MLB Playoffs: Three most dangerous first-round matchups

MLB Playoffs: the first dangerous matchup – (2) Athletics vs. (7) White Sox

This matchup pits the second seed Oakland Athletics up against the seventh seed Chicago White Sox. Chicago finally put the pieces of its young talent together for a postseason berth, the squad’s first since 2008. Meanwhile, the Athletics have enjoyed 11 postseason appearances since 2000.

The White Sox went 3-9 to finish the season, which dropped the club from first in the division to a Wild Card berth. Other than the late struggles for Chicago, these two teams are stunningly even. This proves dangerous for the two-seven matchup.

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When it comes to pitching, call these teams dead even. Chicago pitched to a 3.81 team ERA this season while the Athletics owned a 3.77 ERA. Both pitching staffs struck out around 500 batters and pitched to 1.2 WHIPs.

This series may come down to star power, which the White Sox own more of. Chicago’s offense is led by probable AL MVP Jose Abreu. Abreu hit .317 with 19 home runs and a league-leading 60 RBIs. The White Sox had four other hitters clobber at least 10 home runs, including 16-year MLB veteran Edwin Encarnacion.

For Oakland, the Athletics offense runs through infielder Matt Olson. Olson hit 14 home runs but to only a .195 batting average this season. The Athletics will surely miss Matt Chapman who is sidelined with a season-ending injury.

Lastly, Oakland owns zero playoff momentum, as the club has lost the AL Wild Card Game in three consecutive seasons.