ALDS

NEW YORK YANKEES VS MINNESOTA TWINS

New York has beaten Minnesota every single time in the playoffs throughout history: 2003 ALDS, 2004 ALDS, 2009 ALDS, 2010 ALDS, 2017 AL Wildcard Playoff Game. The Bronx Bombers also overcame a lot of injuries to get into the playoffs. I expect them to be motivated and confident going into this series. That said, Minnesota is a 100 win team that might be focused on revenge. New York has better pitching and a better manager and the lineups are a toss-up. The safe pick here is the Yankees.

PREDICTION: NYY IN 4 GAMES

TAMPA BAY RAYS VS HOUSTON ASTROS

This one looks very one-sides. Houston has better pitching, better hitting and won it all will this team just 2 years ago. Tampa Bay has a shaky lineup and probably are lucky to get this far at all. If Houston doesn’t sweep this or at least win it in 4 games, they’re not going to the World Series.

PREDICTION: HOU IN 3 GAMES

NLDS

ATLANTA BRAVES VS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

This could be a very fun series. Atlanta has a better lineup and rotation, but the bullpen is a toss-up and either team could be more motivated to win this. The managers are a toss-up too, though I suspect that Atlanta has the better one in Brian Snitker. I can see this coming down to all 5 games, but maybe Atlanta’s hitting gets hot and they win the series.

PREDICTION: ATL IN 4 GAMES

LOS ANGELES DODGERS VS WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The rotations are close and I might even go with Washington’s. In fact I am. LA has the better bullpen, but its shaky and Washington expect their starters to pitch as relievers. It’s a toss-up with the lineups as well. Dave Roberts is not a good manager, so I’ll go with an upset with some luck here.

PREDICTION: WAS IN 5 GAMES