Last week, we made some postseason predictions. We predicted who would make it and what would happen once the playoffs begin.
Of course, a lot can change over the course of just one week, and in some races, it’s gotten a little tighter. So today, we’re going to break down who the biggest threats our to some of our predicted teams from the National League.
If you didn’t read our article from last week, here are our predicted NL postseason teams.
NL East winner: Braves
NL Central winner: Brewers
NL West winner: Giants
NL Wild Card #1: Dodgers
NL Wild Card #2: Padres
So how does this work, you ask? Well, we simply look at who’s leading each pennant race and decide what teams behind them pose the biggest threats to them winning that race. We’re going to go ahead and leave out the NL Central for now, as the Brewers have a commanding 8 game lead over the second-place Reds, We’ll also leave out the competition between the top two Wild Card contenders for both leagues, as there are two per league, but we’ll break down every other race in the NL and determine if there are any threats.
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta leads the NL East and are alone at the top for the first time all season, but it’s a tight race in that division and it’s far from over. Here are the biggest threats to the Braves as they try to capture their fourth consecutive division crown.
Biggest Threat: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies just lost a tough series to the Reds, but they’re still right on Atlanta’s heels, just a game back. They’ve enjoyed a breakout season from utility man Brad Miller, and also have a solid top three in their rotation; Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Kyle Gibson. They kick off a series with Arizona tomorrow and will send Gibson to the hill to try and bounce back from Sunday’s loss
Dark Horse: New York Mets
Things are looking bleak for the Mets. Without Jacob DeGrom, their rotation has taken a big hit. Now they have to deal with the Giants, but their hopes are not dead just yet. Their rotation still consists of Carlos Carrasco, Tijuan Walker, and Marcus Stroman, and their lineup is also deep, featuring Pete Alonso, Jeff McNiell, Michael Conforto, and before long, Francisco Lindor. That may give them a boost necessary to stop their slide. They’re still within striking distance in the East, so don’t count them out yet.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have surprised us all, and have proven that they’re legit. They have the best record in baseball and are strong title contenders, but they still have some stiff competition for the NL West crown.
Biggest Threat: Los Angeles Dodgers
The defending World Champions are no slouch. They were the No. 1 favorites to repeat as champs heading into the season and still pose a threat to the Giants. They lead the Wild Card race in the NL by six games, but they’re only four behind San Francisco. Is it too much of a stretch to think L.A. could make a late-season run and bring home their ninth consecutive NL West crown?
San Diego Padres
The Friars are coming off a year in which they reached the postseason for the first time since 2006. You know they’re hungry for more after getting knocked out by the Dodgers. Fernando Tatis Jr. is back from his injury, but their once commanding lead in the race for the second Wild Card has shrunk of late.
Biggest Threat: Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati got hot to start the second half. Their lineup is at full strength now that Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos are back from their injuries. They won a big series in Philadelphia on Sunday and have positioned themselves for a big late-season push. Oh, and if they do get the second Wild Card, they’ll be able to throw either Luis Castillo or Sonny Gray in the sudden-death Wild Card game, depending on what it takes to get there.
Dark Horse: St. Louis Cardinals
If you had looked at the standings a week ago, you probably wouldn’t have penciled St. Louis into the postseason. That may have changed within this last week.
The Redbirds are flying high, winners of six consecutive games. Strong starting pitching from Adam Wainwright and others plus a rejuvenated offense have helped the Cards climb back into contention. You can never sleep on them. They’re only 4.5 back of San Diego now. It may just be yet another case of them hanging around .500 in the first half and going on a tear in the second half, something they have plenty of experience with.
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