I made the executive decision to basically do the MLB Playoffs like I did with the Brewers this season. Meaning the previews will be the same, highlights and lowlights will show up plus some recaps and bigger pieces. Hope you enjoy.
Pitching MatchupsGame 1: Thursday October 3rd - A.J. Burnett v. Adam Wainwright 4:07 pm TBS
Game 2: Friday October 4th - Gerrit Cole v. Lance Lynn 12:07 pm MLB Network
Game 3: Sunday October 6th - Joe Kelly v. Francisco Liriano 3:37 pm TBS
Game 4: Monday October 7th - Michael Wacha v. Charlie Morton 2:07 pm TBS
Game 5: Wednesday October 9th - A.J. Burnett v. Adam Wainwright 4:07 pm TBS (If Necessary)
Five Things to Watch
Can the Pirates steal one in St. Louis? - If Pittsburgh wants to win this series, they have to win a game in St. Louis. I realize this sounds like John Madden but honestly, they cannot win this series without taking at least one game in St. Louis. They probably will need a big time start from the very young and inexperienced Gerrit Cole. We will get to Burnett in a second here, but if they want to win tonight, Pittsburgh needs to keep the score down. There is no way Adam Wainwright gives up more than two runs this evening because he is an ace in the highest form of calling someone an ace and ace dominate in the playoffs.
A.J. Burnett's Busch Stadium Struggles - As a Milwaukee Brewers fan, I know all about players whom struggle against the Cardinals or they cannot pitch at Busch Stadium. A.J. Burnett is one of those people. This year he had three starts at Busch Stadium and he gave up 12 runs on 19 hits with an ERA of 8.10. The first couple innings will be huge for Burnett. If he struggles right away, the demons will come back, but if he settles in nicely, Burnett could be just fine.
Joe Kelly, a third playoff starter? - People might be wondering why Joe Kelly is the third starter for the Cardinals, but what they have not realized is how good Kelly has been in the last two months. Kelly's ERA is right around two in the last couple months, and he only allowed more than three runs in one game, August 11th against the Chicago Cubs. Kelly can definitely be a competent third starter for the Cardinals and can easily take care of business.
Importance of Andrew McCutchen - This is a strangely big series for McCutchen. He is the star of the Pirates and if he has a rough playoff series against St. Louis and the Pirates lose, he will see the first real criticism of his career whether it is just or not. Cutch really has not seen any sort of daggers yet from the media both locally and nationally but they will be there if he struggles and the Pirates lose the series. McCutchen steps up and ends up being the star of the series no matter the team, the legend of McCutchen in Pittsburgh grows twofold.
Any concern about the Cards bullpen? - Let's have a little talk here. Edward Mujica has been the savior the bullpen after Jason Motte went down with a season-ending injury and Mitchell Boggs did not pan out at all for the team. Mujica ended up being a stopper for this bullpen, but did anyone notice how shitty he was in September? He gave up nine runs and three home runs plus 18 hits with an ERA over eleven. That's not great going into the playoffs.
Prediction
I worry about Mujica but the Cardinals should win this series in four games. People have drawn the comparison to the 2008 Milwaukee Brewers and it is accurate. The Buccos will get a game, but St. Louis is too good. Trust me, I will be cheering like hell that it would not happen.
Charlie.
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