After the all-star break, this team has been a bit 'off'. I thought Almora Jr. played with noticeably less enthusiasm after not making the all star ballot...like he really took it personally. Then Contreras went into an inexplicable tailspin after he DID make the all star team. Russell seemed off all year-and maybe we found out why. Bryant got hurt and can't swing his normal swing. Darvish's injury hurt. Strope's unnecessary injury at just the wrong time has even the most loyal Maddon fans looking sideways. It hasn't been a lucky year.
But it's baseball and literally anyone can beat anyone in a 1 game playoff. Might as well toss a coin. A five game playoff with the Brewers would be tough. Honestly, Counsell looks like the best manager in the league this year, with the creative things he's doing with his insane bullpen. Where a ace starter gives you a big boost once every four games, Brewers' relievers trot out there every single night and lock down those last, crucial 27-36 outs.