Dream 2012 Wild Card Match-ups
For the first time ever, 10 teams will have a chance to take home the World Series trophy when the MLB Postseason begins on October 5. However, this year is the first season in which we will see a one-game Wild Card playoff game in each league to determine who will move on to play in the Division Series.
A lot of teams are still in the hunt, but what would be some of the best potential Wild Card match-ups for this season? Here are some to consider:
Potential American League Match-up #1: Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
It is no surprise that the Angels have been this good, but few if any experts would have picked this as a potential Postseason matchup because of the struggles that the Athletics have had over the past several seasons. There is still a lot of baseball to go, and the A’s have a rough schedule coming up, but it is safe to say that they might be for real. Also, how crazy would it be to see THREE AL West teams make it to the Postseason?
Potential American League Match-up #2: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Detroit Tigers
This potential match-up is especially exciting for us to consider because of the unbelievable pitching matchup that we could see. Can you imagine a winner-take-all game in which the starting pitchers are David Price (TB) and Justin Verlander (DET)? It is dream games like this that are the main reason for this new format in the first place.
Potential National League Match-up #1: Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals
The game that almost was in 2011 could be the game this year. The Braves had to watch the team that stole a Postseason spot from them on the last day of the regular season ride a wave of momentum all the way to a World Series title. The Braves and their fans would love nothing more than to return the favor, and the Cardinals and their fans would relish the opportunity to serve up another dose of disappointment to Braves Country.
Potential National League Match-up #2: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
This would be a classic match-up of a perennial power franchise (Dodgers) taking on a revamped and recharged franchise (Pirates). This would also be a matchup of two of the brightest young outfield stars in MLB in Matt Kemp and Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates have not seen Postseason baseball in 19 years, and I am sure that the Dodgers would like to see their playoff run be a quick one.
These are by no means the only great match-ups that baseball fans could enjoy come October. What would your dream match-ups be for the Wild Card games in each league? Tweet your responses to @MLBFanCave and @KyleOKC using the hash tag #MLBFC.