ImSlower wrote:The 16 team format is an abomination, in my opinion, but I'm a cranky old-fashioned basey-ball type. I would be shocked if we don't see multiple upsets this first round - one hot day by a lesser pitcher, or a disappointing performance by an ace can upend a 3 game series.
The Dodgers are crazy stacked, and I expect them to make it to the Series. The Padres are exciting as hell, but their two terrific starters saw both their final regular season appearances come to a close with arm soreness. My astoundingly uninteresting and unimpressive Cardinals might get this upset if Grandpa Waino throws a gem and Lamet and Clevinger disappoint.
I've been rooting for the White Sox, and the September slump has looked bad. I hope your South Siders can get hot. I'm not impressed by the As, Twins or Astros (Eff the Astros), and I think an ALCS appearance is very possible for them. I can't give a rational opinion about the Cubs, sadly, but I think Cubs fans here could perhaps agree with me that a Cubs / Cardinals post-season series would be awesome.
the over/under going in was 3.1 upsets out of 8 series
opening series odds per MGM:
#1 rays 65% #8 jays 35%
#2 As 52% #7 sox 48%
#3 twins 60% #6 astros 40%
#5 yankees 56% #4 indians 44%
#1 dodgers 73% #8 brewers 27%
#2 braves 56% #7 reds 44%
#3 cubs 62% #6 marlins 38%
#4 padres 66% #5 cards 34%
did the cubs get lucky to draw an overachieving marlins team or something? why do they have the 3rd best odds of the 8 series?