MLB 2014 playoffs: Game 162 may not decide everything
There are six games today which will have an impact on the final look of the MLB 2014 playoffs. Six games.
Teams play all these games during the regular season, and yet, that 162nd game may not decide a thing. Yes, that possibility does exist. Depending on the results of those six games, we have the potential of adding a Game 163 for six of the teams involved.
Yet to be determined at the winner of the American League Central, the second of the two American League Wild Card teams, the winner of the National League Central, and, finally, the NL’s top Wild Card team.
Three teams have a “win and in” scenario (of sorts): Detroit (AL Central), St. Louis (NL Central) and Oakland (AL #2 Wild Card).
But there could be more chaos today. Here’s a look at those six games and the potential impact each could have on the 2014 MLB playoff picture.
Sep 6, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher David Price (14) pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
American League Central
Minnesota at Detroit
MIN: Kyle Gibson (13-11, 4.50) v DET: David Price (14-12, 3.36)
You have to like Detroit’s chances here. Remember when there were a few murmurs about the Tigers acquiring Price? Well, this is a reason they went and got him. And we know who would get the ball for Detroit in the first game of the ALDS: Max Scherzer. How’s that for pitching depth?
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox
KC: Yordano Ventura (14-10, 3.07) v CWS: Chris Bassitt (1-1, 3.65)
A lot of pressure rests on the shoulders of the rookie Ventura.
The impact:
Simple. The Tigers win and they’re your AL Central champs. Detroit can also take the divison with a loss, but the Royals must also lose. If Detroit takes the ALC, they would go on to face the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS.
If the Tigers stumble against the Twins and the Royals can defeat the Pale Hose, well, we have a tie atop the division. This would mean a 163rd game which would be between the two teams. That game would take place on Monday at Comerica Park. The winner takes the division while the loser would play in and host the AL Wild Card game on Tuesday.
If KC takes the division, then they would get the O’s in the ALDS.
Sep 2, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches the ball against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
American League Wild Card #2
Oakland at Texas
OAK: Sonny Gray (13-10, 3.21) v TEX: Nick Martinez (5-11, 4.61)
Last night, there were numerous tweets suggesting that the Rangers could go with Derek Holland (2-0, 1.31) should this game carry any impact on the playoff picture. Now that this game does, do not be surprised if Holland gets the nod, although earlier today, MLB.com was reflecting Martinez as the Rangers starter. Should Holland get the nod, that could make Oakland’s road tougher. On Sept. 17, Holland limited the A’s to only a run and four hits in 6.1 innings of work.
Los Angeles at Seattle
LAA: Cory Rasmus (3-1, 2.38) v Felix Hernandez (14-6, 2.18)
Two words: King Felix.
The impact:
If the A’s beat the Rangers, they get the #2 slot. A loss in Texas doesn’t take the A’s out, for if Seattle stumbles at home, Oakland still gains the postseason berth. If Oakland loses and the M’s win, yes, a 163rd game will be necessary. But the M’s must take care of business and defeat the Angels. Should that extra game be necessary, Seattle will host the winner-take-all game since they hold the edge in season series (10-9).
Sep 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
National League Central and NL Wild Card #1
St. Louis at Arizona
STL: Adam Wainwright (20-9) v ARI: Josh Collmenter (11-8, 3.57)
Must be tough for Cards manager Mike Matheny to have to hand the ball to Wainwright, huh?
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
PIT: Cole (11-5, 3.78) v Cueto (19-9, 2.29)
No simple task for Cole. One, you’re facing Cueto, perhaps the NL’s second best pitcher (you see, there’s this guy named Clayton Kershaw). Two, Cueto has an opportunity to post a 20-win season which does carry meaning for any pitcher.
The impact:
The Cards hold, um, all the cards. They win and the NL Central is theirs while Pittsburgh will host the San Francisco Giants in the NL Wild Card game on Wednesday. Should the Pirates defeat the Reds and the Cardinals drop their game in the desert, we will see Game #163 between these two teams tomorrow. The game would be played in St. Louis. Winner takes the division title, loser hosts the Giants on Wednesday.