If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 6

By John in Red Sox ⋅ May 16, 2011 at 6:30pm ⋅ Post a comment

Indians vs Phillies: Week 6's prediction for the World Series

It’s about time Boston made it to .500. And it only took 40 games. Plenty has changed in the past week, including three new division leaders. The Yankees are in real danger of falling even further out of the race, and Adrian Gonzalez has Boston just two games out of the Wildcard hunt. The defending champs are back in the mix, and after losing eight in a row, the Twins are the basement dwellers of MLB somehow. With so many teams moving around, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, May 16, before the day’s games:

National League

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs #3 San Francisco Giants

Philadelphia has lost two in a row, and is 5-5 in its last 10. San Francisco has won eight of 10 to move ahead of Colorado. Tim Lincecum will obviously be a challenge, but if Philly’s staff of aces can maintain their awesome skill level, they should be able to win three games out of five.

#2 Cincinnati Reds vs #W Florida Marlins

Behind a recent surge, Cincinnati has put themselves in a comfortable position atop the NL Central. Florida has been slipping lately, but they’re still a solid Wildcard. If Florida’s pitching doesn’t fail them, they have a good shot, but they’ll need all they can muster to win.

American League

#1 Cleveland Indians vs #3 Los Angeles Angels

Neither team has been terribly impressive lately, but Cleveland is still in a very good position. Los Angeles is busy fighting off Texas in the division, which means Weaver and Haren will need to become the aces that started off the season to have any shot.

#2 Tampa Bay Rays vs #W Detroit Tigers

Before losing their last two, the Rays had won seven of eight, though those two losses were to Baltimore. Meanwhile, Detroit has won seven straight to move a game ahead of the Yankees in the Wildcard race. They’ve put up some pretty good run totals in that stretch, too. With the way Tampa’s roster was gutted in the off-season, I’m not completely sold on their stamina.

What Might Change Next Week:

If the Rays continue their struggles (they do face the Marlins), then the Yankees could vault back into the division lead.
As long as the Red Sox don’t completely screw up with their pitching, they could conceivably move into the Wildcard, assuming the Yankees or Rays struggle mightily. (Don’t hold your breath, though.)

Tags: Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, MLB Playoffs, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays