Most teams have just under 50 games left in the season, with around 30% of games left to be played. As we head into September, I find myself thinking about the most intriguing playoff matchups. Last year's Indians-Cubs World Series was close to perfect for Major League Baseball, resulting in 40 million viewers for Game Seven. It's unlikely we'll ever see those numbers again, but I think these matchups would still present a fun and very watchable postseason.
National League
Dodgers vs Rockies (who beat Diamondbacks)
- The Diamondbacks and Rockies both present fun matchups with the Dodgers. A rematch between Zack Greinke and the Dodgers would be great, but he most likely would only be able to start one game. I think Coors Field is a fantastic park and it's a blast to see it full for playoff games. Seeing Kershaw—and the rest of the Dodgers great staff—face the challenge of pitching in the high altitude excites me.
Nationals vs Cubs
- Sorry, Cardinals fans. The Cubs are still a hot team in terms of ratings and interest, even if some of that has subsided from last year. A matchup between Scherzer and Strasburg and the Cubs big bats would be fun. The Nationals terrible bullpen could be a recipe for late-inning comebacks, much like the Giants last year.
NLCS
- The Dodgers definitely need to make it to the NLCS. Kershaw, Seager, Puig, and Bellinger are just too much fun to not have them play another round. Either of the Nationals and Cubs would make for a fun series. I'll put my bias aside and go with the Nats. Harper (and DC) playing on the national stage would be great for baseball. I'm picturing a Harper-Jansen at-bat in the 9th inning of Game Seven with the series on the line. Sign me up for that.
American League
Astros vs Yankees (who beat Angels)
- I want to see Mike Trout in the postseason. He deserves it. I wouldn't be upset if the Halos beat the Yankees (I'd probably be rooting for it, actually), but people love to watch the Yankees. With the Astros fading, this series would be up for grabs. A Yankees upset behind a resurgent Aaron Judge is my ideal scenario.
Red Sox vs Indians
- A rematch of the 2016 ALDS; the Indians swept David Ortiz and the Red Sox out of the playoffs. Chris Sale vs Corey Kluber twice? Oh my, yes.
ALCS
- A Yankees-Red Sox series would get the most eyeballs. It seems crazy, but the two teams haven't played in the playoffs for 13 years, since the famous 2004 ALCS. The Indians returning to the World Series would also make a great storyline, but I'm a sucker for rivalries. Let's do it, Boston and New York.
World Series
Dodgers over Red Sox
- This would be a great World Series. So would Cubs-Red Sox, but I'll admit I want to see Kershaw pitch in the World Series. A Dodgers World Series win—the first since 1988—would be great for baseball.
Featured
Baseball is here! And more importantly, that means the over/under game is back. It seems as though everyone is an expert this time of year. Somehow we convince ourselves that we are better at predicting baseball outcomes than everyone else. Well, AFITB is putting that to the test for the third year in a row. Think you know more about baseball than us? You probably do. But go ahead and prove it anyway.