While Miami were a great story during the regular season, I don’t see them getting past the Cubs here.
Miami were a very average team for large parts of the season and definitely wouldn’t make the post-season in a traditional year.
They were barely above .500 at 31-29 and their -41 run differential suggests they were fairly lucky in close games.
The Cubs, on the other hand, have clearly established themselves as one of the 4 best teams in the National League this season.
They had a respectable 34-26 record and their +25 run differential is 66 ahead of their opponents.
I also favour them in the pitching matchup here, with trusty veteran Kyle Hendricks going up against playoff debutant Alcantara.
The Chicago hitters should be able to get after him here in a comfortable win.
The Lightning brought a championship back to Tampa in the NHL and the Rays have every chance to do the same in MLB.
They had comfortably the best record in the American League this season, going 40-20 with a +60 run differential.
Much like Miami, Toronto was a below average team this season and wouldn’t make the post-season in a regular year.
Their 32-28 record is decent enough, but a negative run differential is generally unheard of for a playoff team.
Hyun-Jin Ryu is pitching for them here, which is probably why they’ve gotten a lot of action so far.
I think Tyler Glasnow has matched him in terms of quality this season and should be able to contain the Toronto bats.
Tampa simply have too many advantages here and look like good value at the $1.70 price point.