Major League Baseball Postseason Predictions: National League – Part 5
The Milwaukee Brewers have made a strong statement after the All-Star break with just seven losses in 23 games till now. After an even start to second half, two drawn series and a 1-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants, the Brewers were quick to regroup and
registered seven wins on the trot. They are now on a four-game winning streak and have faced disappointment in just of their previous 12 clashes.
With no serious threat from any opposition until a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies from September 8 – September 11 at home, the Brewers are likely to maintain their position at the top of the National League Central division. Given the
home record of Milwaukee this season, the series against the Phillies is expected to be compelling too.
The last team expected to make it to the postseason this year are the San Francisco Giants. The reigning World Champions are 63-53 for the season but they do not have a solid lead to bank on. The Giants are just .5 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks
who are 62-53 for the season.
The Giants are in a stronger position to make it through this year because of their quality pitching staff and their tag of World Champions. However, if statistics are to be relied upon, the Diamondbacks have a fair chance of qualification. The Giants have
not been able to make a statement on the plate and have gathered just 399 runs in total this season, the second-least in the Majors behind Seattle Mariners. Their strong pitching outfit has managed to restrict the opposition teams from bludgeoning runs but
their effort has not been enough to keep the run differential in the positive zone.
The D-backs are the only team in the National League West division to have a positive run differential and their tally of 516 runs this season has played a major role in this feat. However, the Diamondbacks have leaked 502 runs which are plenty and this
area needs to be looked upon in their preparation to topple the Giants from the top notch.
Neither team can rely on the Wild Card standings for their qualification to the postseason. Arizona is 3.5 games behind Atlanta and if it does manage to eradicate the deficit, it would be an automatic choice for the playoffs from the West division. The Giants
will be in a similar position if they are relegated to the second position in the division standings.
The Giants need to find a balance if they have to defend their World Series title this year. Where they are rated as the best pitching unit in MLB, they are tagged as the worst batting unit too. A blend of both would be vital for the Giants to tackle the
tough opposition they have to face if they make it to the postseason.
The Diamondbacks showed their determination to qualify for the playoffs when they comprehensively defeated the Giants 2-1 on the road series. After that, however, the D-backs have won just one of their previous five games. This lack-lustre show might prove
to be harmful in their bid to qualify for the playoffs and needs a quick fix if an early lead is to be imposed on the Giants.
With the other teams almost confirm to make it through, the Diamondbacks and the Giants from NL West and the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels from AL West are expected to enter an intense fight for their qualification.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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