MLB Playoff Predictions

MLB Playoff Predictions

By Nico Espinola and Ron Espinola Posted October 7, 2015

As the days get colder, the nights grow longer, and the leaves start to turn, it can only mean one thing to baseball fans…the playoffs are finally here.

This season the final spots in the playoffs were not decided until the final day of the 162-game schedule. One of the most interesting facets of the playoff picture this year is that only four teams are returning from 2014. The Royals, Pirates, Cardinals, and Dodgers are all back but new faces are represented by the MLB youth movement of the Astros, Mets, and Cubs.

The Blue Jays are Vegas’ favorite while the Cubbies are probably the sentimental favorite; especially for a certain Editor at “The Humboldt Sun”.

ESPY:
As a lifelong Yankees fan, I am somewhat conflicted. I simply do not think they have what it takes to get through a grueling post-season schedule. As a Don Mattingly (Dodgers Manager) fan I am picking them to win it all. This is not because of bias, but the belief that the Dodgers have the pitching to make it through. Isn’t it time for Clayton Kershaw to prove that his regular-season success will translate into the postseason?

ALWC
ESPY: The Yankees should prolong their season for a few games, but will fall in the next round.

NICO: The Yankees won’t be able to score enough runs on Keuchel and will unfortunately lose the game.

NLWC
ESPY: Even though the Cubs have to travel to Pittsburgh they will win and get the dubious honor of facing the Cardinals in the NLDS.

NICO: With the pitcher’s duel between Arrieta and Cole; Arrieta will prevail and outpitch Gerrit Cole.

ALDS
ESPY: The Rangers will face the juggernaut the Blue Jays have become and not enjoy the experience.

The overmatched Yankees will fall to the Royals setting up the ALCS with the Jays.

NICO: The Blue Jays and their solid offense will heavily outscore the Rangers to advance to the ALCS.

The Royals have more depth in their starting rotation which will make it much easier for them to beat the Astros. The Royals will also be able to out-hit the Astros throughout the series.

NLDS
ESPY: The Cubs, since they don’t know better, will beat the Cardinals; assuming Yadi is still hurt. The Dodger will prove too much for the inexperienced Mets and will move on to face the Cubs.

NICO: The Cubs will be quite evenly matched with the Cardinals but the Cardinal’s lack of Molina and inferior pitching will ultimately cost them the series.

The Mets will use their big bats and pitching staff to beat the Dodgers. It will be a close series but the Dodgers won’t have the starting pitching they need to win.

ALCS
ESPY: The Royals have solid pitching, but it will not be able to quiet the big bats of Toronto; Toronto goes to their first series since 1993.

NICO: The Royals pitching may be better than the pitching of the Blue Jays but Toronto’s offensive will make up for their inferior pitching staff.

NLCS
ESPY: The Cubs continue to raise the hopes of their desperate fans only to be dashed by Kershaw and Zack Greinke. At least Bartman won’t be there and what’s one more year in a century of losing?

NICO: The Cubs and the Mets will prove to be a good matchup. Throughout the regular season, the Cubs are 7-0 against the Mets and are likely to keep it that way.

World Series
ESPY: Maybe not the Series everyone wants, but it should prove to be a good matchup. As long as the Dodgers bullpen holds up they should win their first championship since the magical performance of Kirk Gibson in 1988. They will take their lumps in a game or two but will win in six. But I wouldn’t bet on it.

NICO: The Blue Jays will beat the Cubs in what will likely turn out to be a six-game series. With their heavy-hitting offense, Toronto will beat the pitching of Arrieta and Lester giving them their first World Series title since they went back to back in 1992 and 1993.