Gamethreads: ALDS and NLDS mania!

Indeed, the division series did not get off to the right starts in the American League on Monday, with the A’s falling from ahead to the Astros, and a curiously-managed game from Kevin Cash in a Rays loss to the Yankees. If it does end up Houston vs. New York, at least we can take heart in that one team will lose that series.

Some really tough choices over the in NLDS series pairings, where you have Miami taking on Atlanta without a clear white hat in the bunch. I’d say Marlins, as they crushed the Cubs and have an upstart feel about them. And they’ve never lost a playoff series, ever! Big problems for them, as Starling Marte is out off of the NLDS roster due to injury. But on the other hand, Atlanta has like one semi-healthy, really good pitcher.

The Cali series, ugh. Hard to ever get behind the deep pockets teams, even though the Dodgers do have some likable guys (Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts). San Diego is another upstart team, but there’s a preordained and entitled vibe about them I’m not sure I dig. For the Padres, Mike Clevinger has been activated for the NLDS, but Dinelson Lamet is still hurt. Clevinger might be, too, but if you’re gonna get mashed by the Dodgers, might as well have your Big Trade Deadline guy active.

Guess I’m just rooting Marlins all the way!

Tuesday, October 6
NL Division Series Game 1, Marlins vs. Atlanta, at Houston, 1 p.m. (FS1)
AL Division Series Game 2, Astros vs. A’s, at Los Angeles, 3:30 p.m. (TBS)
AL Division Series Game 2, Yankees vs. Rays, at San Diego, 7 p.m. (TBS)
NL Division Series Game 1, Padres vs. Dodgers, at Arlington, 8:30 p.m. (FS1)

Wednesday, October 7
NL Division Series Game 2, Marlins vs. Atlanta, at Houston, 1 p.m. (MLBN)
AL Division Series Game 3, A’s vs. Astros, at Los Angeles, 2:30 p.m. (TBS)
AL Division Series Game 3, Rays vs. Yankees, at San Diego, 6 p.m. (TBS)
NL Division Series Game 2, Padres vs. Dodgers, at Arlington, 8 p.m. (FS1)

Thursday, October 8
NL Division Series Game 3, Atlanta vs. Marlins, at Houston, 1 p.m. (FS1)
AL Division Series Game 4, A’s vs. Astros, at Los Angeles, 2:30 p.m. (TBS)
AL Division Series Game 4, Rays vs. Yankees, at San Diego, 6 p.m. (TBS)
NL Division Series Game 3, Dodgers vs. Padres, at Arlington, 8 p.m. (MLBN)

Friday, October 9
NL Division Series Game 4, Atlanta vs. Marlins, at Houston, 1 p.m. (FS1)
AL Division Series Game 5, Astros vs. A’s, at Los Angeles, 2:30 p.m. (TBS)
AL Division Series Game 5, Yankees vs. Rays, at San Diego, 6 p.m. (TBS)
NL Division Series Game 4, Dodgers vs. Padres, at Arlington, 8 p.m. (FS1)

Saturday, October 10
NL Division Series Game 5, Marlins vs. Atlanta, at Houston, 3 p.m. (FS1)
NL Division Series Game 5, Padres vs. Dodgers, at Arlington, 7 p.m. (FS1)

The ALCS begins on Sunday, NLCS on Monday.