If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 24

By John in Red Sox ⋅ September 20, 2010 at 11:48am ⋅ Post a comment

Phillies vs Yankees: Week 24's prediction for the World Series

Things are now starting to get interesting. Aside from the West, the playoff teams are pretty much set. But the seeding for those that are in is still very much to be determined. For example, the Rays are only half a game behind the Yankees, the Twins are only half a game behind the Rays, and for that matter, the Phillies are only half a game behind the Twins. The Braves have a pretty good hold on the Wildcard spot, leaving the Padres and Rockies to catch the Giants. Anything could happen in the final two weeks, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, September 20, before the day’s games:

National League

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs #3 Cincinnati Reds

Philly has won seven games in a row to become the third team to reach 50 home wins. The Reds are 5-5 in their last 10. With the Phillies trying to become the Miami Heat of pitching (if only they had kept Cliff Lee…), it’ll be very difficult for the Reds to win.

#2 San Francisco Giants vs #W Atlanta Braves

The Braves actually have the better record, and if it weren’t for their terrible road record, they would definitely be the favorites. They’ll still be the favorites if Tim Lincecum is’t up to speed. But as it stands, the Giants’ crowd will help them win in five.

America League

#1 New York Yankees vs #3 Texas Rangers

Texas is 8-2 in their last 10 games, while the Yanks are 4-6, but with Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, and Hughes, how can the Rangers hope to contend? That’s not to mention Teixeira, Rodriguez, and Jeter, among others.

#2 Minnesota Twins vs #W Tampa Bay Rays

All of a sudden, the Twins are just a game back of the majors’ best record. With an excellent pitching staff and bats, and Morneau starting to work out again, the Rays will find home field disadvantage something difficult to climb out of.

What Might Change Next Week:

With a four-game set in the Bronx, the Yankees may or may not remain on top of the Rays in the division, but the Indians and Tigers will help the Twins take over top honors.
With tough road schedules to end the week, either the Reds or Giants could get home-field advantage.
For that matter, the Padres could just as easily take over too.

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