With the 2018 playoffs underway, there are exciting games that have happened and others that are yet to happen. The ALDS and NLDS have been nothing short of eventful in the past few days, along with the tight match-ups between the contenders.
Here is a look at some of the top of the top teams almost a week into the playoffs. Keep in mind, teams that have yet to be eliminated will be included in this list. The last team will be an honorable mention.
Playoff Teams: Division Series Top Power Rankings
1. Milwaukee Brewers
The best of the playoff teams in this round, arguably, is the Milwaukee Brewers. After missing October last season by the narrowest of margins, the Brew Crew wasted no time in introducing themselves to the playoff scene. Along with an NL MVP contender in Christian Yelich, Milwaukee hunkered down and swept the Wild Card-winning Colorado Rockies. Say what you will about the Brewers’ pitching staff, but the Rockies had quite a few weapons at their disposal, including Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story. To keep such imposing batters at bay is no easy task, even for the best aces in the league.
2. Houston Astros
The reigning World Series Champions seem to have stayed hungry for victory. Of course, having most of the cast returning, along with breakout weapons, does have their perks. Houston’s opponent, the Cleveland Indians, did not have a 100-win season coming in, but with names like Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez and Corey Kluber, Houston had to prepare meticulously for this match-up. That preparation seems to be paying off, as the Astros swept Cleveland and now await their next opponent in the ALCS.
3. TIE: Boston Red Sox & New York Yankees
Nothing gets bigger than this series match-up. Along with their historic rivalry, both teams have first-year skippers on board who have played for their respective organizations in the past. Plus, they both broke 100 wins in the regular season. But, each team has substantial amounts of pressure to succeed.
In the red corner, Boston boasts the best regular season record, along with being the league leader in team batting average and total RBIs.
In the blue corner, New York has hit more home runs this season than any ball club ever has in the history of baseball. Not to mention their pitching staff is close to being on par with Boston’s rotation.
This clash of the Titans no doubt has the whole baseball world watching. Not to mention that Boston and New York are neck-and-neck in so many departments, it’s tough to say who has the true edge over the other. Meanwhile, the threat of elimination looming over both clubs, so each will have to make every game count. Do not be surprised if this series goes the full five games.
Playoff Teams: Honorable Mention
The Los Angeles Dodgers have clawed their way back into October, and have now knocked off the Atlanta Braves. Along with Clayton Kershaw back into fighting form, the Dodgers look to finish what they started in 2017. In the regular season, Los Angeles boasts the NL’s best pitching lineup. They also lead the NL in home runs hit and RBIs as a team in 2018. They also added All-Star, Manny Machado, into the mix, which has helped the offense accomplish these stats.
Now the Dodgers will take on the red-hot Brewers in the NLCS.
Featured image courtesy of The Houston Chronicle
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