2019 MLB Postseason Predictions

My predictions are again this year based loosely on the competing teams' head-to-head records and factoring home field advantage. I still do not have a future as a sports journalist. And am very sad that my Chicago Cubs are not in the bracket at the start of October for the first time since 2014. But just for fun:

American League Wild Card: Tampa Bay Rays at Oakland Athletics
Prediction: Oakland Athletics

National League Wild Card: Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals
Prediction: Washington Nationals

American League Division Series: Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros
Predictions: New York Yankees in 5, Houston Astros in 3

National League Division Series: Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers, St Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves
Predictions: Los Angeles Dodgers in 5, Atlanta Braves in 5

American League Championship Series: New York Yankees at Houston Astros
Prediction: Houston Astros in 4

National League Championship Series: Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers in 4

World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers at Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros in 7

2018 MLB Postseason Predictions

My predictions are again this year based loosely on the competing teams' head-to-head records and factoring home field advantage. I still do not have a future as a sports journalist. But just for fun:

American League Wild Card: Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
Prediction: New York Yankees

National League Wild Card: Colorado Rockies at Chicago Cubs
Prediction: Chicago Cubs

American League Division Series: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians at Houston Astros
Predictions: Boston Red Sox in 4, Houston Astros in 5

National League Division Series: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Predictions: Milwaukee Brewers in 5, Los Angeles Dodgers in 4

American League Championship Series: Houston Astros at Boston Red Sox
Prediction: Boston Red Sox in 7

National League Championship Series: Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers in 6

World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers at Boston Red Sox
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers in 6

2017 MLB Postseason Predictions

My predictions are again this year based loosely on the competing teams' head-to-head records and factoring home field advantage. I still do not have a future as a sports journalist (plus I am quite happy with my current career). But just for fun:

American League Wild Card: Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Prediction: New York Yankees

National League Wild Card: Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks
Prediction: Colorado Rockies

American League Division Series: New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros at Boston Red Sox
Predictions: Cleveland Indians in 4, Boston Red Sox in 4

National League Division Series: Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals
Predictions: Los Angeles Dodgers in 5, Chicago Cubs in 5

American League Championship Series: Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Indians
Prediction: Boston Red Sox in 6

National League Championship Series: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers in 6
*Yes, it pains me to say that, but that is what my methodology returns

World Series: Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers in 7

2016 MLB Postseason Predictions

My predictions are based loosely on the competing teams' head-to-head records and factoring home field advantage. Obviously I do not have a future as a sports journalist. And I am biased toward one of the teams. But just for fun:

American League Wild Card: Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays

National League Wild Card: San Francisco Giants at New York Mets
Prediction: New York Mets

American League Division Series: Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Indians
Predictions: Texas Rangers in 5, Boston Red Sox in 5

National League Division Series: New York Mets at Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals
Predictions: Chicago Cubs in 5, Los Angeles Dodgers in 5

American League Championship Series: Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers
Prediction: Texas Rangers in 7

National League Championship Series: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs
Prediction: Chicago Cubs in 6

World Series: Chicago Cubs at Texas Rangers
Prediction: Chicago Cubs in 7

Life Update, Fall 2015

Dear Readers,

It has been something like 100+ days since my last post here at The Rubio Room. This morning I started work on my annual Musical Advent Calendar (watch this space on December 1), but I really did not want that to be the first post immediately following the one from June, so here I am. And I actually do have a lot to share from the last three months, if you will allow me a personal post about some of the highlights.

Work at Wheaton College

The spring/summer saw the departure of two members of the Conservatory staff. Heading into the fall and the new school year, my dean, Dr. Michael Wilder, asked me to assume some of the responsibilities left behind. In addition to continuing my role as Assistant Manager of the Wheaton College Artist Series, with responsibility for concert production, the student staff, and many audience development and marketing tasks, I now spend some of my time involved with Conservatory operations and special projects. One of my recent projects involved coloring.

Seating Chart for the annual Conservatory Children's Concerts

Naomi visited!

Just before the new school year began, Naomi, my girlfriend, visited Chicago for a few days. I took her to her first Cubs game, and we also heard a Grant Park Music Festival concert with Kurt Elling, visited Oak Park's Thursday Night Out and Farmers Market, and spent some much-needed time together.

Naomi and I at Wrigley Field. Cubs had an exciting win that day!

Artist Series

Just last weekend was Opening Night for our 66th season. Camerata Chicago, with special guest Sylvia McNair, presented an all-Gershwin concert. It was a spectacular and satisfying evening.

Soprano Sylvia McNair waves good night at the end of the Opening Night concert

Music Ministry

Calvary Memorial Church recently called a new Pastor of Worship and Music, Josh Caterer. (I would link to his biography on the church website, but he is so new it is not yet there.)

Two weekends ago was the first time the Chamber Orchestra worked with him. It was a great collaborative effort, as we joined with Josh to lead the congregation in two songs, the classic "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" and the modern song "Behold Our God."

The Sanctuary Choir resumed rehearsals two weeks ago. I missed that over the summer, and am glad of the chance to sing in a choral setting again.

New Apartment

In the midst of a very busy September, I somehow found time, with the help of my dad, to move to my new apartment. Don, my roommate, and I really like it. Separate dining room, fireplace (albeit non-functional), bits of stained glass, enclosed back porch, and a lot of improvements made just before we moved in.

View of the dining room (foreground) and living room (background)

And there was so much more beyond those highlights in the last few months. I heard the National Brass Ensemble in concert at Symphony Center, followed the Chicago Cubs as they secured their first postseason berth since 2008, had the privilege of witnessing the wedding of one of my best friends, and began leading my small group.

Life is good, as they say. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

My Picks for the 2013 MLB Postseason

Here are my predictions for the 2013 Major League Baseball postseason...

In the American League Wild Card tiebreaker, the Texas Rangers will win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

In the American League Wild Card Game, the Texas Rangers will win over the Cleveland Indians.

In the National League Wild Card Game, the Cincinnati Reds will win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In the American League Division Series, the Boston Red Sox will win over the Texas Rangers in five games, and Detroit Tigers will win over the Oakland Athletics in four games.

In the National League Division Series, the St. Louis Cardinals will win over the Cincinnati Reds in five games, and the Los Angeles Dodgers will win over the Atlanta Braves in four games.

In the American League Championship Series, the Detroit Tigers will win over the Boston Red Sox in six games.

In the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers will win over the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.

In the World Series, the Detroit Tigers will win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games.

We'll see how I do. What are your predictions? And how should I reward myself for each correct prediction?

Who Was Paul Harvey?

A good friend of mine has a ChicagoNow blog, and I was her featured guest blogger last Tuesday. I just realized that I never shared my piece on my own blog! Here it is.

=======

And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farmer.

Where did you hear that recently? My guess is that many people, like me, heard it Sunday night during the second half of Super Bowl XLVII. The two-minute montage of color still photos depicting farmers, farm life, and farm families, with an unadorned speech track accompanying it, was eventually revealed to be an advertisement for Dodge Ram trucks.

Did you also notice, either when you saw it on TV or when you perhaps watched it again on YouTube this week, the name that flashed across the screen on top of the opening shot? Paul Harvey?

Who?

I must admit that I did not recognize the name. That may or may not be a clue into the influence of twenty-first century media technology on my life.

Wikipedia revealed that Paul Harvey was an American radio broadcaster who passed away just a few years ago. His work included news and news commentary segments that drew national audiences of over 20 million across some 1300 radio stations during the second half of the twentieth century. His career at one point took him to Hawaii (he was in the army during the Second World War), but he primarily worked from the Midwest, particularly, Chicago. Harvey won a number of awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He counted as friends many national figures such as J. Edgar Hoover and Billy Graham.

The speech used in the Super Bowl commercial (only slightly truncated in that use; the full version can be found in this article) was originally given at the 1978 Future Farmers of America convention. Harvey’s support of farmers is fitting with The New York Times’ obituary description of him as a champion “of the fundamental decency of ordinary people.” The Chicago Tribune, in its obituary of Harvey, noted that his litmus test for programming a given news story was “Would Aunt Betty care about this?”

The New York Times also noted Harvey’s unhidden passion for average Americans and his concern about “bureaucrats who lacked common sense.” “I have never pretended to objectivity,” he once said. He also refused a request to relocate to New York City, even as he gained a national reputation, preferring to stay in Chicago. I think all Chicagoans will agree that Harvey was a true Chicagoan himself, embodying the common sense, hardworking, neighbor-helping spirit of this great city.

As I continued to read about Harvey on Monday, I discovered (also on Wikipedia) that he had for many years attended the same church where I grew up and now and work, Calvary Memorial of Oak Park. I checked with more senior members of church staff, and they verified that information. My former senior pastor recalled that Harvey and his wife were “very friendly,” and it had always been a pleasure to see him at church. One older gentleman even remembered his preferred seat in our auditorium!

It made sense to me that Harvey had been an active church member. His Christian – specifically, Baptist – faith clearly influenced his opinions on many of the issues of the day, not least his nod to farmers (the “So God Made a Farmer” speech has in its opening line and refrain allusions to the Genesis account of Creation). He was known as “The Voice of Middle America” and “The Voice of the Silent Majority.” Jesus Himself was a champion of the “middle class” of His day – in fact, His first disciples were everyday, hardworking fishermen!

Thanks to Dodge, CBS, and the National Football League, Paul Harvey has had a surge in popularity. Hopefully, the issues and people he championed will have a surge in popularity as well.

Eric's Favorite Super Bowl Commercials

Last night, I enjoyed Super Bowl XLVII in the company of Calvary's young adults community. It was a great party, full of laughter, and the game was a Super Bowl-quality contest, no doubt. I am not a sports expert, so I will not comment any further on the football, but I did keep a short list of favorite advertisements. I will save my two favorites for last, and start with the others, listed in the order they appeared (most of these first ones I chose for being funny).

Audi, "Prom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANhmS6QLd5Q

AXE, "Nothing Beats an Astronaut" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGoU3VH7He4

Tide, "Miracle Stain" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoOfBVraMNw (my friend Claire, who was sitting next to me at the time, called it as a Tide commercial early on)

Samsung, "The Next Big Thing" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ae7E8J7h7Y

And now my two favorites, chosen for their profound messages and tributes to two groups of people that make America great:

My second favorite was the Dodge Ram tribute to Paul Harvey's "So God Made a Farmer" (a speech Harvey, a late American radio broadcaster, made at the 1978 Future Farmers of America convention). As an interesting fact, I found out today that Harvey attended Calvary for many years. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMpZ0TGjbWE

By far my favorite of the night was "Whole Again," the salute by Jeep at halftime to "Our Nation's Heroes" - the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, with "Honor" (Hans Zimmer et al.'s Main Title from The Pacific) as the soundtrack, this two-minute spot looked forward to the day when the servicemen and women return home to their families. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FadwTBcvISo

What were your favorite advertisements? Post their names with a link in the comments section below!

Articles of the Week - December 1

Happy December! Today begins meteorological winter - and the forecast for Chicago calls for mid-fifties. I guess the key word there was "Chicago."

This is also the first weekend of Advent. Given that, I want to begin this week with a few Advent-themed items:

• David Taylor reflects on the counter-cultural nature of the season of Advent (as properly understood) and offers his own "acts of service" Advent calendar.
• Daniel Montgomery and Bobby Giles, writing for The Gospel Coalition offer the counter-cultural proposal that we skip the "Christmas season" this year.
• Ray Pritchard begins his Advent Devotional Series today.
• Speaking of Advent calendars, check out the Evangelism Advent Calendar from the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, and also my own Musical Advent Calendar, which began earlier this morning - select "Musical Advent Calendar" from the right sidebar to see the complete calendar to date.
• This isn't exactly Advent-themed, but I have to share the Stuff Christians Like take on the real meaning of Christmas

Now on to faith, theology, and church life:

• Another thought-provoking installment from Ray Pritchard's devotional series on Ecclesiastes, this one on the grace of God even in the face of loss
• The Gospel Coalition offers an excerpt from Tim Keller's book on "the power of deep rest."
• Christianity Today offers an excerpt from a Dietrich Bonhoeffer sermon on "why love never ends."
• Also in CT, Fred Sanders reviews Carl Trueman's The Creedal Imperative, a new book about "the need for creeds."
• Jared C. Wilson, of TGC, offers six questions worship service planners should ask.
• Josh Deffam, guest blogging for Stuff Christians Like, notes the different types of church ushers, including the most impressive: synchronized ushers.

Some thoughts on politics and public policy:

• Michael Kinsey wrote a striking op-ed for the Chicago Tribune on the concept of change (the seventh paragraph is a particularly good summary of the ironic American perspective).
• Stuart Stevens, from the Romney campaign, reflects on the former governor's work on the campaign trail, and what it all means for the Republican Party's future (also in the Tribune).
• Amy Payne of The Heritage Foundation writes about movement in international Internet regulation
• A business/technology story with some public policy implications: The Econonist takes a look at the "four giants of the Internet age"
• The Gospel Coalition reports on "recent news and reports on marriage and family" (compiled by Joe Carter).

A few interesting arts and entertainment notes:

• Colin Eatock writes for the Houston Chronicle about a trend toward young music directors for American orchestras (this surprised me at first reading, probably because the music director of my favorite, hometown orchestra is in his seventies)
• Speaking of my favorite, hometown orchestra, Heather Gillers of the Chicago Tribune summarizes music director Riccardo Muti's role and compensation at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• Peter Dobrin of the Philadelphia Inquirer explores "music's connections to society as a whole."
• Robert Beaser, of the Juilliard faculty, writes a feature for The New York Times on "the rigid old days of contemporary music" - and what things are really like today.

And a few odds and ends:

• WorldVision has an anecdote (and a challenge) about the life-changing nature, for youth, of having a tangible purpose
• Carrie Muskat of MLB.com summarizes the Chicago Cubs' progress this offseason in building next season's team

What articles or blogs caught your attention this week? Share them in the comments section below!

Articles of the Week - October 27

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you have something worthwhile planned for today.

I want to begin this week's highlights with faith and theology as (a) those articles account for about half of what I will share and (b) I rarely begin there. I will sort them by publication.

The Gospel Coalition

• Greg Forster examines some of the nuances of the "culture war" as applied to religious liberty
• Matt Smethurst summarizes a recent sermon on Christianity and politics by Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist Church
• John Starke provides a more biblical definition of discipleship
• The Gospel Coalition has also launched a new blog, "New City Catechism." If you subscribe to one new blog, make it this one! Ben Peays explains its purpose.

Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology

• Matthew Mason muses on politics in light of the upcoming election (make sure to read thought #8)
• Matthew Mason further reflects on the pastoral approach to theological study exhibited by John Paul II

Christian Post

• Michael Gryboski summarizes recent remarks by Dr. Owen Strachan on shifting views of God among millennials (they are not so good)
• Lillian Kown reports on changes in the megachurch movement (the most prominent of which is the multisite sub-movement)

And elsewhere,

• Jon Acuff of Stuff Christians Like discusses the lessons he has learned about surrender
• Jeff Haanen reviews a new book about domestic yet cross-cultural missions for Christianity Today
• Continuing his series of devotionals on Ecclesiastes, Ray Pritchard examines thanksgiving and satisfaction
• James Wood, for The New Yorker, celebrates the 350th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer

Given that more than one of the "faith and theology" highlights had to do with politics, perhaps I should turn next to politics and public policy

• David Bittinger of the Chicago Tribune looks forward to November 7 and beyond
• Lindsey Burke of The Heritage Foundation summarizes Paul Ryan's recent comments on school choice
• Victor Davis Hanson, in the Tribune, offers a concise synopsis of the effects of the presidential debates
• Ken McIntyre of Heritage outlines recent civic engagement by people of faith
• Sarah Morris of Heritage presents the word cloud for the final presidential debate
• Alyene Senger of Heritage argues that the contraception debate is not really about contraception
• The Tribune reports on a push from American business leaders this week for "action on the federal budget deficit"
• The Economist's Lexington looks at the oft-misunderstood significance of suburbia
• The editorial board of The New York Times offers its take on whether government creates jobs (my immediate response is that while yes, government employs many, many people, that is not quite the same as creating new jobs)

And that leaves us with just a few pieces on arts, entertainments, and sports

• BBC News reports on trends in the overseas revenues of British musicians
• Cordelia Hebblethwaite discusses the fate of pianos - and some of the emotions toward and conceptions of pianos over the last few centuries
• Carrie Muskat of MLB.com summarizes Theo Epstein's goals for the future of the Chicago Cubs
• The Economist's Prospero considers how the e-book industry is different from the print book industry

What articles or blogs caught your attention this week? Share them in the comments section below!

Articles of the Week - 9/29

I had quite the variety this week, both in terms of my scheduled activities and in my blog reading. Here is a sampling of the latter.

First, in education news and commentary

• Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wrote an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune challenging the city to not shy away from education reform
• Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush discussed digital learning at NBC's Education Nation Summit
• Lindsey Burke of The Heritage Foundation outlines movement in the public debate over education, in part due Heritage's opposition to national standards. (For me, I am not opposed to national standards, I am just opposed to them being law.)
• Amy Payne, also of Heritage, discusses a new feature film highlighting parental involvement in education

In case you missed it, there was some interesting news in arts and entertainment. The Musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra went on strike last weekend. John von Rhein and Mark Caro (of the Tribune) reflect on the national implications of this move, and Mark Caro reported on the eventual outcome - and what may come. In the broader topic of the arts, I found an interesting piece about an artist moving from the city to the country (part of Christianity Today's This is Our City project).

Plenty of good reads on matters of faith and theology this week as well:

• Carolyn Arends: "Taste the Soup" (Christianity Today)
• Steve Cornell: "When Faith Causes You to Doubt" (The Gospel Coalition)
• Philip Harrold: "Getting to Know Him" (Christianity Today)
• Ray Pritchard: "Focus on the Gospel" (Keep Believing)
• James K. A. Smith: "What Galileo's Telescope Can't See" (Christianity Today)
• Ben Stevens: "Answering 7 Common Objections to Long-Term Missions" (The Gospel Coalition)

On matters of public policy and politics, I came across Jesse Eaves' update for World Vision on the fight against trafficking, David Azerrad's call in The Foundry for a "real opportunity agenda," and Lexington's analysis for The Economist of the voting culture in America.

Finally, Carrie Muskat reports for MLB that Dale Sveum's first year with the Chicago Cubs had elements of success, John Hubbach discusses moving from one suburb to another, and a young professional violinist offers seven tips for time management.

What articles, blogs, or columns caught your attention this week?

Articles of the Week - August 25

I added a new blog to my Google Reader subscriptions this week, The Gospel Coalition Blog, so I will start this week's highlights with articles from there: Matt Smethurst interviewed Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum, authors of the newly-released Kingdom through Covenant (Crossway, 2012)  (sounds like a fascinating read; it might have to go on my List), Collin Hansen set the scene for TGC's upcoming national conference with some highlights of a discussion about whether Jesus actually preached the gospel, Ben Falconer advises a regular dose of oratorio, and Joseph Rhea offers advice for theologians and seminarians who inadvertently neglect the relational aspect of their faith.

In Christianity Today, Melissa Steffan summarized President Obama's and Governor Romeny's comments on their respective faiths and James K. A. Smith writes for This is Our City "How to (Not) Be Worldly" (drawing heavily, and effectively in my opinion, on Augustine).

In the Chicago Tribune, Charles Krauthammer comments on Congressman Paul Ryan's present and future role in national politics, John Kass points out how much money could be earned by tolling bicyclists in the city, Christopher de Vinck offers a welcome commendation of teachers, and Steve Chapman provides the most balanced commentary I have yet read on current welfare reform policy.

In The Foundry this week, Lindsey Burke summarizes recent developments in customized education (I agree with all of the initiatives except for schools that are primarily virtual - the presence of a human teacher is vital for holistic development of children) and reports that "Support for School Choice Reaches All-Time High," and Ken McIntyre summarizes Becket Fund founder Kevin Hasson's comments on religious freedom.

In arts and entertainment news, Ratzo Harris comments for New Music Box on the difficulty of teaching, in classical contexts, how to "think in jazz" and Harry Eyres writes for The Financial Times on the legacy of classical music festivals.

And finally, Jon Acuff in Stuff Christians Like advises newcomers to not attend a church's last Sunday service, Michael Gryboski looks at preparations for next month's National Back to Church Sunday, Joshua Little reports for A Daily Miracle on the integration of faith and politics, Chuck King discusses in Knowing the Score about that mysterious and ubiquitous word, "Selah," Ray Pritchard advises preachers how to not begin a sermon, and Meggie Zahneis reports on the defensive prowness of Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney.

This is Rubio, over and out.

2011 MLB Playoffs - My Predictions

The regular Major League Baseball season ended last night, and while my own team, the Chicago Cubs, were never close to a playoff berth, I do plan to pay some attention to the few weeks of postseason play that begins this weekend. I have some predictions for the series ahead.

My predictions are based on the season series results between each pair of teams. I use the home record component of each season series to predict how each team will perform in its own ballpark. For example, a team that has won four of six home games in its home park in the season series is predicted to win 2/3 of the home games in a given round. My predictions resulted in a World Series pairing of two teams who did not play each other in the regular season, so I used each team’s home record in interleague play to predict that result.

Some interesting facts came to light as I looked up the season series results. During the regular season, each pair of playoff opponents had an odd number of games together, and in three of the four pairings (all but Philadelphia and St. Louis), the season series were split as evenly as could be with an odd number of games (i.e., one team had a one-game advantage). Also interestingly, as you will note below, the prediction method, which I created several weeks ago, actually predicts a wild-card team (and both wild card teams this year came from behind in the last week to upset the leader) defeating the best team in its own league in the first round (see the Philadelphia-St. Louis series).

Here are my predictions (*home field advantage):

American League Division Series

New York Yankees* vs. Detroit Tigers
Yankees are 2-1 at Yankee Stadium; Tigers are 3-1 at Comerica Park
Prediction: Detroit in 5 games

Texas Rangers* vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Rangers are 2-1 at Rangers Ballpark; Rays are 3-3 at Tropicana Field
Prediction: Texas in 4 games

National League Division Series

Philadelphia Phillies* vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Phillies are 1-3 at Citizens Bank Park; Cardinals are 3-2 at Busch Stadium
Prediction: St. Louis in 5 games

Milwaukee Brewers* vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Brewers are 1-2 at Miller Park; Diamondbacks are 2-2 at Chase Field
Prediction: Arizona in 5 games

American League Championship Series

Texas Rangers* vs. Detroit Tigers
Rangers are 1-2 at Rangers Ballpark; Tigers are 4-2 at Comerica Park
Prediction: Detroit in 6 games

National League Championship Series

Arizona Diamondbacks* vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Diamondbacks are 1-2 at Chase Field; Cardinals are 2-2 at Busch Stadium
Prediction: Arizona in 6 games

World Series

Arizona Diamondbacks* vs. Detroit Tigers
Diamondbacks are 5-4 in interleague play at Chase Field; Tigers are 6-7 in interleague play at Comerica Park
Prediction: Arizona in 7 games

We’ll see where it all goes.

This is Rubio, over and out.