The National League Division Series match-ups are officially set, as Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs will be heading to St.Louis to take on the Cardinals. Now that everyone has made their ALDS predictions, it's time to see who can successfully predict the winners in the National League.
The same rules apply as the ALDS Prediction contest. To enter, you're required to enter the winner of the two NLDS series' along with the number of games it will take for your chosen winner to advance. To avoid ties, you'll need to include the number of runs scored over the course of the entire series. Include the series MVP in your comment for some added fun. Also, please REC all of the prediction comments so they're easy to keep track of.
Here is my shot at it:
Dodgers vs. Mets
The starting pitchers in this series include Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Noah Syndergaard. Clearly, it should not be a fun time to be a hitter in this series. Though Kershaw has not seen much success in the playoffs to date, I believe this is the year where that finally changes. The Mets are expected to have four lefties in its lineup against Kershaw: Curtis Granderson, Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda, and deGrom. Michael Cuddyer will start in left field in game one, which helps make the Mets defence become very mediocre.
With having Cy Young candidates pitch on back-to-back days, the Dodgers could quite possibly jump out to an early series lead. Matt Harvey and Brett Anderson will likely pitch in Game 3, with either Steven Matz or Bartolo Colon on the hill for the Mets in game 4. Though both teams have incredible pitching, the depth of the Dodgers offence seems likely to break out at some point.
Prediction: Dodgers in four
Runs Scored: 22
Series MVP: Clayton Kershaw (Will he go on short rest in Game 4? I think so)
Cardinals vs. Cubs
The Cards struggled against left-handed pitching this year, and will likely have to face a terrific southpaw in Jon Lester twice. Jake Arrieta, one of the best pitchers in the National League this season, figures to start in Game 3. A win from either Kyle Hendricks or Dan Haren, who both finished the season strong, would go along way.
Michael Wacha's recent ineffectiveness leaves the Cardinals with a questionable forth starter. After years of seeing the Cardinals dominate the NL Central, it's time for the Cubs to introduce themselves as the new sheriff in town. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Kyle Schwarber all often change the game with one swing. I'm calling for a bit of an upset here.
Prediction: Cubs in five
Runs Scored: 33
Series MVP: Jon Lester (Anthony Rizzo will provide the offence)
Let us know your predictions in the comments!