The Official MLB Divisional Series Playoff Blog
This is a blog about MLB playoffs and specifically the Division Series round. Some of this is in the LIVE BLOG territory so just work with me the best you can please:
There are two games today. The first is currently underway between the Twins Tigers and Guardians.
Tarik Skubal is pitching for the Tigers which means they're heavy favorites. But who knows how the Guardians clubhouse/fanbase responds to the recent landmark news that Tito Francona is returning to manage the Reds. Whether that has any tangible impact is unlikely, but I can guarantee a slew of post game questions regardless of outcome.
Did you feel a sense of distraction from Terry Francona? Or is Tarik Skubal's changeup just-that-good
The game's already started but I'd be remiss not to point out a 5.5 (five-and-a-half) total. That's so disgustingly delicious - I am powerless but to play the under. Like funnel cake at a county fair. I don't turn down opportunities to enjoy such a delicacy.
LIVE UPDATE INTO TOP 5:
At a higher level, I'm going to be selfish an hope this series evens at 1-1 for no other reason than I want every series to go 5 games.
I'm not crazy in saying that. In fact, these are the most exciting playoffs I can remember since 2015 when Jake Arrieta told the entire city of Pittsburgh to fuck off and Joey Bautista.
Even then I'll admit that I have a remarkable bias towards that 2015 Cubs run and roster - neither of which have anything to do with the 2024 playoffs other than context. I'm just laying the foundation for a broader point: these are outstanding playoffs.
The Mets are awesome - even when they lose, which borders on being a shit take but consider this: they've played 7 consecutive electric baseball games that have impossibly captured the national audience's proverbial heart. And let's just call a spade a spade on the matter: most of Mets fandom points towards the repulsive. Or more fairly - not your typical $317,000,000 underdogs.
Granted - $75M of that is going to Verlander, Scherzer and two backup catchers. So take the three hundred and seventeen million with a grain of salt. In practice it's much closer to being a top 5 payroll ahead of the LA Dodgers.
Does any of this matter?
Yes in the regular season and definitely not as much right now. More than any sport, performance is strongly correlated with individual confidence and the Mets have it in abundance. No amount of probability shifting graphics can properly account for their last week of gut-wrenching, heart-pounding baseball. The fact I/we/us/the collective is generally positive towards the Mets shows a lot about humanity's willingness to embrace everyone from all backgrounds.
They didn't have the We Can Change gif but you get the point.
So good luck to the Mets.
That said, the Phillies are becoming the best crowd in ALL SPORTS. I said ALL of them and I'm waiting to be corrected.
I've been to a couple Phillies playoff games and they're insane. The crow noise doesn't do it justice - not even the silence above. I really think we can nationally agree that it's become the best October atmosphere.
But didn't I just take Yankee Stadium #1 overall in my playoff environments? And wasn't there a big debate about the Rose Bowl? Yes and yes.
But now with more reflection, I think Citizens Bank Park is coming for everyone's ass and it's very hungry.
Counterpoint to my original point: I haven't seen the ugly side yet of the Bank and we all know it lurks, deep & strong. Nothing I can wax poetic about that common sense sports fans don't already know: Philly scumbags are the hardest scumbags. So I'll proceed with appropriate caution while also fertilizing my effusive praise for what's become a jealousy-inducing MLB environment.
Also - watch the streams with Frank and the guys.
It's a funny mix and I stand by the fact that Klemmer is one of the internet's most underrated baseball guys. I don't care if he's got loose throwing mechanics. He knows the back of baseball cards better than anyone.
The next Mets & Phillies game is TOMORROW in New York at 4:08 EST which kinda pisses me off on behalf of those that will miss even a single pitch because of the start time. What a crock of shit to sit through 162+ baseball games only to get sandbagged on a Tuesday with a fuckin DAY GAME
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We're cruising through this Tigers/Guardians came at an astounding pace so I'll quickly wrap a couple observations about the Division Series through Monday afternoon:
- Royals vs. Yankees has all the makings to be a modern classic. Game 1 was outstanding and exactly what you want in a playoff game: late-inning drama, hall of famers across the field, and a general David vs. Goliath vibe where there really are no losers in the series. Either the Yankees move on as the deservingly should for having such a remarkably dominant lineup. Or the Royals pull of an upset for the ages while everyone outside New York gladly cheers on the upstart youngsters. This is maybe my favorite series of recent memory and nobody can fact check me otherwise.
- The Padres dominated the Dodgers in the regular season and what if the Dodgers don't have the pitching to change that fact now? I said before and I'll say again: the Padres lineup balance deserves way more attention. There's bonafide superstars mixed with fundamental veterans and maximum name recognition: Tatis, Machado, Arraez, Merril, Xander, Profar and I'll even throw in a Cronenworth for the boys. This is where I ask you guys sincerely, would you rather have that or Shohei-Mookie-Freddie? Three guaranteed first ballot hall of famers or two hall of famers and a bunch of all stars?
Whatever the response, let's all agree this was the coolest defensive moment of the postseason so far:
As it stands, both NLDS games are tied at 1-1 a piece with an off day today. As usual, we're hoping both of those go down to the last inning of the 5th game.
Opposite that, Cole Ragans tries to even up the Royals while Tarik Skubal is currently dragging his nuts all over Cleveland's mound. In a perfect world, we wake up to four different 1-1 series tomorrow morning.
Until then, please join me in wishing good health to all teams. Nothing worse than getting this far then having to roll out the B-squad because somebody gets a tight hammy. Or something like that.
Predictions:
- Guardians go up 2-0 then lose 2 straight games then have a crazy 14-inning game 5
- Umpires try to fuck the Royals good and hard tonight but Cole Ragans just won't have it
- Jose Iglesias becomes the most important player on the Mets
- Manny Machado and Jack Flaherty slap fight
PS - Seriously good luck to all teams.