Tom Verducci's playoff previews: Breaking down postseason field
Will the Royals' playoff stay be a short one? Can the A's bounce back from their second-half slump? Which of the Los Angeles teams has a better chance of reaching the World Series? Who is the sleeper pick of the postseason, and who has been overrated going into October? Tom Verducci answers all those questions and more in his individual team previews.
• Expert analysis, previews for each of the 10 playoff teams
Baltimore Orioles
• BRADLEY: Orioles bring power, late-inning magic to postseason
Detroit Tigers
• JAFFE: Tigers place hope in trio of aces, dangerous lineup
Kansas City Royals
• REITER: Drought is over, but Royals face long odds in playoffs
Los Angeles Angels
• KEITH: Can baseball's best player bring a championship to L.A.?
Los Angeles Dodgers
• JAFFE: With Kershaw in lead, Dodgers look strong for October
Oakland Athletics
• REITER: Athletics' moribund offense must wake up for playoffs
Pittsburgh Pirates
• CHEN: Is last year's underdog ready to take the next step?
San Francisco Giants
• CORCORAN: As second wild card, Giants' road is a tough one
St. Louis Cardinals
• CORCORAN: Defending NL champions look vulnerable this time
Washington Nationals
• CHEN: Featuring stacked rotation, Nationals look like NL favorites
