Divisional Series Roundtable

So, the corny, but fascinating one-and-done wild card games are completed, and the major league divisional series start shortly.  The guys at WeMakeItRain gathered together to discuss the four series before they unfold.

Pepster:  So guys, we are going to give our thoughts and predictions for the four divisional series.  Who do you got?

Hopps:  Cubs over Dodgers, Yankees over Indians.  Cubs over Yankees; that will make for great tv.

Pepster:  Those are some good predictions, but why don't we start with the divisional series,  you know, the games that are starting today.  Let's take them in the order they commence. Boston and Houston. 

Hopps.  Sox lose in 3.  Astros definitely.

Pepster:   But wait, don't you live in New England?  Must be the old defeatist attitude is back.  Sinickal?

Sinickal:  Houston.  I hate Sox fans more that I hate that flat, smelly city in Texas.

Pepster:  Ah yes, Houston.  The city that ALWAYS sleeps.  But, I will take them.  All-World starting pitcher Dallas Kuechel complained about the Astros' lack of activity at the trade deadline worked, as Houston then went after - and got - Justin Verlander.   And, their lineup is stacked with Altuve, Springer, Correa, Reddick, Gurriel, and the old man - who always seems to produce in the playoffs - Carlos Beltran.  Especially if David Price ends up playing a major role.  Then definitely the Astros.

How about the other American League series, the Yankees and Indians?  I like the Indians, and not just because of the winning streak.  Cory Kluber is the best single pitcher in this series, including the Yankees bullpen, and because Chapman is still shell-shocked from all the innings in the World Series last year.

Hopps:  (On the phone with someone else) I'll take Tampa and the over tonight.  Oh, right, sorry.  Yankees.  What a World Series if its Cubs/Yankees.

Sinickal:  Indians.  Cleveland will pull out all the stops to ensure that Gabrielle Union stays after leaving Chicago.  She is clearly the good luck charm here.

Pepster:  No wonder you went Houston.  You are rooting for the Kate Upton - Gabrielle Union ALCS.  To the national league, the Nationals versus the Cubs.  Silas, you have an interesting rooting interest as you live down the street from Nationals Park but are a lifelong Cubs fan.

Silas:  That's right on both accounts.  My father taught me growing up that New Hampshire was a suburb of Chicago.  But, I cannot openly root for the Cubs; that's bad luck.  Besides, WE don't have Gabrielle Union anymore. 

Pepster:  D-Wade did leave Chicago, that is true.  But, experience means something, and so long as Trae Turner doesn't get on base with Jon Lester pitching (or else he will steal everything in the park, not just the bases), the Cubs will win this series.

Hopps:  I have Chicago in the World Series, so I have to pick them to win this series.

Pepster:  That is solid logic. OK, out west.  Colorado and Los Angeles.  I pick the Dodgers.  Yes, they lost 16-17 recently, but they have the magical Cuban with the amazing batflips - and Yasiel Puig to boot.  (I was referring to Yasmani Grandal, for those that don't get it).  Bellinger, Seager, Turner and veterans to go with Kershaw, Yu and Jansen on the mound.  L.A. it is.

Hopps:  Dodgers.

Sinickal:  L.A.  Gabrielle Union went to high school there, and works there.

Pepster:  I am sensing a theme, and I like it.

Hopps:  I'm enjoying the use of the word "WE".  Like you were involved.

Pepster:  On that note, we are going to have to wrap-up our roundtable discussion.  Enjoy the divisional series, and see everyone back here for the ALCS and NLCS.