Game 163 and Playoff Baseball

Andrew McCutchen and the Pirates are in
the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

The Tampa Bay Rays clinched the last playoff spot in the American League with a win over Texas in game 163.  This game was not an easy win thanks to a pretty terrible job by the umpire crew working the game.  The Rays were looking to add to their lead when the final out of the inning was made by a "catch" that clearly hit the ground.  Thanks to a strong performance by Evan Longoria and David Price, the Rays overcame this adversity and clinched a playoff spot.  That, of course, means it is prediction time:

Round 1 of the playoffs consists of just 2 games: Reds at Pittsburgh, and Rays at Cleveland.

The Reds had a great season to bounce back from last year's poor performance.  The team was clearly talented enough to be a contender but could not put it all together.  This year they did.  Centered around Joey Votto, the Reds are the 3rd best team in the NL Central, but still made it to the Wildcard Game.  They have lost 5 in a row entering Tuesday night's single elimination game.  The Pirates and their star player Andrew McCutchen are on a 3 game winning streak entering the postseason.  With late season addition, Justin Morneau, the Pirates seem to be in the perfect position to make a playoff run.  Also a former Twin, Francisco Liriano will get the nod to pitch for Pittsburgh.  He will go against Johnny Cueto, the Reds' ace who battled injuries all year.  I think the lefty Liriano will have good success early but get pulled from this game around the 6th inning.  I give the bullpen advantage to Pittsburgh.  Prediction: 4-3 Pirates.

Entering the American League Wildcard Game, the Cleveland Indians have won 10 straight. However, that was against the worst teams in baseball.  A 10 game win streak is still impressive, even against teams full of September call ups.  The Rays are a team that just flat out know how to win.  They will have Cobb on the mound with their playoff aspirations on the line.  One run could very easily win this game for either team.  Word on the street is that Danny Salazar will be the pitcher for Cleveland.  The rookie pitcher has been sensational despite only boasting a 2-3 record.  He has a high strikeout rate against an offense that will strike out quite a bit.  Interesting choice but I would never question the managing skills of Terry Francona or Joe Madden.  I think Salazar gets pulled early when he gets in a jam and Cleveland's bullpen gets put to the test.  I see the Rays using their bench masterfully to counter any bullpen usage by Francona.  Madden uses his wits to steal another single elimination game.  Rays win 2-1.

On a side note:  I love October.  Playoff baseball and the NHL regular season both kick off today.  Do not miss out sports fans, glue yourself to the nearest TV!