As the calendar turns to October it’s time for playoff baseball. Not many things in sports can match the drama and tension of the MLB postseason. With some of the usual suspects missing out this year, we have some new faces looking for October glory. The new wild card format has brought some smaller markets into the fold, whether their teams belong here is a different question for another time, these 12 participants have earned their way here, so let’s dive into the field.

American League

We begin with our Junior Circuit preview, that actually features some variance in the field for a change. With the Yankees home on the couch and the Rays slumping in the second half, the Orioles are the number one seed having won the AL East. The O’s and their fans have finally enjoyed the fruits of their tumultuous rebuild with a talented young team that won 101 games. Brandon Hyde’s group is led by stud catcher Adley Rutschman who is surrounded by a talented core. Home field should play a big part for this club, as Camden Yards should be rockin, but they have an Achilles heel, their pitching staff. While they have performed well in the regular season, they’re not quite Palmer, McNally, Dobson and Cuellar, but who is? Dean Kremer and company will be asked to manage the game and eat innings for a short handed pen with Felix Bautista on the shelf. We’ll be rooting for some “Orioles Magic,” but this won’t be easy despite their excellent year.

The Twins took home the AL Central crown as their paltry 87 wins was enough to win the sports weakest division. Their lineup has been hit and miss all season with Carlos Correa underperforming, so the pitching staff has led the way. Sonny Gray has had a strong year despite an unimpressive win loss record, and he is backed up talented righty Pablo Lopez. The twins have a one two punch in the rotation that looks capable of actually winning them their first playoff game since 2004, and series since 2002.

Their opening round opponents come from north of the border, as the Blue Jays look to put last years playoff collapse behind them. It’s never been a question of talent for these guys, they’re as good as any team in the league on paper. Unfortunately the game is played on the diamond, where they typically underperform. They need a big series from their catalyst Bo Bichette, who has been the most consistent performer in a lineup with more legacy pledges than Animal House. Their pitching staff has some wild ebbs and flows in their performance, but when going right they could overpower the opposition. It’s time to put up or shut up this October, they simply can’t waste another year of this core, especially with a favorable first round draw against Minnesota.

The aforementioned Rays enter the playoffs as a shell of their former selves. After racing out to a brilliant start, they got off track and never put it all back together. This is due in large part to a number of off field impacts. Their usually dominant starting staff is ravaged by injuries, and the less said about former face of the franchise Wander Franco’s behavior the better. They’re still dangerous coming into the opening round but it feels like this will be another wasted season for the little engine that could.

Their opening round opponent actually has a lot in common with them. The Texas Rangers were the top team in the league at one point before a second half swoon that nearly cost them a spot in the postseason. Their injury riddled rotation became a handicap and their potent lineup hit some slumps. With the rotation mostly banged up former Yankees (way to go Cash) Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi will lead the staff. Eovaldi is the potential key for this squad, he’s been dominant in the playoffs before and has a chance to prove himself once again. Even with him and their potent lineup, it’s hard to see this team making the noise they once seemed poised for.

Which leaves us with the team we all love to hate. The Houston Astros once again managed to win the AL West as they look to defend their World Series crown. Through a lot of ups and downs this year, they remain a consistent winner. With Justin Verlander back in the fold they have their big game ace ready to roll and will set up their rotation during the first round bye. One through nine their lineup remains absolutely loaded with clutch performers. It pains me to say this, but it’s hard to see anyone beating them to the pennant. I think the O’s will give them a run for their money, similar to the 2017 Yankees, but in the end I will go with the more experienced Stros.

AL Champion: Houston Astros

National League

The “Senior Circuit” featured a playoff chase for the final spots down the stretch, that wound up going two unlikely wild card teams. We’ll get to those teams in a bit, but we begin with baseball’s juggernaut. The Atlanta Braves and their incredible core had another dominant campaign, and enter October has favorites to win it all. They lead all of baseball with 104 wins and boast an array of talent we haven’t often seen in the sport. MVP candidates Matt Olson and Ronald Acuna Jr lead a balanced attack, that is complimented by a usually strong pitching staff. But that staff could become an area of concern with Max Fried and Charlie Morton landing on the IL to end the season. Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder have been great this year, but with the pressure on, it could be tough for them to lead the way without their running mates. Anything less than their second title in three years would be a disappointment for Atlanta.

Also enjoying the first round bye with the Braves are the ever consistent Los Angeles Dodgers. It was another 100 win season in Hollywood, though their method was far from typical. With so many starters injured this year, their “pitching lab” has gotten the best out of unlikely contributors like Lance Lynn. The big righty will be joined by the talented but unproven rookie Bobby Miller and future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. With the staff being a question mark, it will be up to the hitting core to make the difference. The aging but still lethal JD Martinez had another brilliant year, while stars Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman anchor the lineup. It feels like the boys in Dodger blue are a little under the radar in this crowded field, which perhaps makes them all the more dangerous.

Much like their counterparts in the weak AL Central, the Brewers claimed their division crown with a lower win total than most. After scuffling through the first half “the crew” got hot and never looked back. Stalwart Corbin Burnes will have lead a pitching staff that will be short “co-ace” Brandon Woodruff who is now injured. The staff is backed up by an overpowering bullpen. They will need their arms to lead the way as this lineup is far from “Harvey’s Wallbangers” of the 80’s. They will need a big playoff from Christian Yelich and breakout star William Contreras to really make some noise this fall.

Their opponent in the opening round are the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks. The snakes come into the postseason after an extended hiatus from October baseball. While they have some solid pieces, they will go as far as their two stars will take them. The first is electrifying rookie of the year front runner, outfielder Corbin Carroll. Carroll can do it all and will have to this postseason to give his team a chance. His running mate is ace of the staff, Zac Gallen. His specs make him look like “the wild thing”, but he is much more reliable than Ricky Vaughn. While they’re a great story, it doesn’t feel like they have enough to contend this postseason.

Our other postseason newcomer is the surprising Miami Marlins, who make their return to the playoffs after a three year absence. The fish managed to stay in the race under first year manager Skip Schumaker behind a solid rotation and a lineup that got help at the deadline. Luis Arraez flirted with .400 for a good portion of the season, and despite falling short, he still leads their offensive attack. Deadline pickups Jake Burger and Josh Bell provided a significant boost down the stretch and will be needed to provide pop this postseason. Their once deep pitching staff is now short handed due to injury, but still features some solid arms. Jesus Luzardo and Braxton Garrett will toe the slab in the opening round, making their playoff debuts. Much like the D-Backs, this great story probably doesn’t have a fairy tale ending, as they enter a hostile environment.

That hostile environment is Citizen’s Bank Park, home to last years NL champions and my pick to repeat, the Philadelphia Phillies. The “fightin’s” had another mercurial regular season, as they topped out at 90 wins, a number that feels low based on their talent. Their lineup is absolutely loaded with Bryce Harper at seemingly full health, and Trea Turner enjoying a summer renaissance. Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos bring plenty of power and the depth behind them makes this team a very tough out. Their pitching staff is erratic at times, but brings the experience of last years run to the table this October. Craig Kimbrel could present some concerns in the ninth inning, but if the future Hall of Famer can lock things down, I like their chances. For all the Braves talent, the Phil’s seem to have their number at times, so I like them for the upset.

NL Champion: Philadelphia Phillies

World Series Pick

After coming close a year ago, I think the Phillies get sweet revenge, in a rematch with the Astros. It was a great series last time out, we can only hope for a similar series this go around. I apologize to my Phillies fan friends, my mush powers are undefeated this year. Fade my pick at your leisure folks.

World Series: Phillies over Astros in 6

World Series MVP: Trea Turner

That’s a wrap on the MLB playoff preview. Be on the lookout for my New York baseball post mortem in the days ahead and my NHL previews. Follow me on Twitter @YNWA9623 and subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner of your screen, and entering your email. Enjoy the postseason everyone!