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Question of the day

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* MLB playoff predictions?

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:54 pm

Comments

Coinflip tonight. Who ever wins is the team to beat.

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:56 pm
Blue Jays - Dodgers in the World Series…

Dodgers win it all

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:56 pm
Another I70 World Series with a different outcome than the last one.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:01 pm
None.

Any team can win one game, any team can win a series.

When the Sox were scuffling at their worst, and the Cards were red-hot, the Sox went down to St. Louis and swept them in four.

Anything can happen, once you get there. The trick is to get there.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:02 pm
Cubs in one!

Comment by unclesam Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:03 pm
The Cubs ended the year on a roll. They have the likely Cy Young winner on the mound, the Rookie of the Year at the plate, and the Manager of the Year in the dugout.

Go Cubs! Bring on the Cardinals next. I love it.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:04 pm
The best 3 teams in baseball will be playing each other this week and next. The WS will be anticlimactic.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:07 pm
TV execs will be moaning about the lack of ratings now that the Yankees have been eliminated again because apparently baseball only matters when a New York team is involved.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:10 pm
47th Ward - The bar is pretty low if the Manager of the Year finishes 3rd in the Division. Matheny is Manager of the year with 100 wins from a team using 3-4 bench and AAA players all year.

Comment by Ben Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:12 pm
CUBS CUBS CUBS CUBS CUBS!

Comment by Politix Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:13 pm
Game tonight starts at 7:08. Anyone know what that is in military time?

Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:14 pm
Cubs over Bucs tonight. Over Stl in 4. Over the Dodgers in 5. Over the Royals in 5. I know, I’m OVERly optimistic.

Comment by Nick Danger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:15 pm
I’d love to see the Cubs, but as its noted above, the 3 best ball clubs will be duking it out for a chance to be in the NLCS. The Dodgers can get past the Mets (I think) giving them the easiest path to the NLCS. Pirates/Cubs v. Cards will be brutal for the eventual team that escapes, including the Cards.

The Cubs are being built and are built for multiple playoffs sbd possible championships. To get past the Pirates and Cards, the magic needs to carry on. I hope it does!

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:16 pm
Cubs take Pirates. Fall to STL in the 5th game. STL faces KC in the World Series every one else hates it.

Cubs flip the script next year winning the division and forcing the Cards into the wildcard.

Comment by State Engineer Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:19 pm
Cards. …11 wins for WS #12…it is o.k. are in the DS round…then the Mets…finally KC…TV honchos will slit their wrists,but who cares? Fan Duel has prepaid all the ads anyway.

Comment by Anonin' Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:19 pm
Gee whiz Ben, the Cards won 90 games last year and the Pirates won, what, 88? Heck yeah finishing 3rd will get Maddon manager of the year. And the bar isn’t low. Any first year manager that generates 25 more wins than last year ought to be a strong contender.

Nobody picked the Cardinals to do much this year, except win the division, which they did quite easily too. But c’mon. It’s about exceeding expectations, not meeting them. That’s what post-season hardware is all about. See Andre Dawson’s MVP trophy for more.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:21 pm
Cubs and Astros. Cubs take it all. Like in the movie!

Comment by Motambe Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:22 pm
Cubs over Pirates. Then over St. Louis in five…says my heart. With my head, I see St. Louis cranking it up and taking the Cubs in five. Hope Cubs have chance to prove me wrong.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:22 pm
Bluejays

Comment by Scamp640 Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:22 pm
Pirates win tonight - then Cardinals over Pirates 3 games to 2.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:24 pm
I’m kind of disappointed that the Yankees lost. I was hoping the Cubs would get to beat them in a couple of weeks. Oh well, I guess the Blue Jays will have to suffice.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:26 pm
Motambe beat me to it - Cubs over Astros!

Comment by doofusguy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:26 pm
Cubs over Miami in 7

Comment by Tie Your Shoes Kyle Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:26 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADXs2C4Vmho

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:27 pm
If you use the 1908 hours start time for the last time the Cubbies won, 10-7 for the number of years and Back to the Future’s scoreboard, Cubbies all the way. If those things don’t work - wait ’til next year.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:28 pm
==The bar is pretty low if the Manager of the Year finishes 3rd in the Division==

If divisional standings are that important to you the Cardinals and Cubs had an identical 46-30 record vs the NL Central.

== from a team using 3-4 bench and AAA players all year==
Four of the Cubs starters in tonight’s game were not on the team to begin the year

The Cardinals had a remarkable year, and remain the gold standard. But you can’t acknowledge a +24 game one-year turnaround is worthy of MOY award? Furthermore, most sabermatricians will tell you that the Cardinals win in spite of Matheny’s in-game decisions.

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:29 pm
I wish I could go back in time and put some money on the cubbies.

Comment by bloval27 Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:30 pm
- 47th Ward -

On Monday, my heart wanted Cubs-Yankess.

Fox Sports wants Cubs-Jays;

Canada v. America’s lovable … you know the rest.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:31 pm
==- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:02 pm:==

ChiSox/Cards split a four game season series.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2015-schedule-scores.shtml

Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:33 pm
Arieta no hits the Pirates, Cubs win, Cubs are god, blah, blah blah.

White Sox forever baby!

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:34 pm
===the Sox went down to St. Louis and swept them in four.====
Word, actually they only played a two game series but point well taken.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:37 pm
Cubs win a close one tonight. And as Cardinal fan I hate to say it, they then take down the Cardinals in four games and proceed to lose in seven to the Dodgers.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:37 pm
I’m liking another I-70 series with the Cards taking it all.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:39 pm
If pitching stays true to form, game over. Cubs 2-0.

Versus Cards, different story. Jake can’t pitch em all.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:50 pm
Raunner wins. People die. IL loses.

Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:56 pm
I want the CUBS to beat the Pirates, just to see the media/fan reaction as they once again get their collective hopes and obnoxious behavior going at full speed. Then they will have the Cards punch their lights out as St. Louis moves on to bring yet another World Series trophy back!

Comment by Prairiestatedem Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:57 pm
=When the Sox were scuffling at their worst, and the Cards were red-hot, the Sox went down to St. Louis and swept them in four.=
Ah Word, are you referring to the Red Sox in the 2004 WS? They were down 0-3 to the Yankees, then reeled off 4 to take the pennant, and then swept St.L. Not sure if that was scuffling.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:58 pm
“Jake can’t pitch em all.” And here I thought he was Madison Baumgartner….

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:59 pm
Word, you may want to fact check that White Sox/Cards series.

Cubs win tonight and then beat the Cardinals, says this Cards fan. Cards are too beat up, havent been at full strength for quite a while.

Cubs lose to LA and LA loses to Toronto, who will have home field advantage, David Price and a whole bunch of hitters

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:59 pm
Hey hey! Cubs Win! I like our chances against STL.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:00 pm
Agree with anon, 3:59. Too many Cards injuries have decimated an already thin offense. Unfortunately.

Cubs/Pirates winner versus the Dodgers, who lose to the Blue Jays.

Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:05 pm
The last NL Central team standing will win the NL pennant. The Dodgers (and Kershaw) are snakebit in recent playoffs, so they won’t be in the world series. Gotta go with Toronto to win it all.

Comment by Stooges Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:08 pm
I can’t even begin to predict this one.

I have a bad feeling for the Cubs tonight simply because Pittsburgh has a deeper lineup and sharp bullpen. Their approach to the game could cost them though. They better make their run this year because I don’t think they will be better next year.

Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing how the Cardinals play in the NLDS now that Matheny has fewer guys in the bullpen he can mismanage, and the potential Jays v. KC ALCS.

Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:08 pm
Vote Quimby——If you play the Cards, you are playing a MASH unit. You should like your chances.

And for you Cub fans saying Maddon will be manager of the year, if he does win, it will be a joke. Matheny wins 100 games with all those guys hurt and Cubs will have ROY, the likely CY winner and virtually no injuries.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:10 pm
Blackhawks 4-2. Oh, oops, you wanted that *other* sport.

Comment by Stuff Happens Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:14 pm
What a crazy season. I’m a White Sox fan but am very happy for the Cubs and the Cubs fan base and Chicago. I think Cubs win tonight in a very low scoring game, but after that I don’t think they have the pitching (either starting or relief ) to go very far into October against the best teams in MLB.

I was all in for the Blue Jays to go all the way until Mark Buehrle decided/had to retire. Now, beyond the Cubs I really don’t care.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:16 pm
I am a lifelong Cubs fan.
I predict there will be at least six Bartman “look alikes” at tonight’s game.
Mercifully, the network won’t show them, but they’ll be there.

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:16 pm
Cleveland Indians in 6. Oh, that’s for 2016.

This year, it’s the Pirates over the Jays in 6.

Comment by Sam Weinberg Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:16 pm
Totally agree with those calling for another I-70 Series.

Cards have won 100 games this year ( in spite of all their injuries - some of which would have eliminated lesser teams, especially at high profile positions ) in the toughest Division in all of MLB. Congrats to both the Cubs and Pirates for having better records than some others still in contention. Both teams have played well against the Cards - not certain who I will be pulling for tomorrow night.

There are few, if any, teams that have a better front office, management and farm system than the Cards. And how many other teams have had over 3.5 million in attendance.

Actually, I am probably hoping for a Cards and Cubs playoff and will predict that the winner will win the NL and the World Series.

Go Cards!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:20 pm
The Dodgers are fully healthy. They have a reliable bullpen and the best 1-2 combo in the playoffs. I think they finally pull off a World Series victory, and they will defeat the Jays.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:21 pm
Cards find a way to beat the Blue Jays in five, all while being considered “underdogs” throughout the playoffs with the only 100-win season in the league and home-field advantage through the NLCS.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:22 pm
If the Cubs win tonight they have a good shot at lasting the distance.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:24 pm
Cubs! I still believe!

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:25 pm
This is the year for the Cubs! They are hungry for a new title.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:26 pm
The wildcard wins the series!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:31 pm
Baseball in general is unpredictable. Who predicted that the Angels would sign Pujols 3 years ago, at the same time as calling up the now best player in the game, sign a high powered pitching staff…and have zero postseason wins to show for it in 3 years. The playoffs are so unpredictable, it’s a crapshoot. The last few years it’s been a lock heading into the playoffs that nobody would get past Kershaw and Grienke…especially in a 5 or 7 game series. 2012 the Nationals were a lock. Then the Cardinals beat them both. Then the Wild Card Giants beat the Cardinals 2 of the last 3 years.

The Blue Jays have an unstoppable offense. The Cardinals have a pitching staff that’s put up numbers not seen in decades. So then obviously it’s going to be neither of those two, or any other unbeatable and hot team. Rangers over Mets?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:34 pm
Cubs crack under the pressure, look for the Number 9 to once again play a prominent role:

Last championship: 1908

1 + 9 + 0 + 8 = 18, 1 + 8 = 9

Moises Alou number: 18

1 + 8 = 9

Bartman seat: Aisle 4, seat 113:

4 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 9

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:34 pm
Date of Bartman incident: 10/14/03

10 + 14 + 3 = 27, 2 + 7 = 9

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:36 pm
1) I think Wordslinger’s reference to the Sox sweeping the Cards was to the 2004 World Series when the Red SOX swept the 105 win Cardinals.

2) Clearly the Cubs improved a lot this year and clearly Maddon should be a MOY candidate but I don’t think you can say he exceeded expectations. Case in point: http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2015-01-08/cubs-world-series-sporting-news-picks-lester-maddon-bryant

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:43 pm
Word said the Sox went down to St. Louis and swept them in four. No reference to 2004, no reference to the Red Sox.

He simply had his facts wrong, wonder if he will admit it.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:51 pm
Wow, Ben. You mean the 97 win, best 3rd place team in history Cubs are a disappointment? They won 24 more games than last year. Get real. What matheny did with the cards did this year was really good. But most expected a 96-104 win team out of St. Louis. Few, if any, expected a 97 win Cubs team. What Maddon has done with a bunch of rookies this year is nothing short of miraculous.

Comment by Carolina Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:52 pm
White Sox play golf.

Comment by Empty Chair Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:57 pm
Cutler throws an interception

Comment by View from the Cheap Seats Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:58 pm
Royals and Cubs. One my home team (Royals) and the other my adopted team (Cubs). Like Cubs fans, Royal fans have stuck around in losing years, which are many. And sorry to my adopted team Fans, but the Royals take it.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:04 pm
I didn’t know until very recently that the Cubs were the third best team in baseball this year. I haven’t had the appetite to follow the Cubs (106 years of losing will do that).

Wild card teams can win, so I won’t make a prediction. The Los Angeles Kings very recently won two Stanley Cups being as a wild card. Whoever gets hot can win the World Series.

I stopped being a Cubs fan due to all of the losing (I stopped waiting until next year), but I realize that it’s not fair to blame that on all the new players and manager. Plus, I love when Chicago wins when the city benefits economically. So with that, I say very with the utmost caution and reservation (been burned before): go Cubs.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:09 pm
Carolina - good point, and do I commend the Cubs. But don’t forget about the 30 plus major injuries the Cards have had to deal with this year and what they had to do to win 100 games - leave it to the rookies and the farm system to come through when needed.

You are right on 2 points - the Cards would have won at least 104 if not more ( if everyone remained healthy ) and the Cubs wins and being in contention was not expected at the beginning of the season.

We probably disagree on a few things, but would probably enjoy having a beer together ( or maybe a glass of red wine - right Rich ).

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:13 pm
Prediction for Cubs Pirates - Ditka by 6. Go Cubs!!!

Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:16 pm
Dodgers. The combination of Greinke and Kershaw replicate the Randy Johnson/Schilling model showing two horses can win it for you.

Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:19 pm
Cubs over the Pirates and the Cardinals take the Cubs in 5.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:30 pm
This ain’t tee ball.

There is no trophy for Most Improved, no ribbon for “Exceeds Expectations”.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:46 pm
Cubs over the bucks tonight, cardinals beat the cubs in 4, Dodgers beat the Mets, cards win the NLCS
royal and blue jays win the alds, blue jays win the pennant blue jays win the fall classic in six

Comment by papak Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:49 pm
Cubs over cards in 4. Lose to Dodgers in 6. Jays win in 7.

Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:54 pm
Cubs over Pirates
Cubs over Cards in 4
Cubs over Mets in 5
Cubs over Texas in 6

Hey Hey Holy Mackerel, no doubt about it. The Cubs are on their way!!!

Boom Shaka Laka

Comment by Eddy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 6:03 pm
CHI def PIT
CHI def STL
LAD def NYM
LAD def CHI
HOU def KC
TOR def TEX
TOR def HOU
LAD def TOR

Comment by LizPhairTax Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 6:10 pm
Anon, I admit the mistake I made of saying the Sox swept four, rather than two, in St. Louis.

I don’t know how I couldn’t “admit” that, as you wondered, but I’m sure you could give me some pointers on denying the obvious rather than copping to being wrong.

I’m glad to see that objective facts are important to you on one subject, at least.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 6:19 pm
Hawks 3 Rangers 1…..Bears 20 Chiefs 17

Comment by railrat Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 6:26 pm
Cubs beat Pirates
Cubs beat Cardinals
Cubs beat N.Y.
Cubs beat Blue Jays
Cubs World Champions

W

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 6:28 pm
Joe Buck ( everyone knows him if they follow MLB, NFL and other sports ) is the son of legendary Hall of Fame Broadcaster Jack Buck for the Cardinals was quoted today as saying that the capstone of his broadcasting career would be to broadcast a Cubs World Series. Granted that might only happen once in a hundred years, so I understand his comment.

Yet there was quite an uproar here in Cardinal Nation ( those of us who follow on KMOX ) about those comments. He was right to want to be in the booth calling the game - it would indeed be historic - and I do not fault him for making those comments - but still Go Cards!!!!!!!!!

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 7:42 pm
Cubs win and have to forfeit World Series due State and Chicago budget constraints!

Comment by Budget Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 9:40 pm
Cubs win!!!

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 9:56 pm
Cardinals and Cubs - can’t wait!

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 9:58 pm
Cubs win. Arrieta was brilliant, plus two key double plays.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 10:05 pm
Arietta is on a historic run.

Cubs started three players who arent old enough to rent a car, and one of them put a bomb in the river.

Didnt see 97 wins and playoffs vs the Cards this year. I thought .500 would have been on plan, Happy to be wrong,

Pedro is the perfect postgame analyst for this game, No better expert alive on drilling,

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 10:46 pm
Cards and Cubs. This is gonna be great!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 10:46 pm
Holy Toledo,

Chicago v. St. Louis, Cubs-Cards in a meaningful playoff series.

Cubs were spectacular tonight, the double plays? Wow. The Bombs? Majestic.

The pitching? The pitching was artistic, powerful, effective, and downright dominating. That’s “4″ hits. Four. Eleven “K”s, and no pitcher, until Arrieta, had thrown a shutout with 11 strikeouts, ever, in the playoffs. Whew.

So excited for Cubs and Cards fans.

This is exactly like the Bulls facing the Pistons; the Cubs need to beat the Cards in this series to make that next step. CSN they do it?

I never thought this Club would win 97 games. This is House Money, so whatever happens, it’s a bonus.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 10:55 pm
I could not agree more with you Willy, it was indeed a masterful game and one they well deserved to win.

As I said before - can’t wait for the match up with the Cardinals.

The National League ( especially the Central Division ) is the best in all of MLB. Someone always has to lose —– but

the NL champion ( Cards or Cubs ) will win the World Series. And I am still a lifelong fan of the Cards, but I respect any worthy and deserving opposing team.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 11:15 pm
And we can still all be friends after this - right?

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 11:22 pm
And lets all be honest about this - what could possibly be better than a Cardinals vs. Cubs playoff. We will be watching the very best baseball of the season - love MLB in October.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 11:37 pm
===And lets all be honest about this - what could possibly be better than a Cardinals vs. Cubs playoff. We will be watching the very best baseball of the season===

Well said. Completely agree, these two teams are the best in all of Baseball right now, just a shame it’s in this next round.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 11:49 pm
When the NL Central has the three best teams in ALL of Baseball this was bound to happen. Granted there are many other capable and potentially competitive teams still in contention they can not match what we are seeing and have been following since day one. Unfortunately,at this point, there are still going to be winners and losers. It is unfortunate that the three best teams have to compete against each other.

Comment by illini Thursday, Oct 8, 15 @ 12:18 am
One down and more to go…

Comment by Mouthy Thursday, Oct 8, 15 @ 12:27 am
Cubs. Oh I’d say 4 to 0.

Comment by DonaldTrump Thursday, Oct 8, 15 @ 12:34 am
The NFL has a better system. The wild card winner shouldn’t play their own division champion until the league championship series (to put it in MLB terms).

Comment by Excessively Rabid Thursday, Oct 8, 15 @ 8:24 am
Before people start declaring the Cards and Cubs are the 2 best teams out there, Toronto and LA are very, very good. LA has the best 1-2 pitchers and Toronto has an incredible lineup.

Cards are too banged up.

Comment by anon Thursday, Oct 8, 15 @ 9:25 am