Title: MLB Playoff Field Set, Excitement Builds for Postseason Baseball
Date: October 2, 2023
Major League Baseball’s postseason field is officially set, marking the beginning of an exhilarating journey towards the World Series. The playoffs will kick off with the best-of-three Wild Card Series, starting on Tuesday, October 3. With the World Series scheduled to commence on Friday, October 27, fans can anticipate weeks of thrilling postseason baseball action.
In the playoff structure, the top two teams in each league earn a first-round bye, while the remaining teams are paired up to compete in best-of-three series. The intensity rises in the division series with a best-of-five format, followed by the best-of-seven League Championship Series, and ultimately the best-of-seven World Series, where the champion gets to throw a parade.
Let’s take a closer look at the playoff field for both the American League and National League:
American League:
– First-round byes: No. 1 Orioles, No. 2 Astros
– Wild Card Series: No. 3 Twins vs. No. 6 Blue Jays, No. 4 Rays vs. No. 5 Rangers
National League:
– First-round byes: No. 1 Braves, No. 2 Dodgers
– Wild Card Series: No. 3 Brewers vs. No. 6 Diamondbacks, No. 4 Phillies vs. No. 5 Marlins
Apart from the excitement of postseason baseball, CBS Sports has also provided its predictions and explanations for the entire postseason. However, they highlight that these predictions are purely for entertainment purposes.
Expert Predictions:
R.J. Anderson predicts the Braves will triumph over the Astros in the World Series. Believing the Braves are the best team in baseball, Anderson admires the potential of the Twins, but acknowledges that they face challenges due to injuries.
Mike Axisa picks the Braves to win against the Rays in the World Series. He sees the American League as wide open this season, with the Braves standing out as the best team overall.
Kate Feldman envisions the Braves defeating the Rays to claim the World Series title. While recognizing the Rays’ strengths, Feldman believes the Braves’ offense and rotation will be key factors in their success.
Dayn Perry’s prediction leans towards the Rays, who he believes will conquer the Braves in the World Series. He praises the Braves’ powerful lineup but highlights their current rotation challenges.
Stephen Pianovich defies his preseason prediction of the Phillies finishing third in their division and selects them to beat the Astros in the World Series.
Matt Snyder foresees a Braves versus Orioles World Series, with the Braves emerging as champions. Snyder emphasizes the dominance of the top teams and predicts the Orioles will be the team to dethrone the Astros.
With the stage set and the experts’ views shared, fans will eagerly await the unfolding of the playoffs and see if any of these predictions come to fruition. As the quest for baseball’s most coveted title begins, the anticipation and excitement among fans are palpable.
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