# MLB Playoffs 2018: Who Wins It All? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [September 30, 2018, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203 "2018-09-30T04:36:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2018, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/161 "2018-10-16T13:26:44Z")
Sox and 'Stros start play at 5:09 today. Eovaldi vs. Keuchel could be a fun matchup. Keuchel was more hittable this year than he’s been in the last five or so. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2018, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/162 "2018-10-16T14:17:48Z")
This ALCS matchup was the more compelling one and while it still should be a good one, so far the NLCS has been more entertaining. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2018, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/163 "2018-10-16T15:02:25Z")
Grandal is benched for tonight. Good. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2018, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/164 "2018-10-16T15:30:44Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > Grandal is benched for tonight. Good. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a catcher - perhaps any player - melt down so miserably in the playoffs. I feel sorry for the guy. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2018, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/165 "2018-10-16T16:48:59Z")
In game one Saturday vs the Astros, all of the Red Sox runs (only 2, but still) came without a batted ball in play; they added another run on a wild pitch the next game. Which means 1/3 of their runs in the series so far have been scored without hitting the ball. Just saying it would be entertaining if that continues. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/166 "2018-10-17T00:28:25Z")
Jackie Bradley Jr. just broke the back of the Astros with an 8th inning grand slam. Red Sox up 8-2 in game three. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/167 "2018-10-17T00:47:52Z")
I fully expected the Astros to lose tonight with Keuchel pitching. He has not had it at all this year and we made it this far despite him every five days. I’m sorry for him but I wish they’d let Mchugh start a game. Oh well, it’s the Red Socks turn this year I guess. Proud of the Astros making it this far since it’s nearly impossible these days to repeat. (Would also help if Correa and Altuve weren’t playing hurt, not to mention McCullers and Morton missing lots of games.) ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/168 "2018-10-17T00:56:58Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > I fully expected the Astros to lose tonight with Keuchel pitching. He has not had it at all this year and we made it this far despite him every five days. I’m sorry for him but I wish they’d let Mchugh start a game. > > Oh well, it’s the Red Socks turn this year I guess. Proud of the Astros making it this far since it’s nearly impossible these days to repeat. (Would also help if Correa and Altuve weren’t playing hurt, not to mention McCullers and Morton missing lots of games.) I hope you’re right, but there’s still a long way to go. 1986, anyone? … ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/169 "2018-10-17T02:16:41Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > I know what his point is, of course.:rolleyes:yourself. My point is that it’s stupid since no one has ever actually proposed that. Why is it “stupid” for that reason? it would only be stupid if it was a serious comment about a serious attempt to further apply the reasoning behind the DH. But it **directly attacks the reasoning by showing how silly it sounds when applied to situations other than pitchers**. That’s not stupid; that’s pointing out the flaw in the reasoning through satirical analogy. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/170 "2018-10-17T02:39:42Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > I believe his point was to satirize the reasoning behind the DH for pitchers. :rolleyes: I don’t want you to think you are fighting my battles for me. I was going to tell him I would be happy to point out when someone proposed something like that, I just need to borrow a time machine and take him back to 1973. But you are doing a better job at this part. Colibri if you like the DH that’s fine, it’s inherently silly though. It just doesn’t seem that way right now because we got used to it. None of this is the point of the thread, true, but the Dodgers are only up by 1 in the 4th and my heart is in my throat so I popped onto the SDMB to distract myself and saw my goofy post got a little traction. That’s fun. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/171 "2018-10-17T02:39:49Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > Why is it “stupid” for that reason? it would only be stupid if it was a serious comment about a serious attempt to further apply the reasoning behind the DH. But it **directly attacks the reasoning by showing how silly it sounds when applied to situations other than pitchers**. > > That’s not stupid; that’s pointing out the flaw in the reasoning through satirical analogy. Like I said, I find these hijacks about the DH that infest almost every thread about baseball tedious. I regret not having been able to resist taking the bait earlier by commenting on a previous post. I’m not going to contribute further to the hijack. (I’m not conceding that the DH is silly, just that this is not the place to discuss it.) ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/172 "2018-10-17T02:48:24Z")
I’ve not been able to watch much of the NL/ALCS games due to my weird work schedule, but just curious: how are the strike zones this year? Are the umps consistent or are they continuing their horrendous trend of wacky, unpredictable strike zones? ---
**Author:** ![Club\_33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@Club\_33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Club_33)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/173 "2018-10-17T06:42:02Z")
It only took the Dodgers 5 1/2 hours to win tonight. Now an early game tomorrow (2pm EST) and we’ll see which Kershaw shows up. Man, nothing has been easy this year. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/174 "2018-10-17T06:48:43Z")
> [@Club\_33](#): > > It only took the Dodgers 5 1/2 hours to win tonight. Now an early game tomorrow (2pm EST) and we’ll see which Kershaw shows up. > > Man, nothing has been easy this year. Less worried about Kershaw and more worried about the offense. We’ve scored two runs in the last two games. Plenty of credit due to Milwaukee’s pitching staff, but the Dodgers have to find a way to move runners over and in. Too many missed opportunities. Kershaw can’t save them if the team doesn’t score. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/175 "2018-10-17T10:55:50Z")
Agreed, I like Kershaw’s chances at home, especially after a not-so-great performance the first time. Kershaw sometimes shits the bed in big moments, but he also has a history of rebounding. He pitched nicely in game 7 relief last year when they needed him. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/176 "2018-10-17T12:46:18Z")
Given how much both teams blew through their bullpens you have to consider this a fairly si9gnificant advantage for the Dodgers. People bitch about Kershaw in the playoffs but 1. He’s 8-8. It’s not like he’s David Price or he’s never pitched well. 2. Four of those 8 losses were against the Cardinals in 2013 and 2014. In fact, he started his playoff career 1-5; since 2015 he is 7-3. 3. Meh, so he’s 8-8. It’s mostly just random chance. I’d rather have him starting for me than Wade Miley, and yes, I know Miley has pitched great this postseason. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/177 "2018-10-17T13:04:09Z")
Jackie Bradley, Jr. is the first player in MLB history to actually have the “Jr.” on the back of his jersey. Isn’t that amazing? Anyway, JBJ, I’m sorry I ever wanted the Sox to trade you. It’s OK that you swung and missed every high and inside fastball in 2018 until last night. Osuna’s meltdown was a sight to behold. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. In the minor nitpick department, I didn’t understand why Cora went to the pen after the 6th. Eovaldi looked strong, but oh well. Sox up 2-1. Another interesting pitching matchup today with Porcello / Morton. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/178 "2018-10-17T13:30:22Z")
It’s rather odd given that there is no Jackie Bradley Sr. in major league history to confuse him with. His Dad is a bus driver. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/179 "2018-10-17T13:57:06Z")
Wouldn’t want to be confused with [this guy](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja01.shtml), though. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203/180 "2018-10-17T13:59:05Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > I’ve not been able to watch much of the NL/ALCS games due to my weird work schedule, but just curious: how are the strike zones this year? Are the umps consistent or are they continuing their horrendous trend of wacky, unpredictable strike zones? I didn’t watch the two games yesterday, but in the other games the horrendous trend continues. There have been some really bad missed calls of balls and strikes in several games (so it isn’t just one ump). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-playoffs-2018-who-wins-it-all/822203.md?page=10)