Tank's MLB Wild Card Preview

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American League

#3 Cleveland Guardians vs. #6 Tampa Bay Rays 

Guardians in Two

No team has been hotter than the Cleveland Guardians, who posted a 24-6 record in the last 30 games to win the Central Division. The Tampa Bay Rays had their struggles down the stretch, losing nine of their last ten games. Cleveland won four of six meetings with Tampa in the regular. The Guardians are the healthier team; as several of the Rays, top players have dealt with injuries throughout the season. This series will be over quickly as the Guardians easily take care of the Rays. 

#4 Toronto Blue Jays vs. #5 Seattle Mariners

Mariners in Three

The Mariners are in the playoffs for the first time in 21 years, ending the longest playoff drought in the four major sports. Canada ended their vaccine requirement on September 30th, clearing any complications for unvaccinated players in the postseason. The Mariners won five of seven games with the Blue Jays. This should be a close series, with all three games being played. Seattle has the better pitching staff with Luis Castillo and former Jay Robbie Ray, which will be the deciding factor in the series. 

National League

#3 St. Louis Cardinals vs. #6 Philadelphia Phillies

Cardinals in Three

It is October which means it's voodoo time in St. Louis. The Cardinals had a solid second half to overtake the Brewers and win the Central, as Albert Pujols found the fountain of youth and reached 700 home runs. The Phillies can bash with anyone, but their bullpen is an Achilles heel as they end an 11-year playoff drought. The series will be tight, with the Cardinals winning the finale with a walk-off win.

#4 New York Mets vs. #5 San Diego Padres

Mets in Three

The New York Mets won 101 games but could not win the National League East. They are better than the Padres, but never seem to beat San Diego. Yu Darvish has dominated the Mets, which will likely result in a loss in the opener. The Mets must get their bats to awaken in the final two to win this series. Otherwise, it will be the most disappointing 100-win season in baseball history.  Fortunately, the Mets have been good at winning rubber games of three-game series all year, as they will need to do it again on Sunday.