If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 14

By John in MLB, Red Sox ⋅ July 20, 2012 at 6:59pm ⋅ Post a comment

Nationals vs Yankees: Week 14's prediction for the World Series

Now that the second half of the season is well underway, teams are scrambling to shore up a position and manage their lineups and rotations as quickly as possible. With the non-waiver trade deadline less than two weeks away, we’re sure to see plenty of interesting deals. We’ve already seen some among bottom dwelling teams, so now it’s up to contenders to bolster their chances. Where does everyone stand? What will teams do in the next weeks? Lets look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Friday, July 20, before the day’s games:

National League

#1 Washington Nationals

With Washington resting pretty on top the league, they’re resting up their young phenom Stephen Strasburg. They haven’t been the best since the All Star game, but if their calculations pay off, they’ll be well-prepared during the postseason.

#2 Cincinnati Reds vs #3 San Francisco Giants

The Reds are doing quite well, having just squeaked ahead of Pittsburgh in the division. The Giants haven’t done exactly as well, but they’re not far behind. However, the Giants do have a losing road record, and they’ll need even better pitching to stand a chance.

#W1 Pittsburgh Pirates vs #W2 Atlanta Braves

Both teams have been doing well lately, which is why they’re in this position. Making this game more interesting is the fact that the Braves are a bit better on the road. Pittsburgh has some good players, but Andrew McCutchen is clearly the face of the franchise. On the other hand, Atlanta has many different players that they can use to beat you.

American League

#1 New York Yankees

The Yankees are just as destructive as they’ve ever been. And they’ve been doing it without Mariano Rivera. The Yankees are so powerful right now that it’d be difficult for anyone to stop them in a series.

#2 Texas Rangers vs #3 Chicago White Sox

Neither team is at its best right now. Youk brings power and talent to Chicago, but Texas still has Josh Hamilton, among others. Their talent let them build up a lead earlier in the year, and if their opponent isn’t on, Texas can still make them pay.

#W1 Los Angeles Angels vs #W2 Detroit Tigers

Jered Weaver vs Justin Verlander? I’m in. The Angels haven’t exactly been the best team lately, most recently dropping three of four in Detroit. That’s helped the Tigers blast up the standings and claim a Wildcard spot. That momentum could easily carry over to help Detroit’s own set of powerful bats.

What Might Change Next Week:

With the Reds and Pirates so close, and with Pittsburgh having a home series, and with both teams having similarly easy schedules, look for the Pirates to barely retake the division.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, MLB Playoffs, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals