If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 3

By John in MLB, Red Sox ⋅ April 26, 2012 at 6:56pm ⋅ Post a comment

Rangers vs Nationals: Week 3's prediction for the World Series

Three weeks into the season, and there’s starting to be some real separation in the NL divisions, but the AL is still largely close. The AL East is starting to even out, while Washington’s stock continues to rise. Where has everyone wound up this week? Let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Thursday, April 26, at 7:00pm:

National League

#1 Washington Nationals

All of a sudden, the Nationals are just half a game behind the Rangers. They’re 14-4, and have won four straight, an impressive showing to be sure.

#2 Los Angeles Dodgers vs #3 St. Louis Cardinals

The Dodgers have lost two in a row (at home), which is tough when the opponent (Atlanta) went into that stretch with a losing road record. St. Louis has done plenty of damage on the road, so Los Angeles will need to be careful once St. Louis get healthy.

#W1 Atlanta Braves vs #W2 New York Mets

The Braves pulled off two wins in L.A, while New York completed a sweep of Miami. Both teams are doing well, but Atlanta has more talent at their disposal for a playoff game.

American League

#1 Texas Rangers

The Yankees may have picked off a game from Texas, but in a series, Texas easily has an edge with their potent power.

#2 Tampa Bay Rays vs #3 Chicago White Sox

Thanks to a perfect game, the White Sox are half a game ahead of the Indians and Tigers. But the Rays have been significantly better overall so far. Tampa should be able to take this series pretty easily.

#W1 Baltimore Orioles vs #W2 New York Yankees

The Orioles are doing quite well, but New York did sweep a road series already. With such a potent lineup, and C.C. Sabathia, and Mariano Rivera, don’t be surprised to see New York pull off a road victory.