Playoff Matchups Set

By Dylan Webster
The Divisional playoff matchups are set in major league baseball and while the National League series seems compelling, the American League looks to be deja vu of last year’s AL Championship series.

Starting with the NL, the series featuring the San Diego Padres against the St. Louis Cardinals seems to be a sure thing for the Cardinals. St. Louis was the best team, start to finish, in the NL this year. San Diego on the other hand won the NL West pennant in what seemed to be a season long exercise in futility.

The other match-up is far more difficult to predict. This showcases the best pitching duel for possibly the duration of the playoffs. The Atlanta Braves will take on the Houston Astros in this series, and hope to maintain their second half energy into the post season. The Astros are many analysts’ odds on favorite to represent the NL in the World Series. The reason is the wealth of starting pitching that Houston brings to the table, however, if any team can match their rotation it is the Braves. Along with quality starters, Atlanta’s Manager Bobby Cox might be their biggest advantage. Cox has always shown the ability to maximize the potential of his pitching. This one should go the distance.

In the AL, the Divisional series pairings of the New York Yankees versus the Los Angeles Angels at Anaheim and the Boston Red Sox against the Chicago White Sox promise many thrills, but most fans are looking to the AL Championship Series. Fate seems to have the Red Sox and Yankees on a collision course en route to this year’s World Series. While the White Sox and Angels are both capable opponents, it is unlikely that either will prevail against either of the “salary cap behemoths.” This sets the table for plenty of drama long before the World Series even begins.