MLB: Championship Series Predictions
The 2017 MLB playoffs have lived up to the hype - as always - as we saw a pair of dominant performances by the (1) Los Angeles Dodgers and (2) Houston Astros from the National League and American League, respectively, and a couple of five-game series that thrilled at each turn as the (3) Chicago Cubs and (4) New York Yankees advanced this far. The Dodgers and Cubs will reunite in the NLCS for the second year in a row, while the Astros and Yankees will clash in the ALCS. Ariun Paige, Billy Collins, Charles Post, and Greg Schwochow predict who they believe will reach the coveted World Series.
1. Ariun Paige (6-0)
T-2. Billy Collins (5-1)
T-2. Charles Post (5-1)
T-2. Greg Schwochow (5-1)
(2) Houston Astros (101-61, 3-1) vs. (4) New York Yankees (91-71, 4-2): The Astros looked incredible against the Boston Red Sox in their four-game series, as Justin Verlander (2-0) won two games. He'll be on the mound for Game 2 in this series as Dallas Keuchel gets the nod in Game 1. But the real story for this team comes at the plate as Jose Altuve (.533 BA, 3 HR) is separating himself from the rest of the pack. On the other side, it's another infielder doing big things, as Didi Gregorius (6 RBI, 3 HR) is playing like a man possessed. And of course, the Yankees have flamethrower Aroldis Chapman (0.00 ERA, 2 SV) as their closer.
Ariun Paige: Houston Astros (4-2)
Billy Collins: Houston Astros (4-1)
Charles Post: Houston Astros (4-1)
Greg Schwochow: Houston Astros (4-2)
MVP: Jose Altuve (3) and Alex Bregman (1).
Storylines to Watch Out For:
Paige - Aaron Judge's recent struggles, and if he'll be able to find his groove.
Collins - The Yankees' strikeout-prone bullpen against the patient Astros hitters.
Post - Which infielder can stay hot: Jose Altuve or Didi Gregorius?
Schwochow - Houston's starting pitchers and their ability to protect home field advantage.
(1) Los Angeles Dodgers (104-58, 3-0) vs. (3) Chicago Cubs (92-70, 3-2): The Dodgers made quick work of their rival, the Arizona Diamondbacks, but I don't see the NLCS being nearly as easy. Meanwhile, the Cubs survived a hard-fought series with arguably the most talented team in the league. Los Angeles will have their ace, Clayton Kershaw (1-0), on the mound for Game 1, while the Cubs' spot is still undecided. It's likely Joe Maddon will go with Jose Quintana (0.00 ERA), though. A couple of names to watch out for in this series are batters: Justin Turner (.462 BA, 5 RBI) and Anthony Rizzo (6 RBI) and pitchers: Kenley Jansen (2 SV) and Wade Davis (3 SV).
Ariun Paige: Chicago Cubs (4-3)
Billy Collins: Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2)
Charles Post: Chicago Cubs (4-2)
Greg Schwochow: Chicago Cubs (4-2)
MVP: Anthony Rizzo (2), Addison Russell (1), and Justin Turner (1).
Storylines to Watch Out For:
Paige - Can each opposing pitching staff keep the ball in the ballpark?
Collins - Clayton Kershaw's attempt to get revenge for last year's NLCS loss.
Post - Can the Cubs' starters go deep enough early in the series so the bullpen can rest?
Photo Credit: MLB & YouTube.
