Season Preview: Playoffs and World Series predictions

Oct 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) hits a two-run home run in the third inning in game two of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Lecolant, Staff Writer:

Detroit’s window of opportunity is not closing, but I feel they’ll be hit by injury this season and face an early departure from the playoffs. Kansas City will remain confident and highly competitive, but I feel they’re still a slugger away from being a power. The Royals’ bullpen also faces the daunting challenge of repeating last season’s stellar performance. I picked the ChiSox to win the Central for parity’s sake, and because every season needs a monkey wrench to keep things honest. I’m still very bullish on Buck Showalter and the Baltimore Orioles. They’ve been knocking on the door, and this season I think they finally break it down. I think they’ll win their division comfortably, with Boston finishing second and New York and Toronto battling for a distant third. The O’s will have their way against Kansas City in the ALDS, then dispatch Billy Beane‘s crazy Athletics to win the pennant.

In the Senior Circuit, Milwaukee will be the fresh face in the playoffs – not the Mets. In fact, the Central Division will effectively keep the Mets out of the playoffs this season. Once again, St. Louis will qualify by simply being the best of the rest in a parity riddled league. However, the Cardinals will bow out quietly in the Wild Card game. I considered pushing Pittsburgh through my bracket in order to recreate the 1979 World Series. However, I do not believe the Pirates have enough pitching to slip by either Washington or Los Angeles in the postseason. Some how, some way, I envision Washington’s offense short circuiting for a second straight postseason. Out west, money might buy the Dodgers a division flag and the pennant, but unfortunately for manager Don Mattingly they’ll fall short of winning a world championship when they face a team (Baltimore) built the old fashioned way.

National League

Wild Card Game:

Brewers (1st WC) over Cardinals (2nd WC)

NLDS:

Nationals over Brewers
Dodgers over Pirates

NLCS:

Dodgers over Nationals

American League

Wild Card Game:

Royals (1st WC) over Tigers (2nd WC)

ALDS:

Orioles over Royals
Athletics over White Sox

ALCS:

Orioles over Athletics

World Series:

Orioles over Dodgers

Next: Dan Haefeli's Playoffs and World Series predictions