MLB Postseason

We've reached the end of the regular season. While the NL was almost fully decided, the AL had a lot on the line today. First off the Pittsburgh Pirates clinched home field for the Wildcard game with their win over the Reds this afternoon. Back to back seasons with the NL Wildcard taking place at PNC Park, as the Pirates look for a better outcome this time. It should be a good matchup between the Cubs and Pirates, as I expect Arrieta to take the mound against Cole. I know Pirate fans don't want to hear this, but I think Arrieta will be lights out yet again and hold the Pirates bats down leading to the Cubs visiting the Cardinals in the division round.
The AL had a lot more at stake today, as the Toronto Blue Jays were looking to take home field advantage away from the Royals. But the Tampa Bay Rays got in the way beating the Jays 12-3, while the Royals won today against the Twins. So Kansas City will hold home field, as they look to represent the American League in the World Series for the second season in a row. The Texas Rangers locked up the AL West today, as the got the win they needed that also eliminated the Angels from the playoffs. The Astros were going into today looking at three different possible outcomes. They could the division, the wildcard, or get eliminated. The Astros lost their game 5-3 against the Diamondbacks, but caught the break of the Angels losing as well to the team they were trying to catch. The Astros will now head into New York to fight the Yankees in the AL Wildcard game. Like the NL game, I expect the road team to come away on top, as Keuchel should be representing the Astros on the mound and from what I have seen this year, I have a lot of confidence in him. The Astros would get through to take the Royals, which would be a great matchup.
The other playoff set matchups are Rangers going into Toronto, which will be a who's hot an who's not type duel. It will depend on which team
is seeing the ball better and hitting in the clutch, as both teams, well realistically more the Blue Jays, are known for offense and providing pop to bring home the wins. It will be tough to out do Donaldson, even with Hamilton and Fielder. In the NL the Mets will be visiting the Dodgers. This series is quiet the opposite, as both team are known for pitching with Greinke and Kershaw on one side, then Harvey and deGrom and others with the Mets. I expect low scoring games with a single big fly being the difference in games. Dodgers did just reactivate Puig, hoping he can resume and be a difference maker.  Fun news of the day, Ichiro took the mound for the first time in his career today for the Marlins. It was hilarious and fun to watch him take his windup and deliver the pitch.