Brewers/Rockies 2018

This week is the last chance for any team to break into the playoffs, especially in the NL, where all but one race is out in the open, and teams are close enough in division series' that the Wild Card spots are still very much live. Which...brings me to my current chagrin.

The Cardinals are still in playoff contention. They're currently holding onto the second Wild Card spot, and if the season would end today (or...last night, which is when I wrote this post) then the Cardinals would be in. Which wouldn't be that much of a problem, as the Brewers haven't had too much trouble defeating them tonight.

But...I just worry about allowing the Cardinals to sneak into the postseason. They're one of those teams that, regardless of team prowess and what they've done in the regular season, could quickly turn into a behemoth and claw their way to the end. And even though they look kind of meek right now...I am still very scared. So scared that I am officially, for this week, becoming a fan of both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Colorado Rockies. Yeah. That's not a joke.

It's not too far off, if we're being honest- both are fun teams that have had serious highlights this year, and have come back from 2017 disappointment. The Brewers have been lights-out for most of the year, retooled at the deadline and became even stronger, and could be deadly in the playoffs. The Rockies have added power, and fine-tuned their pitching staff, to the point where October is definitely possible for them. Plus, the Brewers have Curtis Granderson and the Rockies have Matt Holliday. So they definitely have people for me to root for.

So, if the Brewers and Rockies keep winning games, and the Cardinals keep losing games, then I have no problems. Right now, the Brewers are doing a nice job against St. Louis in the playoffs, while the Rockies are (or, were last night) within one-half game of catching the Cardinals for the Wild Card spot. The Brewers-Cards matchup is going on at the same time as the Rockies face the Philadelphia Phillies, who are out of playoff contention and completely failing at baseball right now.

So yes...this means I am rooting against my hometown Philadelphia Phillies. But it's for the greater good, I swear.

If the Rockies sweep this series, THEY catch momentum in time for their series with the Nationals, and they might be able to clean the plate and settle into that last WC spot. If the Brewers sweep this Cards series, they go on to play the Tigers, another easily-won series. The Cardinals' next opponents are the Chicago Cubs, who will have already clinched the NL Central by the time they play them (I imagine), and will hopefully have no trouble sending them home for the month.

So...we just need the Cardinals, Rockies, and Cubs to stay hot for the next week, and the Cardinals' playoff hopes are all but shot. And for those of you thinking that I'm a bit petty in seeking defeat on a team like this, I refer you to the 2011 NLDS. That should answer all the questions you have.

Go Brewers, and Go Rockies! I believe in you!

Coming Tomorrow- Speaking of Wild Cards, a rookie for the team that has to play my Yankees.