The divisional playoffs. [View all]

Chicago at Milwaukee

Milwaukee had the best record in baseball, but was only .500 in September. That may well be because they had no particular reason to bust their collective asses. They do not have the greatest bullpen but they do have formidable starters. Cubs won the season series, but only just.

L.A. Dodgers at Philadelphia

Philadelphia has good pitching and guys who can hammer the ball. They're a damn good ballclub. They have home field advantage. Then there are the Dodgers, who were built with this time of year in mind. No team pays more payroll than the Dodgers, and October is why.

Detroit Tigers at Seattle

Seattle can pound the ball with the best of them. They have what is most often called a dangerous lineup, Their pitching is good but not great; Detroit frankly has Skubal and no one else scary. Detroit does have a guy named Javier Baez. He has the tools to be a superhero whenever the need arises. The question is, does he have the desire?

N.Y. Yankees at Toronto

The Blue Jays have a team that can put the ball in play. Their offense is pretty consistent. They had the same record as the Yankees but won the season series 8-5. Their most exciting pitcher is Trey Yesavage, who they drafted just 15 months ago. This is a big stage for someone so young. The Yankees are, well, the Yankees. More experience, more players, led by Aaron "The" Judge. Their bullpen is temperamental, but talented. This team like the Dodgers has an enormous payroll and expects to win at this time of year.

Who will win? I think the Brewers (sorry, fellow Cub fans. I hope I'm wrong), the Dodgers (again), the Mariners and the Yankees (again).