If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 20

By John in Red Sox ⋅ August 23, 2010 at 12:35pm ⋅ Post a comment

Padres vs Yankees: Week 20's prediction for the World Series

With just six weeks to go until playoff time, the divisions are finally starting to see some separation. The Yankees are a game ahead of the Rays, but the Reds are finally 3.5 games ahead of the Cardinals. The Phillies have opened up a 2.0-game lead over the Cardinals and Giants, and the Orioles are just six losses from being eliminated. The Red Sox are 33 such games out, too. With seeding still up in the air and several teams hoping to make last-minute pushes to get into the picture, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, August 23, before the day’s games:

National League

#1 San Diego Padres vs #W Philadelphia Phillies

Philly has the pitching to match the Padres (i.e. Halladay and Oswalt), but their road record leaves something to be desired. If Chase Utley and Ryan Howard can return to prime form, the Phillies could still make it through, especially if they copy the Yankee’s tactics from 2009 regarding a three-man rotation.

#2 Atlanta Braves vs #3 Cincinnati Reds

The Reds have equal 36-26 home and road records, while the Braves’ 44-17 home record is the best in the majors. But if the 2008 Celtics taught us anything, you can’t rely on home-field advantage. Still, after a 16-5 blowout of the Cubs in Lou Piniella’s retirement game, the Braves are clearly the favorite.

American League

#1 New York Yankees vs #3 Texas Rangers

Cliff Lee vs C.C. Sabathia in a killer rematch? I’m down for that. But the Yankees rotation is much better, especially considering Andy Pettitte will be back by then. Add the bats to the mix, and the Yankees are the better team, and will likely assimilate Lee during free agency. And Brett Gardner has speed for them as well.

#2 Minnesota Twins vs #W Tampa Bay Rays

Minnesota’s pitching staff has surprised a lot of people this season, and their new ballpark has quickly become known as a pitchers’ park. Minnesota will need to take advantage of that and not let up, considering Tampa is an excellent road team. Tampa’s sporadic offensive struggles and pitching injuries are also something Minnesota needs to scout and exploit. Tax Andy Sonnanstine, and the Rays are out a long reliever / spot starter.

What Might Change Next Week:

Honestly, I don’t see anything changing, though if the Yankees hiccup against Toronto or the White Sox, the Red Sox don’t exactly have a good history in the Trop.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, MLB Playoffs, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers