MCB’s MLB Playoff Power Rankings: Wild Card Round

Sep 22, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

3. St. Louis Cardinals (97-65)

The St. Louis Cardinals look very much like the best team in the National League, but are they that same team now that Allen Craig seems likely to be out for the entire playoffs? Matt Adams is going to have to continue to try to fill his shoes.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers (92-70)

The Los Angeles Dodgers played like a very mediocre outside of a crazy hot stretch in the middle of the season, but they finished the year with 92 wins and will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Clayton Kershaw might just be the game’s best pitcher these days and would be a real bummer to have to face twice in a short playoff series.

1. Boston Red Sox (97-65)

The Boston Red Sox finished the season tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for the best record in baseball, but the Red Sox did it while competing in the toughest division of the tougher league. Boston finished with the best offensive output in all of baseball (5.3 runs per game) and they have a crazy good closer, but do they have enough starting pitching to carry them all the way? It looks like they might.