If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 12

By John in MLB, Red Sox ⋅ June 29, 2012 at 7:30pm ⋅ Post a comment

Rangers vs Nationals: Week 12's prediction for the World Series

Things keep changing more and more. The Rays are dropping, the Red Sox are rising and even the Pirates are making a run. The Yankees are widening their lead, while the Dodgers are dropping fast. The Giants are on an absolute tear, while the Reds… not so much. More is different now than ever before this season, so let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Friday, June 29 at 7:30pm:

National League

#1 Washington Nationals

The Nationals have done well against Colorado, scoring at least 10 runs in their last three games. However, they’re just 5-8 in their last 13. Phenoms abound for the Nationals, but other teams have the momentum on their side, and could take the Nationals down if Washington isn’t careful.

#2 San Francisco Giants vs #3 Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are rapidly letting their division lead slip, now just a game ahead of Pittsburgh. The Giants have won four in a row, all shutouts. With that kind of pitching, San Francisco will be tough to stop.

#W1 Los Angeles Dodgers vs #W2 Pittsburgh Pirates

The Dodgers have lost five straight and nine of ten. The Pirates aren’t necessarily perfect, but they have been winning much more often. And with people taking them lightly because they’re the Pirates, Pittsburgh could make some noise.

American League

#1 Texas Rangers

The Rangers are back on their winning ways, with three straight victories. The Rangers haven’t always been good this season, but when they’re on, they’re tough to beat, and they’re now back in possession of MLB’s best record.

#2 New York Yankees vs #3 Chicago White Sox

The White Sox have won three straight, and with Youk in the fold (5/16 so far in four games), they have some power with which to work. They even won 4-3 in New York. But the Yankees are now 5.0 games ahead of Baltmore despite that loss. They have plenty of talent as you might expect, and they’re not ones to fall so easily.

#W1 Los Angeles Angels vs #W2 Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have lost three straight; L.A. has won their last four. With the Angels’ power on both sides of the ball and Baltimore’s recent struggles, things aren’t looking too good for Baltimore right now.

What Might Change Next Week:

The Pirates do face the Astros, but they have to go to St. Louis first. In fact, the Cardinals and Braves have a decent chance to take the Wildcard spots.

Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB Playoffs, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals