2026 ALDS Game 1 & 2

Before we head to Chicago and New York for Game three, let’s check in on the American League Division Series.

Chicago White Sox @ Cleveland Guardians

The White Sox led the AL Central for much of the season, but once again, Steven Vogt’s Guardians chased down a division rival to take the crown for the third consecutive year. And just like each of the previous years, they will have to face that division rival in the playoffs. Cleveland will have the pitching advantage heading in, as AL ROY favorite Parker Messick will get the ball in game one, with AL strikeout leader Gavin Williams following in game two.

Will Venable’s squad is unafraid of this moment, and they are quite familiar with Cleveland. It isn’t always pretty, but there boys just keep finding a way. And if Japanese slugger Munetaka Murikami can rediscover his powerful stroke, look out! The Southside is dangerous!

CHW Radio WMVP - Len Kasper and Darrin Jackson

CLE Radio WTAM - Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus

New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays

The Yanks are flying high after trouncing the Red Sox, but they’ll have their work cut out for them against the Rays. Kevin Cash’s club ran away with the division and the AL’s best record, and what they lack in star power, they more than make up for in execution. But don’t get it twisted, Junior Caminero is an absolute stud, Drew Rasmussen is a bonafide ace, and for the first time perhaps ever, the Trop is BUMPING! These guys will not be intimidated.

TBR Radio WDAE 620 AM - Andy Freed and Neil Solondz

NYY Radio WFAN - Dave Sims and Suzyn Waldman

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and MLB.tv for box scores, statistics, audio clips, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

Jolly Orange Giant

2026 Wild Card Round Recap

The Postseason is here, and the fireworks have already started. We’ll cover the highlights from the early round action, and preview the division series matchups.

Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves

For the third time in the last five seasons, the Braves and Phillies match up again in the playoffs. Despite winning the division in ’22 and ’23, the Braves came up short against their bitter division rival. Things may be different this time around, as the Philadelphia core is aging, and more importantly, the Phillies limped into the playoffs. Let’s see if they can rediscover their old playoff magic, or if the Braves can finally push past them.

ATL Radio - 680 The Fan: Ben Ingram and Joe Simpson

PHI Radio - 94.1 WIP: Scott Franzke, Larry Andersen, Kevin Stocker

Chicago White Sox @ Houston Astros

Just two years after losing more game than anyone in baseball history, postseason baseball has returned to the Southside. Call it luck, smart development, or the Pope’s Blessing, it’s great to see the White Sox relevant once again. The Astros are back in the playoffs, but this ain’t the team we’re used to seeing. Don’t be fooled by Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, or presumptive AL MVP Yordan Alvarez, this team’s a mess.

CHW Radio - WMVP: Len Kasper and Darrin Jackson

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees

Let’s do this thing again. Just like last year, and many, many times before, Boston and New York face off. While the Sox looked like an ascendant team earlier this year after firing Alex Cora, they have cooled off significantly down the stretch. And even though the Yanks won’t have Aaron Judge, they’re gonna be tough to beat. They’ve got the arms (Schlitter, Fried, Cole, Bednar), they’ve got the bats (lefty or righty), and they’ve got the Bronx Zoo. If Boston’s starters can keep it close, they’ll have a chance. But if they don’t go deep, Aaron Boone has the tools at his disposal to punish any bullpen.

NYY Radio - WFAN: Dave Sims and Suzyn Waldman

Chicago Cubs @ San Diego Padres

Yet another rematch, but this time the Padres have home field advantage. The Cubs boast the best offense in baseball, led by breakout superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Padres can swing it too, and unlike the Cubbies, they actually have a strong pitching staff. Many have picked Chicago as an NL favorite, but don’t sleep on San Deigo, and definitely do not underestimate their raucous crowd.

SDP Radio - 97.3 FM: Jesse Agler and Tony Gwynn, Jr.

Audio clips from MLB.tv

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.S. I’m currently training to run a marathon this month (the Marine Corps Marathon in DC on October 25th!). That’s why I’ve been on hiatus for so long, though I do plan to cover this year’s playoffs, just not as many episodes as usual. Stay tuned!

You can follow my marathon training progress on Instagram - @jolly_orangegiant