The match ups are set with the exception of who will face the Boston Red Sox. They face the winner of the Yankees and A’s set to play tonight. Let’s take a look at what to expect in this round of the playoffs.
Cleveland Indians versus Houston Astros
The Indians were winners of the AL Central with a record of 91-71. They take on the Astros, who posted the second best record in the league at 103-59. Houston holds a +28 to +16 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Although a 12 game difference in the standings, the Astros narrowly defeated the Indians in head to head play this season, four games to three. Expect much of the same in the playoffs. The Astros were the fourth most stable team during the regular season, meaning they are winning and losing consistently according to their favorite/underdog status. Go with the Astros in six.
Atlanta Braves versus Los Angeles Dodgers
The Braves were not stellar towards the end of the season but a collapse by won the NL East with a record of 90-72. They face a Dodgers’ team that started out of the gate very slowly but got hot, finishing at 92-71. Both teams are among the most unstable in the league, so betting strictly on favorite/underdog status is likely not wise. The Dodgers have a +26 to +20 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Winning five of seven match ups between the teams during the regular season, the Dodgers likely will do much of the same in this NLDS round. I see the Dodgers winning in six.
New York Yankees or Oakland A’s versus Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox cruised most of the season, posting the best record in the league at 108-54. Not playing stellar towards the end, they are just +22 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Don’t let that fool you, as the Red Sox were on cruise control down the stretch, having wrapped up everything early. They hold a slim 10 to 9 season series win over the Yankees, who had the third best record at 100-62. The Yankees enter “burning hot” and +29 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Should Oakland defeat the Yankees in the wild card game, they would enter at +26 and “average”. The A’s won the season series over the Red Sox, 4 games to 2. No matter who the Red Sox play, they will be the favorites. However this is the post season and anything can happen. The Red Sox should be victorious against either opponent, but it might be worth a gamble to pick an upset in this series.
Milwaukee Brewers versus Colorado Rockies
The Rockies advanced due to a 2-1, 13 inning win over the Cubs in the Wild Card game. They face the Brewers, who had the best record on the NL at 96-67. They also won five of the seven meetings between the teams this season. In additions they hold a +29 to +21 advantage over Colorado on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams enter on a roll at “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Be cautious looking at the favorite/underdog status of the Brewers since they are the eighth most unstable team in the league according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. It’s difficult to envision the Rockies advancing to the NLCS, so look for the Brewers to win in six or seven.
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