MLB Division Series Game 1: Props for fun

Well how bout that start to the postseason? This new format with three game wild card series is pretty damn exciting. Between a 15 inning shutout with a walk off series clinching home run (Guardians), a come back from down 8-1 after 5 innings on the road to clinch (Mariners), a 9th inning comeback followed by a shutout performance (Phillies), and shutting out a 101-win team in the deciding final game in their home ballpark (Padres), it does not get much better than that. And now we have the start of the division series with all four game 1s today. The thrill just keeps on coming.

We have compiled a few storylines to open up these series as well as always, some additional fun to add as you watch. Pick a side with our Props and see how many you can get correct competing for fun prizes against friends, family, partners, roommates, really anyone. All our Props have nearly even chances of happening, so it doesn't matter how much you know, all can play.

Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves

While the Braves may look poised to easily take this series, the Phillies can't be counted out given their familiarity with their NL East rival. The defending World Series champs are very well rounded, finishing the regular season in the top 10 in most main pitching and batting categories. They also have been playing the best baseball since June 1st with a record of 78-34 and recently stole the NL East crown from the Mets by sweeping them. Not to mention, their deep postseason experience from last year, home field advantage in this series, and after a few days of rest, start the series at the top of their rotation with their ace Max Fried going in game 1.

With all that said, the Braves only narrowly won the season series against the Phillies 11-8 and actually were outscored by the Phils by 3 more runs in those 19 games. With a potent offense featuring many highly paid names, The Phillies just went on the road and won two straight against the Cardinals so high leverage road games don't seem to phase them. They get their two aces who pitched masterfully in the wild card games (no runs in 13 innings pitched) going in games 2 and 3. If they can steal game 1, things will turn very much in their favor. In order to do so they will need either a strong performance from their #3 starter, Ranger Suarez, or an offensive explosion, are either possible?

Two or more Hits in the first inning: Yes OR No

Team to score first: Phillies OR Braves

Total combined runs score by both teams of 8 or more: Yes OR No

Seattle Mariners @ Houston Astros

It certainly feels like there is magic in the air for these Mariners after their dramatic comeback to clinch the wild card series. Now they face a very well rounded Astros team with whom they are all too familiar. In the 19 games played this season between the two AL West rivals, the Astros won 12 but with only a +8 run differential. Much of this can be attributed to the Astros ace and very likely AL Cy Young winner, Justin Verlander, who went 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA against the Mariners this season. If you take away those Verlander games, these two have played each other very evenly. Unfortunately for the M's, Verlander is on the bump in game 1 and if this series goes to a game 4 or 5, they'd see him again.

But it's all not bad news for this game 1, as the Mariners are countering with Logan Gilbert who has had success against the 'Stros this season. In his 4 starts, he is 2-1 with a 2.52 ERA and .632 OPS against (compared to the Astros regular season OPS of .743). Then with the off day tomorrow, the Mariners will be able to go back to their top of the rotation ace in Luis Castillo, who was masterful in shutting down the Jays in game 1 of the wild card round. Can the familiarity of these two teams and their 7th time facing Verlander give the Mariners a slight edge and the spark they need to continue their magic?

Cal Raleigh to have 1 Hit or more: Yes OR No

Mariners to score 3 Runs or more: Yes OR No

Astros to win by 2 or more: Yes OR No

Cleveland Guardians @ New York Yankees

The only series with teams from different divisions pits together two teams that could not be any more different. The Yankees rely on home runs and walks, which they lead the league in both, while the Guardians scrape out runs by making contact, hitting for average, and using their speed around the bases. In addition, the Yankees have one of the oldest teams in baseball with an average age of 30, whereas the Guardians are the youngest team in the league as the only one with an average age of 26.

But the Guardians have yet to let their age show. They stood tough in two very tight high pressure, low scoring games in their wild card series. And have been on an absolute tear winning 24 of their last 30 games. Led by the presumed AL manager of the year, Terry Francona, he brings a wealth of playoff experience to the table to keep these young guns focused. And he looks to get pay back on the Yankees who have eliminated his Guardians from the playoffs in both 2020 and 2017. Can the young upstart Guardians take out the powerful Bronx Bombers?

Aaron Judge to have 2 or more Total Bases (from hits only): Yes OR No

Total Runs combined scored in first five innings of 4 or more: Yes OR No

Yankees to win by 2 or more: Yes OR No

San Diego Padres @ Los Angeles Dodgers

If anyone in the AL has the star power to match up with the Dodgers it may be their division rival Padres. That star power did not translate to regular season success against the always consistent, very well rounded Dodgers. The Padres went 5-14 against them in the regular season, getting outscored 109 to 47. But that is all out the window now. These Padres came alive last series against the Mets and will need to ride that wave if they have any chance to topple the Dodgers who won 111 regular games, good for fourth most in the history of baseball.

The only area the Padres may have a slight advantage is in starting pitching, which can win you a series. Unfortunately for them, it took three games to take down the Mets and thus they have their #4 starting pitcher, Mike Clevinger, for game 1, going up against Cy Young contender, Julio Urias. They are going to need the bats of Soto, Machado, Bell, and last series surprising star, Trent Grisham, to come through if they want any chance of stealing one. But the Padres have already knocked off one 100+ win team, can they do it a second time?