By: Kelly Byrnes
NLCS: Los Angeles Dodgers (92-71) at Milwaukee Brewers (96-67)
Life got busy, so I wasn’t going to write CS predictions but since both series are tied at 1 I thought why not. After the Brewers Game 1 victory they had 12 straight wins didn’t seem like they would ever lose. The Brewers strength going into the series was the bullpen, but the starters have actually fared better than the bullpen. The Dodgers have scored 8 of 9 runs after the 7th inning. The Dodgers have the experience and the next three games at home. I don’t think they will win all three at home, but they will need to win two games and steal one game in Milwaukee. Like I said in my NLDS prediction, the Dodgers have their eye on the World Series and anything less would be a disappointment.
NLCS MVP: Not Yasmani Grandal
ALCS: Houston Astros (103-59) at Boston Red Sox (108-54)
The 211 combined wins are tied for the 2nd most in any postseason matchup in MLB history. Everything about the Astros screams back to back World Series championships, rotation, lineup, defense, bullpen. They are stacked from top to bottom. The Red Sox have their own plans and that includes a trip to the World Series. They aren’t going to just roll over and be a red carpet to the WS from the Astros. The Red Sox offense is the best in baseball and they have 2 MVP candidates leading the way. Chris Sale is going to need to pitch better in his next start for the Sox to have a chance. The Astros have the advantage right now with the next three games being at home. My gut says Astros take this series but my heart wants the Red Sox to win. I’ll go with my heart and take the Red Sox which probably means congrats to the Astros on the return trip to the Fall Classic.
ALCS MVP: Mookie Betts