By: Kelly Byrnes
It comes down to the Astros and Phillies looking to get back to the World Series for a rematch of last year’s Fall Classic. Or two teams that haven’t played into late October in a long time, the Rangers (2011) and the Diamondbacks (2001). As for me I love to see new teams do something they haven’t done in a long time, but I guess we’ll have to watch and see what happens.
ALCS: Texas Rangers (90-72) vs Houston Astros (90-72)
We got a battle of the Lone Star State here. For the Astros it is their 7th straight ALCS and for the Rangers it is their first ALCS since 2011. It’s obviously that the Astros have the experience here and that’s usually the way I lean in my predictions. The Rangers do have some postseason experience in Corey Seager, he is a NLCS and World Series MVP! Will the Astros pitch to him? Because the Orioles definitely did not, he had 9 walks in 3 games. Both teams have strong pitching so I don’t know if I can choose an advantage there. Justin Verlander has struggled some in the postseason but his start against the Twins was great. The State of Texas will be hoping for this series, and I think I’m going to lean in the direction of the team with experience, the Astros. I hope it’s a fun closely played series and I’d love to see 7 games here.
ALCS MVP: Yordan Alvarez
NLCS: Arizona Diamondbacks (84-78) vs Philadelphia Phillies (90-72)
The Phillies care about one thing and one thing only, returning back to the Fall Classic but this time coming home with the World Series trophy. The Diamondbacks have yet to lose this postseason but playing in Philadelphia in October is a different animal. I won’t count them out but it’s going to be an uphill battle. Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler have been dominating this postseason, but Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen haven’t looked bad as well. I just think the Phillies offense is too much to handle. Nick Castellanos is as hot as he’s ever been, and you know Bryce Harper is going to Bryce Harper. The question is can Gabriel Moreno and the rest of the young Diamondbacks stay hot and crack that Phillies starting pitchers. If wouldn’t surprise if they do but I don’t think they will be able to keep up with the Phillies offense. I have the Phillies going back to the World Series.
NLCS MVP: Nick Castellanos