The Wild Weekend Upon Us

The Wild Weekend Upon Us

This weekend features a slew of games with divisional and wild card implications. As a baseball fan, you couldn’t ask for anything better. You’ve got Yankees-Orioles, Rays-A’s, Indians-Tigers, and Cardinals-Pirates. The Reds also face an important series against the Rockies, 3.5 games back while the two teams ahead of them beat up on each other.

The two teams facing the most pressure this weekend are the Yankees and the Pirates. The Yankees sit 5 games back and need all the help they can get in addition to taking care of their own business. Considering all the injuries they suffered through during the season it’s a miracle they are even in this position. The Yankees-Orioles matchups are usually dog fights between two evenly matched teams and I expect this weekend to be no different. CC Sabathia needs to get back on track and be the pitcher he has been in the past if the Yankees want to have any kind of shot at the playoffs. He needs to step up big time tonight and set the pace for the rest of the series.

The Pirates are in very unfamiliar territory playing meaningful games as the calendar hits September. They were able to overtake the Cardinals for a stretch when the birds fell silent, but they have since fallen back into second place as the Cards have gotten hot again. The games are being played at PNC Park so you know the fans will be bringing their A game and will be out in full force to give the team that little bit extra it will need. If the Pirates want to avoid the one game playoff this is the series where they need to make a statement and build some momentum for the stretch run.

The Rays-A’s series will be an entertaining one for sure. They are the two wild card representatives in the AL at the moment and both are hoping the Indians, Yankees, or Orioles don’t sweep and really put a threat into their standing. Just like the Pirates fans, the Oakland fans will be out in full force and ready for the series. In my opinion Oakland has the best fans in the game. They are loud, creative, and have bonded with this team of non-superstars.

Lastly, the state of Ohio will be watching intently this weekend as their two teams look to make a statement. Cincinnati travels to Colorado and can keep their hopes for a division title alive by taking care of business. The Indians face a tough task with the Tigers and their pitching staff and I see them as the one team in the bunch who will play themselves out of contention this weekend.

Whether this weekend clears up the playoff picture or does even more to mess it up and throw it in shambles it will be exciting. Who will rise to the challenge? Who will falter? Buckle up and get ready for a tremendous weekend of action baseball fans.