With the exception of the series between the Minnesota Twins of Quebecer Édouard Julien and the Toronto Blue Jays, the most anticipated duel is certainly that between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies.
The proof? All games will be played at 8:08 p.m., which is MLB’s preferred time for games generating the most interest.
But the time is not the only reason why this clash will be one of high quality.
On the one hand, after a slow start, the Phillies finished this campaign well and will want to repeat their exploits from last year, but this time by winning the World Series. The Marlins, meanwhile, are looking to make a name for themselves after a long drought without participating in the fall dance (besides the short season of 2020).
Starting pitchers
If the Marlins want to have even a small chance of beating the Phillies twice at Citizen Bank Park, they’ll need to see their ace Jesus Luzardo have a strong outing to steal Game 1 and put some pressure on extra on the home team.
For the occasion, his opposite number, Zack Wheeler, will not be an easy client, despite the fact that he did not have the best season of his career in 2023.
For the rest of things, we must clearly give the advantage to the Phillies who will send Aaron Nola during the second meeting. The Marlins may have a lot of trouble hitting against Nola and in the meantime, the Phillies should take the measure of Braxton Garrett.
And no matter who will be automatically for a possible third and final match, Philadelphia has the upper hand.
Relievers
The next generation has never been the strength of the representatives of the city of brotherly love. But we have to admit that the 2023 corps has done an excellent job, as evidenced by its earned run average of 3.56, which gives it sixth place in all of MLB in this regard.
However, it’s a completely different story under the hot Florida sun, since the Marlins are clocking in at 21e level of major baseball in this same category.
If the Phillies succeed in forcing the Marlins to dig into the bullpen early in games, the series could be shortened, as Miami does not have the necessary depth at this level.
Hitters
If relief is not Philadelphia’s strong point, batting certainly is and the Pennsylvania team proved it once again this season.
In addition to the big guns, the emergence of Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm in the middle of the lineup coupled with the presence of veterans JT Realmuto and Nick Castellanos makes this batting order a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
As for the Marlins, it’s much quieter, even though National League hitting champion Luis Arraez is among them. However, this is a well-balanced lineup that can do damage when the time is right.
Defensive
On the other side of the ball, you have to give a slight advantage to Miami, even if these two teams are not masked marvels on defense, both landing in the bottom third of the MLB in this area.
On the corners of the outfield, it is extremely difficult in Philadelphia, while it is in the center that the problem lies with the Marlins.
The two infields are very similar in their defensive play. Behind the plate, there is no photo, Realmuto taking the pole by a long shot.
Managers
It’s hard to bet against a manager who came in mid-season last year and took his team to the World Series. This is what Rob Thomson achieved as an exploit and he will want to work hard to confirm his status as excellent skipper.
On the other side of the spectrum, we must not overlook the colossal work that Skip Shumaker has done with this young team during this campaign. There’s no indication this will stop in the playoffs.
Imponderables
First of all, the Phillies know how to approach the round Wild Card thanks to their experience on the road last season. This is not the case for the Marlins, however.
Unlike last year, Philadelphia will play at home this time and begins the playoffs with a record of eight wins against three losses in its last eleven games.
The Phillies should therefore see Miami as a springboard towards very ambitious goals this fall.
But we all know that it plays out on the ground. And the Marlins won the series between the two teams this season. So who knows?
The winner will go to play in Atlanta, which will be a completely different story.
