2013 MLB Postseason Predictions

I’m not exactly thrilled to be writing this right now…I’m an Indians fan, and I am less than 24 hours removed from being much less invested in the MLB playoffs.

However, the playoffs have already begun, and I haven’t made my predictions public yet. I’ll keep the commentary very short, because I know most of you reading this are concerned with my picks, not my analysis.

Here they are.

NLDS

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Game 1: Thursday, 5:00 PM ET on TBS)

This is the game that was actually underway when I began typing this article. I’m going to go with the Cardinals in four, despite the fact that I’d rather see Pittsburgh continue the feel good story.

Prediction: St. Louis in four

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves (Game 1: Thursday, 8:30 PM ET on TBS)

Los Angeles was the hottest team in baseball from mid-July to mid-August, but I don’t see the Dodgers being able to take the Braves to five games.

Prediction: Atlanta in four

ALDS

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox (Game 1: Friday, 3:00 PM ET on TBS)

Tampa Bay has already gone on the road twice in these playoffs and come out alive in win-or-go-home situations…they can do it again here.

Prediction: Tampa Bay in five

Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics (Game 1: Friday, 9:30 PM ET on TBS)

The Tigers are dangerous, but finished under .500 against the Athletics this season (at 3-4). It shouldn’t be a surprise when Oakland moves on in this one.

Prediction: Oakland in five

NLCS

Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Friday, October 11)

Atlanta has enough offensive firepower to put away the Cardinals.

Prediction: Atlanta in six

ALCS

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics (Game 1: Saturday, October 12)

Joe Maddon makes the right pitching changes at crucial points of Games 3 and 4, which give Tampa a 3-1 lead heading into Game 5. They won’t relinquish the series lead completely, but it’ll be interesting.

Prediction: Tampa Bay in seven

World Series

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Atlanta Braves (Game 1: Wednesday, October 23)

For the first time since 1995, the Braves sit atop Major League Baseball as world champions.

Prediction: Atlanta in six

– K. Becks