Now that the MLB Divisional Series is over, who moves ahead and what do they have to do to win it all?
After a week of battling in the Divisional Series for a spot in the final four, it’s time for the last round before someone walks away with the Commissioner’s Trophy. This year’s matchups were very entertaining to watch on both sides of the league but now that teams have been eliminated, who is moving on, who will they play and what do they need to do to win?
The American League, now the Texas league, will see the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. The Astros joined the race in the American League Divisional Series (ALDS) winning three of four games played against the Minnesota Twins, and the Texas Rangers swept the Baltimore Orioles in the Divisional Series. During the regular season, there were 13 games played between the two where the Rangers only took four wins.
Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick said, “A little AL West rivalry, and it’s going to be fun. We play these guys a lot, and that’s a good team over there, so we need to show up.”
The Texas Rangers will return to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time since 2011, where they beat the Detroit Tigers but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. In order to beat the reigning champs, they need to bring their A-game in pitching. The Astros have a great lineup and hit very well in the regular season.
In game one, the Rangers’ most reliable pitcher following the trade deadline, Jordan Montgomery, will pitch against the Astros star Justin Verlander. Verlander is an experienced postseason pitcher and has many wins under his belt. Despite Texas’ pitching staff being solid in the playoffs, it is all up to the bullpen to keep runs low, which is something they struggled with in the regular season.
The potential return of Max Scherzer from the Injury List with a low-grade strain of his right teres major muscle in his upper arm may cause the Rangers to rethink their order. Depending on a practice game, final decisions will be made on whether he will pitch or sit out.
“Standing here [Tuesday night], I feel good about it. I feel good about what I can do in the future here,” Scherzer said in an interview following the clinching of the ALCS,
Both teams are great on both sides, however, it all comes down to experience and the Astros have plenty of it.
Turning to the National League side, the Arizona Diamondbacks will return to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) for the first time since 2007 against the reigning NLCS champs, the Philadelphia Phillies. Both teams were outstanding during the regular season leaving a six-game window between the two. However, the Phillies had to deal with Bryce Harper out of commission after elbow surgery earlier this offseason and Trea Turner in a slump after moving to PA from LA early in the season that may have cost them winning a few more games. Arizona has been pretty consistent this whole season and played great so far in the postseason despite their four-game losing streak ending the season.
Both National League teams are tied for the most home runs this postseason, and have great bullpens and overall lineups. On the other hand, one team’s strengths are the other team’s weaknesses. While the D-backs play with athleticism and strategy, the Phillies are playing with strength and power, leaving gaps in their defense. In the last game of the Phillies vs Braves, powerful players like Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and J.T. Realmuto were all striking out or flying out to players for an easy out. As for Arizona, players like Corbin Carroll and Tommy Phan had a hard time in game three against the Dodgers either striking out or being left on base.
All these issues complement the other team making great competition. No matter who wins the American League, the state of Texas advances but as for who takes the National League, it is between Pennsylvania and Arizona. Either way, it’s going to be entertaining to watch.