19 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: World Series contender tiers

https://www.cbssport...-the-longshots/

[85Knight]

Seems pretty fair. I think the O's vs. the Braves would be a dream matchup for MLB with the O's knocking off the defending champs in the ALCS and the Braves beating the Dodgers in the NLCS.

[Mike B]

Pretty reasonable write up.  I could argue that the Dodgers have some of the same issues that the Orioles do.  Their rotation has as many concerns as the Orioles.

Winning the World Series is a lot about luck.  Buckle up, it is going to be a wild ride.

[ivanbalt]

Seems pretty fair. I think the O's vs. the Braves would be a dream matchup for MLB with the O's knocking off the defending champs in the ALCS and the Braves beating the Dodgers in the NLCS.

With the likely playoff teams considered, MLB's dream matchup is the Dodgers vs Astros or maybe Rangers.  They only care about big market teams and the bulk ratings they'll deliver.

[hallas]

With the likely playoff teams considered, MLB's dream matchup is the Dodgers vs Astros or maybe Rangers. They only care about big market teams and the bulk ratings they'll deliver.

I feel like a decent chunk of DC area residents, especially those on the Maryland side, are going to be invested in an Orioles WS. The Dodgers are obviously lucrative, but also a bit problematic because of time zone.

Orioles/Dodgers and Orioles/Braves would both be decent from a business perspective.

I think that if MLB cared about compelling WS storylines the Astros should go back to the NL. An all-Texas WS, Astros/Braves, Astros/Baltimore would all be better from a business perspective IMO.

[NewMarketSean]

I think MLB and the media would love a WS in Camden Yards. It would probably go a long way to erasing the MASN apathy baseball holds towards us. Who knows.

o’s in World Series presents a lot of interesting story lines that a Astros/Braves/Dodgers WS doesn’t but I bet they’d love Astros/Dodgers II

[Mackus]

I think MLB and the media would love a WS in Camden Yards. It would probably go a long way to erasing the MASN apathy baseball holds towards us. Who knows.

o’s in World Series presents a lot of interesting story lines that a Astros/Braves/Dodgers WS doesn’t but I bet they’d love Astros/Dodgers II

 

Lol, storylines. Good one.  The league only cares about media market size. More people watch when it's NY, LA, Chicago, Dallas, etc than when the World Series involves one or two smaller markets.  

[You Play to Win the Game]

Disagree with these tiers. Baltimore should be right there with Atlanta IMO. It’s a long season, and ball don’t lie.

[CantonJester]

I think people are forgetting just how much the Braves draw nationally. Of course, that had more to do with the fact they were the only game in town for much of the country (games were broadcast on TBS nationally for years as cable was connected throughout the country), than it does all those years they had Maddux / Glavine / Smoltz fronting that rotation for much of the 90s. 

[hallas]

Disagree with these tiers. Baltimore should be right there with Atlanta IMO. It’s a long season, and ball don’t lie.

No way. If Bautista didn't get hurt the O's should be in the 2nd.

[PrimeTime]

Pretty reasonable write up. I could argue that the Dodgers have some of the same issues that the Orioles do. Their rotation has as many concerns as the Orioles.
Winning the World Series is a lot about luck. Buckle up, it is going to be a wild ride.

The O's rotation has been pretty damn good in the 2nd half. With Bradish, Grayson and Kremer pretty much locking down the top 3 spots for the postseason rotation, we just need to piece together the 4th spot. Flash back to how we used Chen vs the Tigers in 2014; try to get him 2 times through the lineup, then turn it over to the bullpen.

The construction of the staff for the ALDS should be interesting.

Generally speaking, I still think the national media has a difficult time buying into the Orioles. For the most part, we don't have any real superstar, standout type players yet. Of course, we know we have amazing young talent and several solid "young veterans" but we've certainly been a collective effort all year.

[You Play to Win the Game]

No way. If Bautista didn't get hurt the O's should be in the 2nd.

You need to man up IMHO.

[makoman]

The O's rotation has been pretty damn good in the 2nd half. With Bradish, Grayson and Kremer pretty much locking down the top 3 spots for the postseason rotation, we just need to piece together the 4th spot. Flash back to how we used Chen vs the Tigers in 2014; try to get him 2 times through the lineup, then turn it over to the bullpen.

The construction of the staff for the ALDS should be interesting.

Generally speaking, I still think the national media has a difficult time buying into the Orioles. For the most part, we don't have any real superstar, standout type players yet. Of course, we know we have amazing young talent and several solid "young veterans" but we've certainly been a collective effort all year.

Yeah, if Bradish and Grayson continue to be this good you're happy to take them against a lot of teams. Kremer has ups and downs but has been capable of good starts. The 4th guy, well at the very least you aren't going against aces in the 4th spot either. Like, whoever is 4th on the Rays isn't exactly scary, Bradley or Littel? Just don't fall apart in that spot, and need the bullpen to get back to solid.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

I think the key to our postseason will be how deep our 1-3 SP can go. If they don't go 6 innings it will be tough. If they can give us 6 solid innings then I like our chances. And really same can be said for every team. Length is strength.

[Mackus]

I think the key to our postseason will be how deep our 1-3 SP can go. If they don't go 6 innings it will be tough. If they can give us 6 solid innings then I like our chances. And really same can be said for every team. Length is strength.

Starters don't go 6 in the postseason very often. But with off days every 3rd day, you can use your best RPs basically every game

[mweb08]

Starters don't go 6 in the postseason very often. But with off days every 3rd day, you can use your best RPs basically every game

Too bad we don't really have clear best relievers besides Cano and Danny.

[NewMarketSean]

Lol, storylines. Good one. The league only cares about media market size. More people watch when it's NY, LA, Chicago, Dallas, etc than when the World Series involves one or two smaller markets.

I agree but I think the O’s could be the team a lot of fans root for who are tired of the Dodgers, Astros and even the Braves. Not that it translates to ratings but it could be something on par with 2004 Red Sox. They would just need a king to slay to get there.

[BSLLukeRollfinke]

Interesting how this differs from the ESPN poll, that had someone pick pretty much everyone in the playoff race to win the world series except the Orioles. I can understand being below Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Houston, but anyone else feels disrespectful

[85Knight]

The only reason to doubt that the O's are the best team in the AL is because Bautista is hurt now. They're the new kid on the block so there's a lot of skepticism out there but they've proven themselves on the field and their record speaks for itself. Even without Bautista this team is good enough to win the AL this year despite what the national pundits might think.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Starters don't go 6 in the postseason very often. But with off days every 3rd day, you can use your best RPs basically every game

True but  think if we have to use our BP that much we will be in trouble.