In the event you blinked, you might have missed the common season. One way or the other, it is virtually over. MLB is barreling towards a postseason like no different–headlined by 16 groups and a brand new best-of-three wild-card spherical. Earlier than we get there, let’s spotlight what to observe for within the closing days of the 2020 common season. SI’s MLB specialists weigh in.
Tom Verducci
I can be watching whether or not the Miami Marlins can maintain on to a playoff spot. It’s really a outstanding story. The workforce that misplaced 105 video games final 12 months was hit by a COVID-19 outbreak, has used a franchise-record 60 gamers–together with 18 who by no means had performed within the large leagues earlier than–stepped up on the commerce deadline to get one of the best place participant out there (Starling Marté), ranks 10th within the league in runs per recreation, 12th in OPS and 13th in fielding proportion … and but right here it’s on the cusp of its third-ever postseason look. (The Marlins received the World Collection each earlier occasions they certified.)
They’re successful with younger beginning pitching. Each recreation however one has been began by a pitcher 28 or youthful. We knew we’d see surprises in a 60-game season. None have been greater than the Marlins’ run to the postseason.
Emma Baccellieri
Given Commissioner Manfred’s current trace that this playoff structure might become permanent—which may doubtlessly have critical ramifications for the character of the season—I am interested by simply how a lot drama these final a number of days have to supply. My intuition is that there will not be a lot… which is a bummer. There’s some intrigue round who will get the ultimate few spots within the NL, however there’s virtually none in any respect within the AL. And since there is no further incentive to the highest slots apart from the standard—no byes, and nothing like the chance to select your opponent that the league beforehand mentioned—I am unsure it will really feel like there’s a lot pleasure over, say, whether or not the Rays or A’s will dethrone the White Sox to be No. 1 within the AL. I might prefer to be confirmed unsuitable! However I am unsure I can be.
Connor Grossman
I am curious to see how these playoff matchups will shake out, particularly any intradivision battles. Will the Giants stick because the No. Eight seed and face off in opposition to the Dodgers in a best-of-three sequence? Will we see the White Sox tackle the Indians? The A’s and Astros could be enjoyable, too. Unrelated, however I believe we have all seen enough of Yankees-Twins.
Matt Martell
The NL Central is fascinating, and with no story line extra chaotic and consequential over the ultimate 10 days than the Cardinals’ schedule. St. Louis has simply performed 4 doubleheaders within the 10 days since Sept. 8, and has two extra twin-bills between now and the top of the season.
As of yesterday (Thursday), the Cardinals have 5 video games in 4 days in Pittsburgh, then journey to Kansas Metropolis for 3 video games in three days earlier than ending the season with 5 within the closing 4 days at dwelling in opposition to the Brewers. That is insane, particularly as a result of they simply performed 5 video games in three days at Milwaukee, so 10 of their final 18 video games come in opposition to the Brewers. Can the Cardinals make it by with out burning out? Can Milwaukee put up sufficient of a battle to win both of the 2 wild-card spots or win one of many two NL Central berths? Can the Pirates play spoiler for the Playing cards? That is insanity. That is superior. That is Baseball in 2020.
Michael Shapiro
How will the Yankees look heading into October? After a stretch of 15 losses in 20 video games the membership now could not look higher, successful eight in a row getting into Friday. It is laborious to know what to make of New York, actually.
What we do know is the Yankees have each Aaron Decide and Giancarlo Stanton again on the energetic roster. Gerrit Cole stays essentially the most harmful arm within the playoffs. Maybe a turbulent common season will result in a clean playoff run because the workforce eyes title No. 28.
