Few close games, sweeps… we can’t say that we are witnessing the best playoff series in MLB history so far. Moreover, this gave the right to another two-day break in the heart of the fall dance.
However, this should change in the Championship Series, as the four remaining teams risk engaging in a heated battle. And the Passion MLB columnists looked at these two duels, so without further ado, here are their predictions.
Rangers vs. Astros
Antoine Desrosiers: Texas in 7. It will be a nice, long series where both teams will offer good baseball… at least we all hope so.
Charles-Alexis Brisebois: Houston in 6. Yordan Alvarez will take his team to the World Series one circuit at a time.
Daniel Birru: Texas in 7. A close duel, but the Astros will have the last word in the battle for Texas.
Felix Forget: Houston in 6. Again and again, the experience of the Astros will allow them to reach the World Series against the Rangers who will run out of steam (and who will see Aroldis Chapman implode in the Championship Series as usual).
Francis Rochon: Houston in 6. The Astros have more depth on the mound, that will make the difference.
Maxime Trudeau: Texas in 5. Nothing and no one seems to be able to stop the Rangers, who are perfect so far in the series. I feel like the Astros are missing a little something to topple their Texas rivals.
Pascal Harvey: Houston in 7. In Texas, everything is bigger! The Astros and Rangers will prove it in their own way by competing and trading blow for blow in a long and exhausting series for the pitchers. In the end, the Astros’ experience will prevail.
Raphael Simard: Houston in 6. The Rangers bullpen has survived this far, but it won’t be able to compete with the defending champions.
Sébastien Berrouard: Texas in 6. The window is closing on the Astros and the Rangers will take advantage of it to advance to the World Series thanks to their starting rotation and their devastating attack.
Diamondbacks vs. Phillies
Anthony: Philadelphia in 6. I believe the Diamondbacks showed they are capable of getting to the next level. My heart is with them, but my head is with the Phillies.
Charles-Alexis: Philadelphia in 7. The crowd advantage will be huge for the Phillies, who are on a roll. Bryce “Atta Boy” Harper is on a mission.
Daniel : Philadelphia in 6. The X-Factor Bryce Harper will continue his momentum in the Championship Series.
Felix: Arizona in 7. This will be by far the Diamondbacks’ biggest challenge, but the clock will not yet strike midnight for the Cinderella team of 2023, which will once again be led by Corbin Carroll and Gabriel Moreno.
Francis: Philadelphia in 5. The Phillies seem downright unbeatable at home right now. The energy of the crowd will propel them to the World Series.
Maxime: Philadelphia in 5. The Phillies veterans are in control and, above all, on a mission. The team is united and plays with confidence. The young Diamondbacks will be overwhelmed by events.
Pascal: Philadelphia in 6. The Phillies started the 2023 series with one idea in mind, to finish the work started last year. Unfortunately for the DBacks, they find themselves on the road to the bad boys of Pennsylvania. A powerful series and the Phillies will boost their confidence in anticipation of the next step.
Raphael: Philadelphia in 7. Philadelphia in the series is simply too strong. I expect a rematch from last year
Sebastian: Philadelphia in 6. The Diamondbacks’ fairy tale will end here, the Phillies being on a mission since the start of the series and Citizens Bank Park not giving anyone a chance.
