Strike Zone podcast: Previewing, picking each ALDS, NLDS matchup
The wild-card games are over, and the American League and National League Division Series pairings are set. But which teams are most likely to advance to fight for the pennant, and which teams will be heading home by this time next week?
On this week's edition of The Strike Zone podcast, hosts Stephen Cannella and Ted Keith break down the ALDS and NLDS matchups and who has the edge in each of them. After a quick debate about the fairness of the one-game wild-card format, the previews start with the Astros and Royals, and whether top-seeded Kansas City can hold off a Houston team looking to replicate the Royals' wild-card fueled success from last postseason. From there, Ted and Steve tackle the Blue Jays-Rangers series and wonder if Texas has enough firepower to take down a Toronto squad that looks like a real World Series contender.
After that, it's off to the Senior Circuit, beginning with the clash of two bitter NL Central rivals in the Cardinals and Cubs and if 100-win St. Louis is actually the underdog against feisty Chicago before finishing with a look at Mets-Dodgers, a series that should be full of brilliant pitching.
Want more top-notch baseball talk delivered straight to you every week? Then subscribe to The Strike Zone podcast on iTunes right here.
• MORE MLB: Sports Illustrated's experts make their ALDS and NLDS picks
