Oct 3, 20235 min read

The Classic

October at last. The quest for the Fall Classic officially opens for baseball's elite. The Show's biggest names are ready to fight for The Commissioner's Trophy and their name in postseason immortality:

Seeing the playoff bracket and slate of games this morning, had me actin' like Patrick Beverley after beating the Clippers. The colors are out and playoff baseball is ready to take the month. Let me tell ya, there will be no rest for the weary- the noise is going to get loud from the get-go, starting this afternoon. Inject playoff baseball in my veins.

Rays and Rangers will start things off to kickstart the playoffs. Texas went 4-2 against Tampa in the regular season and look to unleash their top ranked offense against an injury plagued Rays' rotation. This series should be straight fireworks.

Texas has had a historically shaky bullpen and pitching all around as their season has been led by their offensive onslaught. Tampa as I mentioned has a injury plagued rotation that will find it tough to tame the hefty Rangers' lineup. I'd be shocked if this series doesn't bring the most run production of the four opening round series. Rangers will always welcome a shootout. A shootout for the Rays would be ideal as we have seen what they can do with momentum and high level hitting in the playoffs. The exact recipe needed for them to eliminate the damage that occurred from a tough roster explosion that struck entering August.

The Rays having all three games in nasty Tropicana is huge. The Rangers being in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 would have Arlington LOUD. They hope to give those fans an opportunity, first they need to slay the Rays. Which bullpen can hang in there longer? The answer awaits.

The Twins and Blue Jays both got hot at the right time as they each march into the playoffs at their season's peak (roster/confidence wise). I bet many baseball fans have looked at this series and said "meh". I think you are sadly mistaken- this series could give off major noise.

Minnesota is entering the series against the Jays as a different club than the club that was treading water in the AL Central for a high percentage of the regular season. Twins finally have the pitching that can lead an October march. On top of that, they have a good source of health to revive the meter, and the youth infested lineup is clicking the right cylinders. Twins ranked seventh in pitching WAR and first in batting WAR in September.

Toronto is entering the playoffs in just as good of shape. This is no longer that hit-first Blue Jays team we have seen in past playoffs. This is the most well rounded team, overall, that the Jays have had in some time. This squad is BUILT for October with a rock solid rotation; bullpen; and defense. Toronto needing to get things done in Minny is a huge key point. Rogers Centre gives off one of the most intense playoff atmospheres of any sport. Target Field looks to give off the same decibels to help the Twins into the next round.

As I write about both teams, the more intrigue I get for this series! We either see a Chandler-Gaethje type of war, or a straight up chess match that brings the defense/bullpens to full display. Both are wonderful October blessings. Bring the noise.

The series with the most question marks- NL Central winnin' Brewers take on the Wild-Card placed Diamondbacks. Brewers come in defensively sound with a strong arsenal of arms across the bullpen and rotation whereas the Snakes roll in with speed and a similar arsenal of arms. One will have to give.

Brewers losing Brandon Woodruff on the eve of the playoffs is brutal- but not killer. Brew crew still rolls out two All-Stars in Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta to go head to head with Arizona's Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. I'd be surprised if we don't see a pitching showcase across the series. Which could make the Diamondback's success on the base-pads a major factor in the outcome of the series.

Expect low scoring chess matches in this series (watch me be wrong). Managers will need to be on their toes by making proper decisions and using proper usage when working the mound. Milwaukee wants to get the bats going, they don't want to face this Arizona team late in close ballgames. Speed and precision hitting will win those tight games. Baseball gods give us some defense and pitching!

If you don't include the COVID season, the Marlins are now in the playoffs for the third time in franchise history. The other two appearances ended in the club winning the World Series. That is not cap. The Marlins are 2/2 in the Fall Classic after a full-season. The '03 team is one of my favorite clubs ever, now the '23 squad looks to add to their history. It's going to be a tough feat as the first test comes against the fiery Phillies who are looking to finish their story.

Philly has a deeper team this go around than the runner up squad last season. The stars are playin' like stars and they feel they have their missing piece with Trea Turner and a healthier rotation of arms. Like last season, the Phillies are clicking the right buttons at the right time. Playoff atmosphere in Philadelphia is unreal, and played a big factor in 2022's Cinderella run.

Last year, the Phillies reminded us that you throw everything out the window the moment October begins. Like Philadelphia last year, the Marlins weren't "supposed" to be here. They start fresh tonight and in enemy territory. Marlins won the regular season head-to-head 7-6 against the 'Phils. Settin' this series up to create major noise. We will see moonshots, gappers that empty bases creating havoc in the stands, and relivers blowin' leads. I do think we see a TIGHT series on the scoreboards. Rather it's high or low, it should be tight. The series being in Philadelphia makes for an extremely difficult challenge for the fish.

Two more hours and the beauty we call playoff baseball is set to ring noise across the universe. I will go mute on the blog and allow my starvation for playoff ball to be handled. I'll get you warmed up for each round, but the rest is up to you! Let there be war! Bracket:

The Classic

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