October is upon on baseball fans which can only mean one thing, meaningful baseball is right around the corner. The grueling 162 game season that spans for 7 months came to an end last Sunday.

            Although there wasn’t any suspense entering the final weekend of the season because the playoff brackets were already set, still what an amazing season it was. This season gave us some epic rookie performances with guys coming from nowhere to make a splash. We even witnessed mind boggling winning streaks followed up by head scratching losing streaks.

            With such parity this baseball season I can truly see any one of the 10 teams lucky enough to make it to the big show having a chance at hoisting that trophy above their heads come late October.

            Now that the season is complete it’s come time to preview the post season we have in front of us and make my predictions with my sports IQ and not my Dodger blue heart.

            AL Wild Card: This one game wild card series win or your season is over is between two teams that had bounce back season. The Minnesota Twins went from the worst record in baseball of 59-103 last season to a respectable playoff bound 85-77 due to powerful bats and a sneaky bullpen. The Yankees also coming off a bad season (per Yankee standards) road the wave of their rookie sensation Aaron Judge complimented with key role players and solid starting pitching. PREDICTION: Yankees win.

            NL Wild Card: Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Diamond Backs, both didn’t have much expectations coming into the season but both managed to surprise. Both teams haven’t seen the post season for a combined five thousand days. These two teams are very similar with each other due to playing in the same division and both have strong offenses to do damage. This is the main reason the D-backs went out and spent 31 million dollars on pitcher Zach Greinke. PREDICTION: D-Backs win easily at home.

            ALDS: Red Sox vs Astros. This series has the bats on both sides to make for an interesting back and forth series. Although the Sox have the experience and know how to get the job done I don’t trust the starting pitching in bean town and know the Astros have what it takes in that area. Adding Justin Verlander late this season sealed the deal for me in this one. PREDICTION: Astros in 4.  

            ALDS: *Yankees vs Indians. The Indians are on a roll right now coming off a record breaking 22 game win streak during the final month of the season. A team riddled with big bats such as Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce accompanied with Ace arm Corey Kluber will be a tough beat. As their best record in the American league shows. I have concerns though this team peeked too early. Yankees will put up a fight. PREDICTION: Indians in 5.

            NLDS: Cubs vs Nationals. This will probably be the most exciting opening series in the playoffs. Both teams have stacked line-ups and top tier pitching. Bryce Harper recently coming off a major knee injury and star pitcher Max Scherzer banged up will be tough for the Nat’s to overcome. This primed Cubs team stacked with bats seem to be coming alive at the right time. PREDICTION: Cubs in 4.

            NLDS: *Diamondbacks vs Dodgers. The Dodgers were another team riding streaks this year. A historic 50 game stretch followed by losing 16 of 17. The dodgers found form late in the season and have the talent to do real damage, with the wood and on the mound. The D-backs will create issues. Dodgers find a way to win by riding the left arm of future hall of famer Clayton Kershaw. PREDICTION: Dodgers in 5.

ALCS: Astros vs Indians. The two best teams in the American league will clash, what a show it will be. Usually I would ride the hot hand and the pitching talent of the Indians but the Astros seem to have enough offensive prowess and timely hitting to sink the Indians and their magical season. PREDICTION: Astros in 6.

NLCS: Cubs vs Dodgers. In what should make for an amazing rematch from last year’s NLCS. The Cubs coming in hot and the Dodgers needing young talent to show up in big moments should decide this series. Off and on pitching meets great hitting on both sides is a toss-up. PREDICTION: Dodgers 7.

WORLD SERIES: Astros vs Dodgers. The climax to this season should be a spectacular series with a pair of teams with young talent surrounded by key veteran pieces. Dodger youth and bullpen uncertainty will rear its ugly head in the most inopportune times. Astros bats will show up under the bright lights. PREDICTION: Astros in 6.