MLB Playoffs

[NHwildEcat]

Last night the first playoff spot for the 2010 MLB Postseason was clinched as the Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 6-4! With that said, below is the latest situation for the playoffs as of now:

AL East:
New York 92-59 --2.5 game lead on Tampa Bay whom they continue to play host to the next two nights. The Yankees magic number is 3 so they could possibly clinch as early as Thursday night if they were to continue with a sweep of Tampa and if Boston were to lose tonight against Baltimore. If the standings hold this form, the Yankees will be playing host to the Texas Rangers in the ALDS.

AL Central:
Minnesota 91-60 --Clinched the division on September 21 with a win over Cleveland. The Twins look to be a lock for a first round home series against the Wild Card winner. All they have to play for now is homefield, which they currently sit 1 game back of.

AL West:
Texas 83-67 --7 game lead in the division. There current magic number is 6, which they could clinch as esrly as Friday with a little help from Chicago against Oakland. This weekend the Rangers play the A's and a sweep would officially punch their ticket into the AL playoffs. As of right now, it looks as though the Rangers will be starting the playoffs in New York.

AL Wild Card:
Tampa Bay 89-61 --6.5 game lead on Boston for the Wild Card. Also Chicago is still alive for this playoff spot, although it is unlikely we will see anyone but Tampa Bay take it. Currently the Rays are in a huge series with the Yankees so they could just as easily move back to 0.5 games back of the AL East title in the next couple nights.

NL East:
Philadelphia 91-61 --6 game lead on Atlanta for the division crown. They play again tonight so the magic number could drop to 4 with a Phillies win. The earliest the Phillies could clinch is Saturday when they host the Mets. Philadelphia also looks to assure itself of homefield as they currently lead the entire National League in the overall standings.

NL Central:
Cincinnati 86-66 --8 game lead with a magic number of 4. Due to an off day on Thursday the earliest the big red machine can clinch is on Friday. Their appearance in the playoffs seems all but set. And a home series looks like a real possiblity.

NL West:
San Francisco 85-66 --0.5 game lead. This is the division race with the most at stake. Three teams with only one playoff spot to claim. This isn't like the AL East where both teams will get in regardless. As of today, the Giants lead the battle, but that could change easily as they only have a 0.5 game lead on San Diego. Also, Colorado is 2.5 games back so they too are within stricking distance. There are too many scenarios to discuss so we will just have to follow this one day to day as teams play down to the wire.

NL Wild Card:
Atlanta 86-66 --1 game lead. This is just like the race in the NL West and will certainly come down to the final weekend. While the Braves lead they only have a 1 game advantage on San Diego and a 3 game lead on Colorado so this race is too close to call at this point. We'll have to keep an eye on it day to day such as the situation with the NL West.

If the playoffs started today:

AL:
Texas @ New York
Tampa Bay @ Minnesota

NL:
San Francisco @ Philadelphia
Atlanta @ Cincinnati

[appfan2008]

As an Atlanta native and huge braves fan... watching this lead fall apart and now become such a large deficit is super depressing... I would love to send bobby off on a great playoff run we got to make it there first...

[blukeys]

Charlie Manuel altered his rotation to put his 3 best starters into this series against the Braves. Bobby Cox chose not to. I don't quite get it. The Braves really needed to take 2 of 3 in this series since they were behind and Cox chose not to roll the dice. Of course with some of Atlanta's defensive lapses it may not have meant much.

[PhoenixSupreme]

Cubs have something to say about the NL West race. They are currently playing a series with San Fran at home (Cubs lost the first game), and their next-to-last series is a 4-gamer at San Diego.

[darell1976]

As an Indians fan...season was over months ago let me know when its April.xnodx

[NHwildEcat]

As an Indians fan...season was over months ago let me know when its April.xnodx

Is there no other team you plan to or will pull for come playoff time?

My Red Sox have been out of it for some time now with all the injuries and poor pitching (Beckett & Lackey) yet I can still see the brightside of a Cincinnati Reds post season series.

I also may be taking in Game #3 in Texas that weekend of the ALDS. Right now that would be the Yankees--even if it was the Rays I would have plenty of reasons to pull for Texas...although Josh Hamilton does not help.

[darell1976]

I hate the Yankees with a passion. I used to be a Twins fan from the 1980's til 1993 (Kirby Puckett was my favorite player of all time). So I would say Minnesota but anyone but the Yankees are good enough for me.

[NHwildEcat]

I hate the Yankees with a passion. I used to be a Twins fan from the 1980's til 1993 (Kirby Puckett was my favorite player of all time). So I would say Minnesota but anyone but the Yankees are good enough for me.

I like it...for me as long as its not the Yankees or Rays...I hope the Rays get swept out so we don't have to listen to their annoying fans and their gay cowbells...Selig should do us all a favor and ban those **** things!

[blukeys]

NHwildeCat, According to your records Philly has a 5 game lead in the NL East and not 6 games as stated in your post 1. If Philly wins tonight then it will be 6 games. A win by Atlanta will give Philly a 4 game lead.

[NHwildEcat]

NHwildeCat, According to your records Philly has a 5 game lead in the NL East and not 6 games as stated in your post 1. If Philly wins tonight then it will be 6 games. A win by Atlanta will give Philly a 4 game lead.

You're right I was wrong I was looking at MLB.com and I read the magic number rather then the games behind...

[superman7515]

10 game winning streak... 6 games up... I'd like to officially thank the Atlanta Braves for participating in 2010.

[NHwildEcat]

Atlanta really needs to stop the bleeding or they will be golfing with the Nats.

Texas can wrap it up with a couple wins over Oakland.

[NHwildEcat]

Updated as of Thursday, Sept. 23:

AL East:
New York 92-60 --1.5 game lead on Tampa Bay with another head to head battle tonight. Sabathia v. Price...this could very well be a preview of Game 1 of the ALCS. The Yankees magic number to clinch any playoff spot is 3, so a win tonight over Tampa Bay and just one win over Boston over the weekend means they are in.

AL Central:
Minnesota 92-60 --Clinched the division on September 21.

AL West:
Texas 84-67 --8 game lead in the division. There current magic number is 4, which they could clinch as early as Friday. They play Oakland in a big weekend series...two wins for Texas equals a playoff appearance.

AL Wild Card:
Tampa Bay 90-61 --6.5 game lead on Boston for the Wild Card. Looks that by early to mi-week next week the Rays will punch their ticket.

NL East:
Philadelphia 92-61 --6 game lead on Atlanta for the division crown. There magic number is now down to 4 after last night's win over Atlanta. The earliest the Phillies could clinch is Saturday when they host the Mets. Philadelphia looks to be a lock to nail down homefield advantage throughout as they have a significant lead on the rest of the National League.

NL Central:
Cincinnati 86-67 --8 game lead with a magic number of 3. They look to clinch their spot over the weekend. The big question for the Reds is will they begin the post season on the road or at home?

NL West:
San Diego 85-66 --0.5 game lead. This is the division race with the most at stake. Three teams with only one playoff spot to claim. This isn't like the AL East where both teams will get in regardless. The Padres currently lead the battle, but that could change easily as they only have a 0.5 game lead on San Francisco. Also, Colorado is 3 games back so they too are within striking distance. There are too many scenarios to discuss so we will just have to follow this one day to day as teams play down to the wire.

NL Wild Card:
Atlanta 86-67 --0.5 game lead over San Francisco as they fell to San Diego last night. This spot will be open until the final weekend and will depend on the Braves will/want of a post season appearance and how the NL West race shakes out.

If the playoffs started today:

AL:
Texas @ New York
Tampa Bay @ Minnesota

NL:
San Diego @ Philadelphia
Atlanta @ Cincinnati

[PaladinFan]

Atlanta really needs to stop the bleeding or they will be golfing with the Nats.

Texas can wrap it up with a couple wins over Oakland.

The Braves are still in the driver seat for the wild card. Injuries have slowed things down a bit. It's been a rather streaky second half. Hot then cold.

My thought is that the team is going to rally around Cox for this last few series. Have Hudson and Lowe pitching against the Nationals, so there's reason to think Atlanta can take that series and have a winning road trip. Can then get home to finish out the season, where they are still the best home team in baseball.

Hopefully they can limp into the playoffs. The playoffs are a funny thing. Rarely, it seems, do the favorites win it all.

[NHwildEcat]

The Braves are still in the driver seat for the wild card. Injuries have slowed things down a bit. It's been a rather streaky second half. Hot then cold.

My thought is that the team is going to rally around Cox for this last few series. Have Hudson and Lowe pitching against the Nationals, so there's reason to think Atlanta can take that series and have a winning road trip. Can then get home to finish out the season, where they are still the best home team in baseball.

Hopefully they can limp into the playoffs. The playoffs are a funny thing. Rarely, it seems, do the favorites win it all.

Quite true! The Twins are there more often then not but they never make it out of the first round...I really hope this is the year they can. I'd love to see Twins/Rangers in the ALCS.

What I am looking for out of the playoffs this year since its the first time since 2006 that Boston isn't in is for the Twins to go to the World Series and for them to play the Reds...

[appfan2008]

ugh how depressing... i really thought this series with the phillies would be the one and we got swept in ugly fashion makes me sick... we better get the ship up right or we will fall out of the wild card to before you know it...

[PaladinFan]

ugh how depressing... i really thought this series with the phillies would be the one and we got swept in ugly fashion makes me sick... we better get the ship up right or we will fall out of the wild card to before you know it...

If you'd have told me the Phillies managed 1 run I'd have been sure the Braves won the game. Tough luck for Tommy Hanson. Seems he has a case of whatever ails Johan Santana, no run support.

It's kind of put up or shut up time for the Braves. They've got the team to make the post season. Now its all about winning a handful of games down the stretch. The NL West teams have a much tougher schedule and they end the season by beating up on each other. Atlanta's got the easiest road to the wild card, hopefully they'll take it.

[GannonFan]

If you'd have told me the Phillies managed 1 run I'd have been sure the Braves won the game. Tough luck for Tommy Hanson. Seems he has a case of whatever ails Johan Santana, no run support.

It's kind of put up or shut up time for the Braves. They've got the team to make the post season. Now its all about winning a handful of games down the stretch. The NL West teams have a much tougher schedule and they end the season by beating up on each other. Atlanta's got the easiest road to the wild card, hopefully they'll take it.

Nothing sewn up yet for the Braves - don't they have a losing record against the Nats this year? And the Mets know all about Florida rising up and spoiling plans in the last week of a season. The saving grace for the Braves is really two different things - the Phils should have the division and homefield throughout wrapped up before they hit Atlanta and the Pads and Giants have that last series against each other. The Braves are one behind the Pads and tied with the Giants in the loss column, so all they have to do is not be any worse than that by next weekend and they should squeeze in.

[PaladinFan]

Nothing sewn up yet for the Braves - don't they have a losing record against the Nats this year? And the Mets know all about Florida rising up and spoiling plans in the last week of a season. The saving grace for the Braves is really two different things - the Phils should have the division and homefield throughout wrapped up before they hit Atlanta and the Pads and Giants have that last series against each other. The Braves are one behind the Pads and tied with the Giants in the loss column, so all they have to do is not be any worse than that by next weekend and they should squeeze in.

True. The Nationals give us problems. Really only Dan Uggla gives us problems on the Marlins. The forumula to beat Florida is really some combination of determinig the innings left in the game, the lead, and how many runs Uggla can drive in.

Good news for the Braves is that both of those franchises are in the "get the rookies experience mode." Atlanta will be facing a lot of very young pitchers and hitters (like they were in New York). If the Braves can't send Lowe and Hudson out there and pick up wins against young AAA pitchers, we don't deserve the playoffs.

[UMass922]

Ron Gardenhire is considering giving postseason starts to Nick Blackburn instead of Baker and/or Slowey. Oh lordy.

It's not like Baker and Slowey are world-beaters, but at least they're halfway decent. Blackburn can't strike anybody out (Baker and Slowey are at least league average in that regard) and as a result he gives up boatloads of hits (and, inevitably, boatloads of runs). He's a groundball pitcher, but he still gives up a lot of home runs simply because of the sheer number of balls in play he allows. So he's not even an upgrade over Baker and Slowey in that regard, even though those guys are extreme flyball pitchers.

The Twins are probably going to have to win all of Liriano's and Pavano's starts if they're going to do any damage in the postseason. No margin for error, really. Duensing might be ok as the #3, but I don't know.

[PaladinFan]

Ron Gardenhire is considering giving postseason starts to Nick Blackburn instead of Baker and/or Slowey. Oh lordy.

It's not like Baker and Slowey are world-beaters, but at least they're halfway decent. Blackburn can't strike anybody out (Baker and Slowey are at least league average in that regard) and as a result he gives up boatloads of hits (and, inevitably, boatloads of runs). He's a groundball pitcher, but he still gives up a lot of home runs simply because of the sheer number of balls in play he allows. So he's not even an upgrade over Baker and Slowey in that regard, even though those guys are extreme flyball pitchers.

The Twins are probably going to have to win all of Liriano's and Pavano's starts if they're going to do any damage in the postseason. No margin for error, really. Duensing might be ok as the #3, but I don't know.

Saw Minny's new stadium on the front of Sports Illustrated. Looks like a beautiful ballpark.

It dissapoints me as I went to a game a few years ago in Minneapolis to see a game in the Metrodome. Now I have to get back there and see a game at Target. Terribly inconvenient for a Georgian.

[NHwildEcat]

The final two spots can be clinched tonight with wins from the Giants and the Braves...after that it is all about positioning.

In the AL it will be Minnesota hosting the Wild Card, while Texas will travel to the AL East champ...I hope the Red Sox play spoliers to the Yankees division title hopes but at the same time if really doesn't matter to me because I will be pulling for Minnesota and Texas in the first round anyways.

In the NL, it's all Cinncinnati for me...I really hope those guys can make it to the Series...it would sure be exciting!

[Appfan_in_CAAland]

In the NL, it's all Cinncinnati for me...I really hope those guys can make it to the Series...it would sure be exciting!

Cincinnati winning the world series after all these years is probably the only sporting event that would cause me to cry tears of joy.

[NHwildEcat]

Cincinnati winning the world series after all these years is probably the only sporting event that would cause me to cry tears of joy.

Well it begins on Wednesday...so let's hope for the best!

[TheValleyRaider]

AL Playoffs
Tampa Bay vs. Texas
Minnesota vs. New York

NL Playoffs
Philadelphia vs. Cincinnati
San Francisco vs. Atlanta

AL looks wiiiiide open. I'd have to say Tampa is the favorite, but none of those four winning the pennant would surprise me

NL, on the other hand, is Philly's to lose. The top of their rotation is frightening, and they're probably favorites to take the whole thing. If someone stops them, it might be the Giants, the only team with a rotation to really match, but I feel that'd be more likely in a 5-game set than the likely 7-game LCS

Picks
Rays in 5
Yankees in 4
Phillies in 3
Giants in 4

Rays in 7
Phillies in 5

Phillies in 6

[UMass922]

Can't wait for Wednesday. The Game 1 pitching matchups in the AL are going to be awesome:

Liriano vs. Sabathia
Lee vs. Price

[PhoenixSupreme]

Rangers over Rays in 5
Yanks over Twins in 3
Phils over Reds in 4
Giants over Braves in 4

Rangers over Yanks in 6
Phils over Giants in 4

Rangers over Phils in 7

[NHwildEcat]

Rays over Rangers in 3
Yankees over Twins in 5
Reds over Phillies in 5
Braves over Giants in 4

Rays over Yankees in 7
Reds over Giants in 6

Reds over Rays in 7...I really hope no matter what there is a 7 game World Series...it would just be awesome!

It is tough to watch baseball in October when my Red Sox are out...but I am making the best of it and jumping on the Reds band wagon, really looking forward to the pitching match-ups on the first day of the playoffs.

[MSUDuo]

Rays in 4
Yanks in 3
Phils in 3
Braves in 5

Rays in 6
Phils in 6

Phils in 6

[NHwildEcat]

The first game of the playoffs is currently in the bottom of the 1st: Bases loaded for Rocco Baldelli...

[NHwildEcat]

The first game of the playoffs is currently in the bottom of the 1st: Bases loaded for Rocco Baldelli...

Cliff Lee strikes him out swinging..after one its scoreless.

[Fear the Bird]

Polanco scratched from game 1 - huge news - tightness in back

[NHwildEcat]

After 2 innings...2-0, Texas.

[NHwildEcat]

In the top half of the third, Nelson Cruz crushed a home run. And after 3, it is 3-0 Texas. Cliff Lee, sat down the Rays easily in the bottom half of the inning.

[NHwildEcat]

Molina went deep to make it 4-0 Texas after 4. Cliff Lee has 7 K's so far.

[UMass922]

This Halladay guy can kind of pitch.

[blukeys]

This Halladay guy can kind of pitch.

Yeah I guess he is better than OK.xsmiley_wix

[superman7515]

Yes sir. That's how it's done!

[PhoenixSupreme]

Yeah I guess he is better than OK.xsmiley_wix

Meh, in my opinion

[UMass922]

Twins and Yankees tied after six. This is turning into a really good game.

[NHwildEcat]

Let's go Twins!

[TheValleyRaider]

It wasn't the prettiest, but it's 1-0 Yanks :)

Let's see if they can get up on Pavano tomorrow night

[TheValleyRaider]

Rangers win big again, it's 2-0 and headed to Texas. Rays look to be in trouble

Yankees win again, it's 2-0 and headed to the Bronx. Twins look defeated

Day of rest tomorrow, then it's Garza vs. Lewis, Duensing vs. Hughes

[NHwildEcat]

I have to say that while watching the Yanks/Rays down the stretch I thought the Yanks would be the team struggling in the playoffs...quite surprised it is the Rays. Then again, the Rays have a pathetic offense and they just don't have the fight that is needed to win it all...glad to see Texas taking advantage. Only one more win needed for the Rangers...hopefully they get it done on Saturday.

[UMass922]

Lincecum, wow.

[Gil Dobie]

Linecum/Cain combo could take the Giants places, and by the way, Wilson isn't bad out of the pen.

[TheValleyRaider]

No thoughts anymore? xconfusedx

Yankees through after sweeping the Twins on Saturday, Phillies join them after sweeping the Reds the next night

Braves lose a heartbreaker, SanFran up 2-1. Rays sweep in Arlington, big Game 5 on Tuesday as it's David Price vs. Cliff Lee xeekx

[PaladinFan]

No thoughts anymore? xconfusedx

Yankees through after sweeping the Twins on Saturday, Phillies join them after sweeping the Reds the next night

Braves lose a heartbreaker, SanFran up 2-1. Rays sweep in Arlington, big Game 5 on Tuesday as it's David Price vs. Cliff Lee xeekx

Attended the game last night in Atlanta. Hate to lose, but as a baseball fan I loved the series. Can't really complain about a series of tight back and forth games.

It was tough to watch Cox leave on a low note. However, that was to be expected, I think. Few teams can lose their best players to injury, have a roster glued together with reserves, platoon players and aging vets, and expect to win a world series. That the Braves were even in the playoffs is a real testament to Bobby Cox in what many around Atlanta consider his best managerial job.

On to 2011, where I think Atlanta will be in contention again. There will be a couple holes to fill in the offseason (need a centerfielder), but virtually the entire core of the team will be back. If I had to take an educated guess, I imagine the next manager will be Fredi Gonzalez. Gonzalez has been rumored for a long time, and that rumor was really strengthend after he rebuffed the Cubs. IMO, you don't turn away being in contention for the Chicago Cubs job if you don't already have something else lined up.

[Ivytalk]

Cliff Lee comes through again, leading the Rangers to game 5 win over Rays. The ALCS should be a good one!

[PhoenixSupreme]

Rangers over Rays in 5
Yanks over Twins in 3
Phils over Reds in 4
Giants over Braves in 4

Rangers over Yanks in 6
Phils over Giants in 4

Rangers over Phils in 7

Other than Phils sweeping the Reds, I was dead on, down to the # of games

[Fear the Bird]

Other than Phils sweeping the Reds, I was dead on, down to the # of games

Are you sticking by your Phils sweep of Giants prediction? Bumgarner-Blanton in game 4 could be a good one lol

[PhoenixSupreme]

Are you sticking by your Phils sweep of Giants prediction? Bumgarner-Blanton in game 4 could be a good one lol

I wasn't looking at the pitching matchups...just gut instincts...still sticking with it

[PaladinFan]

Are you sticking by your Phils sweep of Giants prediction? Bumgarner-Blanton in game 4 could be a good one lol

I was at Bumgarner's start in Atlanta and he looked pretty good. He gave up a few long flies to the power alleys that are outs at Turner Field and in San Fran, but would be mighty dangerous in Citizen's Bank. Gave up hits, but did a good job of working out of jams. Still, needs to pitch more effectively down in the zone. All in all, not bad for a 21 year old making his first post season start.

I'm expecting a very good series between the two.

[Fear the Bird]

I was at Bumgarner's start in Atlanta and he looked pretty good. He gave up a few long flies to the power alleys that are outs at Turner Field and in San Fran, but would be mighty dangerous in Citizen's Bank. Gave up hits, but did a good job of working out of jams. Still, needs to pitch more effectively down in the zone. All in all, not bad for a 21 year old making his first post season start.

I'm expecting a very good series between the two.

Oh no I've been very impressed with him - I meant more coming from Philly's perspective throwing Blanton out there. Game 4 will be in San Fran which plays into his strengths. If the Giants can steal game 1, I think this goes 6 or 7. If Roy beats Timmy, this will be over in 5

[ngineer]

Oh no I've been very impressed with him - I meant more coming from Philly's perspective throwing Blanton out there. Game 4 will be in San Fran which plays into his strengths. If the Giants can steal game 1, I think this goes 6 or 7. If Roy beats Timmy, this will be over in 5

I agree that if the PHILS beat Team in game one it SHOULD be over in 5; but I never view baseball games as one pitcher beating another. Sort of like golf. You're really not playing against your opponent, you're playing against the course. I fully expect two great pitchers do 'they're thing' and watch each team's batters trying to deal with it.