Let's face it we always sort of knew that the Black Caps were going to be out of the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka fairly early. It means that fans of games involving a bat and ball will be deprived for a few weeks at least in this part of the world.
Oh well, you could always watch the rest of the Twenty20 World Cup which Australia will probably will win at this rate. Or if you don't want to watch another Aussie team win - mind you it hasn't happened much this year including the Olympics - then there's also Major League Baseball's playoff series which starts this Friday (Saturday NZ time).
The format for the race for the World Series has changed a bit this year, with the introduction of a one-off sudden death do-or-die game between the 2 wildcard winners of each American and National League - their one chance to keep their season going into October. They'll then play the top ranked team (division winner) in each league, while the 2nd and 3rd best division winners take on each other for a spot in the league championship series - the semis really for the World Series.
Most of the participants this October are known - just the 2nd National League wildcard team to be determined although barring a stunning collapse in the last 2 games, that should be the St Louis Cardinals. So here is my guide to following America's favourite pastime in its business end.
American League
New York Yankees - it wouldn't be the post-season without the Yankees and once again, the most talented roster in MLB will be playing for the chance of yet another world title. The Yankees probably have the best batting lineup in the country with Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Texeira, Ichiro Suzuki, Robinson Cano, Raul Ibanez and Curtis Granderson in the dug-out but the bull-pen (the pitchers) have been hot and cold this year and there are plenty of question marks over the likes of CC Sabathia and Joba Chamberlain. Phil Hughes has been very solid at the mound but the Yankees' starting rotation isn't the greatest right now. Never rule them out, but pitching could let the Yankees down especially if the Rangers and Tigers can restrict the batting lineup.
Texas Rangers - the best team in the American League even if they won't earn the number 1 seed - that will probably go to the Yankees based on their standings at the moment. The team owned by George W Bush have played the bridesmaid role twice now when they were the raging favourites to win the World Series, but manager, Ron Washington, has continued to improve the team - especially the bullpen which was a slight weakness. Josh Hamilton is scoring like there's no tomorrow and the Rangers will be stronger after enjoying a tough tussle in their division with the Oakland Athletics. Favourites to be the American League rep in the World Series and should be favourites again for the World Series - surely third time lucky if they make it?
Detroit Tigers - my pick as the strongest spoiler in the post-season if they can get it going. They won an almighty tussle against their division rivals, the Chicago White Sox and as a result landed the sweet prize of baseball in the fall. Like the Rangers, Jim Leyland's Tigers will be better for it having had the tough encounter and pitcher, Justin Verlander and infielders, Prince Fielder (not a pun) and Miguel Cabrera finally have the chance to show what they can do this late in the season. Likely to face the Rangers which will be a tough ask, but if Detroit carry their current form through, I can't see why they can't beat the Rangers. 2nd favourite for the American League title. Could this be Leyland's year?
Baltimore Orioles - one of two surprise packages this season in the American League. After years of losing records, the Orioles have pushed the Yankees hard this season and a spot in the post-season is their just reward. They will probably just lose out on the division title and first seed to the Yankees at the death but will have hosting rights for that do-or-die game against Oakland. It's been a super season for the Orioles and their very deep bullpen and whatever happens to them, fans in Maryland's largest city will be very proud of what their team has done this season and look forward to possibly more success next season. Probably will win their do-or-die wildcard game and might fancy their chances against the Yankees but inexperience and fatigue (they've featured in more overtime games than any other team in the nation this season) might hamper them if they play the Rangers.
Oakland Athletics - the other surprise package of the season. The team that featured in Brad Pitt's Moneyball have made a return to the playoffs and just like in the movie, they have made it into the post-season on a tight budget, a bunch of no-names - apart from Coco Chrisp, whose name definitely stands out - and shrewd management. However, as in the movie, that recipe may not quite work in the playoffs. Mind you, what may stop the Athletics progressing further is the fact that they will probably have to travel to Baltimore in a short space of time for a do-or-die game away from home. Mission impossible and one where the odds might be against them.
National League
Washington Nationals - The capital once again has a professional sports team to be proud of after a long drought without success. They started the season well and rode the crest of pitcher, Steven Strasburg to set themselves up for an easy win of the division. However, Strasburg's long-term injury has meant the Nationals have actually had to stop his season short meaning Strasburg will not feature in the Nationals' first ever playoffs series since moving from Montreal. Washington's form hasn't been too flash either and inexperience could be a problem but they do have a good batting lineup. Finishing 1st may not have been the best thing especially if they have to face the seasoned Cardinals.
Cincinnati Reds - The Reds are back in the playoffs bringing their tough, uncompromising baseball to the park - witness their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates this season where pitches from the Reds were smashing into the thighs and shoulders of the Pirates batsmen. Manager, Dusty Baker, has fashioned a well-balanced ball team although health issues may affect his involvement in the post-season. Hard to judge them having not watched them too much although Johnny Cueto is a quality starting pitcher. Lack of x-factor might count against them when they take on the Giants.
San Francisco Giants - My team so I'll apologize beforehand for being biased here but I might not be alone in thinking that the Giants have a very strong chance of making their 2nd World Series in 3 years. Unlike the Nationals and Reds, the Giants had to work to win their division - in my opinion, the 2nd toughest after the Yankees-Red Sox-Orioles dogfight in the American League's East division - having to turn around a huge deficit to the cash-rich Los Angeles Dodgers in July to romp home to the title with 9 games to spare. The Giants have a wonderful, in-form batting lineup with Angel Pagan, Hunter Pence, Brandon Belt, Marco Scutaro, Brandon Crawford, Pablo Sandoval and of course, Buster Posey, who has just exploded in form since the All-Star Game. The Giants' bullpen is looking quite strong too - Tim Lincecum has found some of his form from the 2010 World Series and is deadly away from home, Matt Cain is having the season of his life having pitched the Giants' first ever no-hitter back in June and there's also Madison Bumgarner, Barry Zito, Jeremy Alfeldt and Santiago Casilla. The key thing is that the Giants know how to manufacture runs and they know how to shut games out at the business end of the season. Looking good for a National League title.
Atlanta Braves - the Braves are another tough, well balanced and uncompromising ball team from the National League and if it weren't for the Nationals, they would be division champions in the East. Tim Hudson is another quality starting pitcher to contend with but there are a few other strong names in the bullpen and dug-out. Unlike the Nationals, I think Atlanta do actually have form going into this series and if they overcome their do-or-die game, they could be the spoiler in the National League. Hard to call but inexperience and a lack of x-factor could count against the Braves especially against an in-form Cardinals.
St Louis Cardinals - the Cardinals are a team who never say die - witness their remarkable rise from wildcard to unlikely world champions last year. 2012 has witnessed a repeat of sorts apart from the fact that there is no Albert Pujols in the lineup. They were all set to miss out on the playoffs altogether but have hit form at the right time and once again will be a force to beat. They are pretty much a team that is built for playoff baseball and could be a favourite for the National League and another unlikely tilt at the world title. National League championship series is in the Cardinals' grasp especially if they take on the Nationals but they may not be as good as last year to make the World Series.
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