If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 1

By John in Featured, Red Sox ⋅ April 12, 2011 at 8:55am ⋅ Post a comment

Rangers vs Phillies: Week 1's prediction for the World Series

Baseball is finally here, though it’s not going in the manner for which Red Sox fans would have hoped. As can be the case early in the seasons, the standings look like bizarro divisions, with good teams doing terribly and terrible teams doing good. That’s led to some very interesting match-ups. Right now, the Rangers and their huge start have them with the best record in the majors, while the Red Sox, Rays and Astros are all tied for worst, though Tampa did beat Boston, so it’s really the Red Sox and Astros. We’re all hoping the Red Sox actually show up one of these days, but for now, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, April 12, before the day’s games:

National League

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs #W Los Angeles Dodgers

Philadelphia‘s pitching staff has been pretty much living up to expectations, getting the team a 7-2 record so far. The Dodgers are in the wildcard spot thanks in big part to a 4-1 record against the defending champion Giants. Still, Philadelphia’s mega staff should be more of a challenge for L.A.

#2 Colorado Rockies vs #3 Cincinnati Reds

Colorado has made a big splash this season so far, though they have lost to Arizona and Pittsburgh. The Reds have built an early two-game division lead themselves, but have lost to Houston and twice to Arizona. Cincy may have Joey Votto and a good staff, but Colorado has Ubaldo Jimenez and plenty of oomph in their own right. In a drawn out battle in the thin air of Denver, the Rockies might have a slight edge in this one.

American League

#1 Texas Rangers vs #W Kansas City Royals

Texas has just been on an absolute tear, going 9-1 in the early going. That’s on pace for 146-16, compared with Boston’s 32-130. Kansas City is 6-3, and has won its last two, but Texas is just too good right now.

#2 Cleveland Indians vs #3 Baltimore Orioles

Cleveland has won eight in a row all of a sudden. Baltimore did manage to hand Texas its only loss of the season, but things were right with the world after that one game. With Cleveland’s quick turnaround from the debacle to open the season, they’re in a good position right now.

What Might Change Next Week:

The Blue Jays are in a great position to vault New York and Baltimore.
If the Dodgers run into trouble against the Cardinals, many teams could take advantage, most likely Milwaukee.

Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB Playoffs, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers