The eight first round series in the 2020 MLB post season are now set. The Cardinals and Reds both won. Both finish two games over .500, but the Cardinals playing two fewer games means they have the better winning percentage, so they take second place in the NL Central. That division sends four teams to the playoffs, as the Brewers tie the Giants but win the tie-breaker.

There is only one intro-divisional match-up as the Rays with the number one seed in the AL host the Blue Jays, who lost Sunday to stay in the eighth slot. Also hosting series are Cleveland, Minnesota (AL Central champs), Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Chicago Cubs, and Atlanta. The city of Chicago has a one in eight chance of seeing a World Series trophy for the third time this century.

The AL series being Tuesday, the NL on Wednesday. There will be no days off in the first three rounds. The World Series will have the usual breaks between games two and three, and between games five and six.

There are lots of rooting interests possible. I would love to see a Dodgers-Rays series, the Rays figuring prominently in the current Dodgers front office. It would be smart guys with money versus smart guys with Kevin Cash.

Then there are the teams that defied expectations. The Marlins, overcame a terrible 2019 and a hectic schedule due to COVID-19 infections to make the playoffs. The Cardinals had an equally hectic schedule for the same reasons.

The Yankees and Indians battled for the AL pennant 100 years ago, they get to battle again.

The Braves are an offensive juggernaught, but will they have enough pitching?

The Indians, Athletics, Dodgers, Brewers, and Padres all have >=30 year World Series droughts (the Reds won in 1990).

I suspect most people will be rooting against the Astros due to their cheating scandal.

Enjoy a lot of baseball over four days starting Tuesday!