2023 MLB LDS Round Preview

The Wild Card Round lasted only 2 days and we’re heading to the ALDS and NLDS. The Rangers, Twins, Diamondbacks and Phillies advanced and will all be facing the higher seeded teams that received a bye. While the Wild Card Round games weren’t exactly the most exciting, I think we’ll see a lot of exciting action in the LDS Round. Let’s dive in and see all of the matchups of this round.

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- Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles held the best record in the AL and amassed 101 wins this season. They have a very young team, which means they also have an inexperienced team. Most of these players have never been to the postseason, but that could be a good thing. The Rangers handled the Tampa Rays with no problems in the WC Round, but will they continue the magic? The Orioles had a better season, but personally, I think the Rangers are a better team. The Orioles probably have slightly better pitching, but I think the Rangers are hot right now. 21-year old rookie, Evan Carter doesn’t seem phased by the spotlight and if he is playing well, this puts the Rangers over the edge. I think the Rangers will win in 4 games. I just feel like the Orioles inexperience will be factor and they won’t play like they did all season long. The Orioles will definitely be back, but I don’t think it is their year.

RANGERS IN 4

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- Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros

The Twins finished off the Blue Jays and like the rest of the WC matchups, they only needed 2 games to do it. The Twins also seem to have a ‘team of destiny’ feel to them. I don’t know, it feels like they could be poised for a run. They will have a tough test to move on to the ALCS though. The Astros are the defending World Series Champs and they’re not looking to give up the title just yet. The Astros are strong and there aren’t any real weaknesses to their roster. With that being said, I think I am going with the hot hand. I believe the Twins could be the real deal. If not, the Astros will probably make it to the World Series. I just have a gut feeling that Carlos Correa is going to take down his old team in this series.

TWINS IN 5

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- Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves

The Braves were the best team in the MLB this season and many expect them to go on to the World Series to prove. I say they have a very good shot of doing so. They certainly have the offensive firepower. The Braves had one of the best scoring seasons in modern history, scoring 947 runs. The Phillies proved that they are ready to play in the playoffs in their series sweep of the Marlins. The Braves are certainly better than the Marlins, but this Phillies team seems locked and loaded to pull off the upset. I am having a tough time with this pick, but I think I have to go with the Braves. I am extremely concerned with their pitching at the moment, but I think they have the bats to get the job done. The Phillies have what it takes to move on, because they were pretty much the same team as last year, but I think the Braves are just too strong on the offensive side not to advance. It should be a tough series, but I think Ronald Acuna and the Braves will continue to make history.

BRAVES IN 5

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-Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Nobody is really talking about the Dodgers, but they are still a very, very good team. The DBacks handled the Brewers easily, but the Dodgers are a different monster. Pitching is a bit of a concern for LA, but they didn’t have many issues during the regular season. Kershaw has had his struggles in the playoffs, which is something to worry about. Aside from Kershaw, they don’t really have a rotation that inspires confidence. It is a mixture of either rookie pitchers or guys that are unpredictable. I think the Dodgers have the better team overall, but I think that Arizona moves on. I am picking quite a few upsets in the LDS rounds, but I am not sold on these top teams. I think we will have a scramble to the World Series with a lot of underdogs moving on. Corbin Carroll is going to be dominating this league for many, many years and he plays like he is already a seasoned vet. I think the DBacks move on, but we’ll see what happens after that.

DIAMONDBACKS IN 4

Yacs