Tagged: Cardinals

NL Playoffs

Last week, I gave my picks to make the playoffs in the NL. Here is how I feel those teams will fair once they reach October:

NL Wild Card Phillies VS. Cardinals: Within the one-game wild card format, the Phillies dominant pitching will be able to overcome their offensive struggles and beat the Cardinals.

NL Division Round Diamondbacks VS. Phillies: After depleting portions of their pitching against the Cardinals, the Phillies

Photo from In Flex We Trust

pitching will not be quite good enough to overcome their offensive woes against the Diamondbacks.

NL Division Round Braves VS. Reds: The depth of the Braves lineup as well as pitching will be on display as the Braves win a close, offensive series.

NL Championship Series Diamondbacks VS. Braves: In a very close, evenly matched series the Diamondbacks bullpen struggles will cost them as the Braves win the series due to their superior bullpen.

So there are my thoughts on the NL Playoffs, what are yours? Who wins the National League?

This Weeks Top Storylines

Photo from Chicago Baseball Report

YOENIS CESPEDES

Cespedes, arguably the most sought after Cuban free agent ever, is expected to make a decision soon, possibly this week. The Marlins are currently the frontrunner, and have already made their first official offer Friday. Obtaining Cespedes won’t be easy for any team, as it is rumored that bidding could reach nearly $60 Million.

WILL OSWALT SIGN?

Roy Oswalt, widely considered the best starter left available, should agree to a contract within the next week. Oswalt is a veteran who could have a big year but comes with the risk of frequent back injury, which caused him to miss time last year. The most likely landing spot is the Cardinals, as their appears to be mutual interest. As usual though, the issue is money, as Oswalt wants $10 million and, so far at least, the Cardinals have not been willing to meet his asking price. If the Cardinals and Oswalt don’t get a deal done, the Red Sox and Reds seem like good alternatives.

BURNETT TO PIRATES?

Photo from NY Daily News

Over the last few days we have heard lots of buzz that the Yankees might finally unload A.J. Burnett and his contracts to the Pirates. The Yankees will likely have to eat all but $10 million of the $33 million left on Burnetts contract, and they appear ready to do so. The only hold up in the deal is the players the Pirates will send in return. The Yankees asked for Garret Jones, but he appears to be a deal-breaker for the Pirates. Personally, I feel this deal is bound to get done by the end of the week, as the opportunity is to great for the Yankees to pass up.

BASEBALL IS BACK

For the first time since the world series major league baseball is back, sort of at least. The Mariners kicked off the year Saturday as their pitchers and catchers reported. Over the next week, the rest of the teams will finally meet in camp and baseball will begin.