After Judge’s home run record, New Yorkers are aiming for their first title since 2009, Houston on their way to the American League. In the National, Los Angeles in front of everyone.
The regular season ended, which will go down in history as that of the new home run record (for the American League, but, net of the almost legalized “doping years”, the true absolute record), the 62 of Aaron Judge, one in more than the legendary 61 of Roger Maris (dating back to 1961), we start with the playoffs. For the first time, 12 teams will be in the running for the title, six per league. Today the first races of the best of 3 wild card series (all home races of the best placed in the regular season).
American
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It’s all too easy to say Yankees favorites, chasing the first title since 2009. Even if, after the sprint start in New York, the Astros had the best balance. These two, however, will enter the scene in the second round. First there are the two wild card challenges, Cleveland-Tampa and Toronto-Seattle, with the Mariners returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2001, breaking what was the longest negative streak in US pro sports. Canadians with home factor and a powerful attack are preferred. The Guardians have a super bullpen but the Rays remain a tough nut to crack even though they will need to score a lot to win.
National
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Who will stop the Dodgers? Probably none. The reigning champions of Atlanta, the other team with the bye in the first round, remain very solid but the completeness of LA gives the chills. The wild card pits St. Louis and Philadelphia, New York Mets and San Diego. The Padres are a bit of the disappointment of the season, despite having reached the postseason. With the great market hit, Juan Soto, much more was expected. The doping ban of the other superstar, Fernando Tatis Jr., was a blow to the Californians. And with Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer’s Mets it will be very tough. The Cards were at the center of attention for Albert Pujols’ 700th home run, but they should also be talked about for Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt. Birds can lead the way. Phillies who instead return to the playoffs after 11 years but have entered the reverse gear, risking a lot with a bad September.
World Series
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It will be trivial, it will be obvious, but it is difficult for us not to say Yankees-Dodgers, a great classic. But we wouldn’t be surprised if Houston stopped the Bronx Bombers.
7 October – 10:04
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