), Aaron Judge (1), and Didi Gregorius (1).
(4) Arizona Diamondbacks (93-69) vs. (5) Colorado Rockies (87-75): This matchup is of division rivals, both of whom come from the NL West behind the Dodgers, and have had surprisingly good seasons. Both reaching the 85-win plateau, they're set to take on one another. Zack Greinke (17 W, 3.20 ERA) will face Jon Gray (10 W, 3.67 ERA) with a berth in Round 2 on the line. Both teams have NL MVP candidates in Paul Goldschmidt (36 HR, 120 RBI) and Nolan Arenado (37 HR, 130 RBI) in their lineups, but it may be guys like J.D. Martinez or Charlie Blackmon that lead the way.
Ariun Paige: Arizona Diamondbacks (4-0)
Billy Collins: Arizona Diamondbacks (6-2)
Charles Post: Arizona Diamondbacks (5-3)
Greg Schwochow: Colorado Rockies (7-6)
MVP: J.D. Martinez (2), Zack Greinke (1), and Charlie Blackmon (1).
Photo Credit: Bronx Bombers Ball & MLB.
