From California to cornfields

Published 2:29 pm Thursday, October 8, 2026

Last time I wrote a column, I talked about my predictions for the Wildcard Round in the Major League Baseball playoffs. It’s safe to say that I didn’t do too well.

In the round of the Houston Astros against the Chicago White Sox, I predicted the Astros would sweep, and the sweep part was correct, just not the team. The White Sox took care of business going 2-0, advancing to the American League Division Series where they will play the Cleveland Guardians. My prediction for that series is that the Guardians will win 3-1. I say that because while I feel the White Sox have had an impressive run this season, the Guardians bats and bullpen will be what ultimately leads them to the series victory.

In the round of the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox, I predicted the Red Sox would win 2-1, and I wasn’t even close on that prediction. The Yankees made quick work of the Red Sox, sweeping them 2-0. The Yankees advance to the American League Division Series where they will play the Tampa Bay Rays. My prediction for that series is that the Yankees will win 3-2. The Yankees in my opinion have a dominant bullpen and I think like most postseason series, a lot of games come down to pitching at the end. Let’s see what happens.

In the round of the San Diego Padres against the Chicago Cubs, I predicted the Cubs would sweep, and once again, I was right about the sweep part, but I didn’t predict the right team. The Padres punched their ticket to the National League Division Series where they will face the Milwaukee Brewers. My prediction for that series is the Brewers will win 3-1. The Brewers have some of the best pitchers in the league, particularly Jacob Misiorowski, who finished the regular season with a 16-5 record, with a 1.80 earned run average, along with 252 strikeouts, and 174.2 innings pitched, while only allowing 96 hits. The Brewers also got to the National League Championship Series last season where they were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Looking forward to this series when they play the Padres.

In the round of the Philadelphia Phillies against the Atlanta Braves, I predicted the Phillies would win 2-1, and once again, the 2-1 part was accurate, but not the team. The Braves finished off the Phillies, and will advance to the National League Division Series where they will play the Dodgers, seeking their first World Series championship since 2021. My prediction for that series is the Dodgers will win 3-1.

I’m excited for all four division series and let’s also see if some of my predictions become accurate this time.