2013 Division Series: Staff Picks
The Divisional round is like the first round of the NCAA tournament. This year, we have the cinderlellas, Pitsburg and Tampa, the establishments, Red Sox, Dodgers and Cardinals, and the mid-majors, Atlanta, Detroit and Oakland. With so much baseball to come over the next few weeks we just can’t contain ourselves. Without further adieu, here are our picks. Feel free to make yours in the comments section.
National League
Dodgers v. Braves
It is not a surprise that Dan Uggla did not make the postseason roster, but I’m sure the Braves wish they could have excluded B.J. Upton as well. Atlanta’s propensity to strike out and the fact their bullpen is not what it used to be will limit them in this series. The Dodgers should be just fine this series without Matt Kemp as they still have enough depth.
Dodgers in 4.
The Braves lineup will be a big factor for how well they do in this series, especially going up against this Dodgers rotation with a one-two tandem of Kershaw and Greinke. If the Braves offensive doesn’t get started then it is going to be a short series for Atlanta, but I suspect there will some punch in them, but I can’t seeing them winning this series.
Dodgers in 4.
This could be the best series of any of any in the divisional round. But in a five-game series, with the Dodgers possibly getting to use Clayton Kershaw twice if needed, along with Zach Grenkie in the mix, I have to go with the NL West champs.
Dodgers in 5.
The Braves will prove to be too much offensively, and with a better bullpen can end the Dodgers magical run before it gets started.
Braves over Dodgers in 3
Atlanta has some good young arms in Tehran and Minor that will stifle the offense for Los Angeles. Atlanta also has the better offense.
Braves over Dodgers in 4
Dodgers pitching will out duel the hit or miss offense of the Braves. Braves don’t have enough pitching as well. Dodgers bullpen could give them some trouble late in the game, but still think the Dodgers come out on top in this one.
Dodgers over Braves in 4
I think this one has the potential to be the best series of the postseason. I like the match-up in every phase of the game, but in the end I think it’s the Dodgers’ pitching that helps them advance.
Dodgers over Braves in 5
A strikeout-happy lineup against a staff full of strikeout pitchers does not bode well for the Braves. Kershaw and Grinke could easily take both road games for the Dodgers which would put this series out of reach.
Dodgers in 4
Pirates v. Cardinals
Ray Kuhn
I may be a little overzealous here with the Pirates, but I think they have what it takes here. Jason Grilli is healthy again, and that will shorten the game for Pittsburgh. I also think that the Cardinals will miss Allen Craig, and Matt Holliday still has not proved himself in the playoffs. This could go either way as the Cardinals clearly have the post season experience, but I’m going with the feel good story here.
Pirates in 5.
Andrew Padyk
It’s hard not to pick the Cardinals, given their postseason success in recent years, but this year could be different, and while the Pirates are a trendy pick, they are a good matchup against this St. Louis team. It is also that they have a boost of momentum coming off the victory from the Wild Card game, but more importantly, Pittsburgh’s bullpen is what will be the key to a Pirates series victory, especially with certain questions in the St. Louis bullpen and also Matt Holliday’s play in the postseason as well. The Pirates are just too trendy to not pick, but are legitimate.
Pirates in 5.
Stephen Forsha
The Pirates are the feel-good story of the MLB season, but I really like what the Cardinals have done so far. They have the experience, they are rested, know the Pirates and in a Best-of-Five series, I’m going with St. Louis.
Cardinals in 4
Chris Schubert
The hardest series to pick here in the divisional round. Two complete teams that have battled it out all year long. They know each other so well. But the Pirates are just the better team, with pitching that will carry themselves into the next round.
Pirates over Cardinals in 5
Chris Lacey
St.Louis looks dynamic on offense and will be tough for the Pirates pitching staff to handle. The Cardinals have the added benefit of Adam Wainwright possibly pitching twice in the series.
Cardinals over Pirates in 5
Ryan Ritchey
This could be the best divisional series of them all. Cardinals have the best all around team in the National League and the Cardinals have the pitching depth to take this series. Pittsburgh will put up a good fight, but will fall just short of forcing a decisive game 5.
Cardinals over Pirates in 4
Joe Wedra
I love the Cardinals and truly believe they are the best team in the NL. However, I’m buying in on this year’s Cinderella Story, Pittsburgh Pirates. The team is ready, the fans are ready, and I’m ready to take the Pirates in the biggest upset of the playoffs.
Pirates over Cardinals in 5
Sam Clancy
This series feels very similar to the NLDS last season. The Pirates are young and inexperienced, the Cardinals are seasoned and offensively potent. The difference this year is the Cardinals have the home-field advantage and Matt Carpenter in a staring role.
Cards in 4
American League
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Rays v. Red Sox
Ray Kuhn
This will be the best series of this round. Tampa has already played two extra games to get here, but I don’t think that will affect them much. They seem to have the intangibles necessary to get it done in the postseason. Their starting pitching doesn’t hurt either. Boston will make this a tight series and I wouldn’t be shocked to see two games go into extra innings.
Rays in 5.
Andrew Padyk
Much in the same vein at Pirates-Cardinals, this is a series of divisional foes that know the intangibles of their foe well from the regular season. Intangibles aside, both teams are evenly matched, but Tampa Bay has a slight advantage in pitching, which could be key for them. This is going to be a close series, and is anyone’s to take, but you got to like Tampa Bay’s chances against Boston.
Rays in 5.
Stephen Forsha
The Rays were my preseason pick to win the World Series. Tampa Bay has a lot of momentum, and are used to playing on the road with two win-or-go home games already under their belt. The Red Sox haven’t played a meaningful game in a while. I’m going with my preseason pick.
Rays in 4.
Chris Schubert
Two teams that know each other well. The Rays have already played two warm up games and now are finally going to play in a series. Pitching has been the constant for the Rays all year. Their rotation will be good enough to win the games, coupled with the momentum they have going into this series.
Rays over Red Sox in 4.
Chris Lacey
Tampa Bay has the pitching to match Boston and they have plenty of momentum on their side.
Rays over Red Sox in 5.
Ryan Ritchey
Joe Maddon and the Rays are hot but it won’t be enough to beat the talented Red Sox. Red Sox are lacking in pitching but I believe there offense will make up for it. Rays pitching will be there, but the offense just isn’t strong enough.
Red Sox over Rays in 5.
Joe Wedra
This should be another great one. (Is there a playoff game that isn’t?) These teams are familiar and the Rays are hot—something that might propel them in games one and two. I think the Red Sox and their lineup prevail in the end, making for a fantastic game five.
Red Sox over Rays in 5.
Sam Clancy
The Rays always pitch well but the Red Sox have a lineup built for Fenway. The Sox have one of the top rotations in the playoffs, and with a veteran starter like Ryan Dempster coming out of the ‘pen to do his best Tim Lincecum impression they are set up well for a run to the World Series.
Sox in 4.
Tigers v. Atheltics
Ray Kuhn
Detroit has the starting pitching and the best two players in this series. I’m betting this is the year Justin Verlander finally puts together a good start in the postseason. I would love to see Oakland win the series, but I just don’t think they have enough firepower.
Tigers in 4.
Andrew Padyk
A rematch of last year’s ALDS series, could fare differently this time around as Oakland looks to be a more improved team than it was last season, but it probably won’t be the case, as Detroit just looks poised to take this series again. Although it won’t be the bat of Miguel Cabrera that puts the Tigers over, but really production from all areas of their lineup, and also quality starts from their starters, including Justin Verlander, who needs to step up.
Detroit in 5.
Stephen Forsha
This is the toss-up series where anything can happen. The Tigers won a weak division, but have been here before. The A’s won a more competitive AL West this season with the Rangers in the mix. I don’t want to bet against Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera … but I am.
A’s in 5.
Chris Schubert
The A’s didn’t win 90 + games by luck. Defense and pitching has gotten them this far. And when you get into the postseason, that’s what wins you championships. The question mark over Justin Verlander and the Tigers bullpen will be their downfall.
A’s over Tigers in 4.
Chris Lacey
The Athletics have the pitching to shut down the Tigers’ line up. The team also plays with a confidence in that they know they can win against any team.
A’s over Tigers in 5.
Ryan Ritchey
Detroit is in for a rude awakening when they show up at the Coliseum. The place will be rocking and the A’s will feed of it. The offense isn’t that great average wise, but the A’s will get on base a ton. A’s pitching will also shut down the Tigers offense.
A’s over Tigers in 4.
Joe Wedra
Why not take all of these games to five! Miguel Cabrera has something to prove now that Chris Davis is out, and he will. The problem is, Oakland is ready. They advance to the ALCS against Boston in a series that folks will remember for a long time!
Athletics over Detroit in 5.
Sam Clancy
The A’s hang their hat on starting pitching, but the Tigers have their rotation set up better than Oakland. The A’s will have opportunities to score off the Tigers’ bullpen, but they won’t be able to match the Tigers’ offense. The quality pitching will keep this one close, but the Tigers have the edge.
Tigers in 5.