AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Series Winner Odds

• Rangers (+100)
• Orioles (-120)

The Orioles are favored over the Rangers after clinching their first AL East title since 2014 and first playoff appearance since 2016. However, Texas enters the series with some good momentum after sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card round, outscoring them 11-1 through the two games in Tampa. Baltimore, on the other hand, enters Game 1 after five days off and losers of two of their final three games of the season.

All that sets up for a series I think will go the distance. But Baltimore feels like a team of destiny, and there’s no way I’m betting against the O’s in an elimination game at Camden Yards. They also have the superior bullpen, which will make a huge difference in what should be some tight games.

Prince’s Pick: Orioles in 5

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Series Winner Odds

• Twins (+130)
• Astros (-160)

This series pits the winners of the AL Central and West divisions against each other, though Minnesota may be at a slight disadvantage after burning through their top two starters in a sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card round. That forces an interesting decision as to who they’ll start against Justin Verlander in Game 1, and regardless of the decision, I’m chalking it up as a loss.

From there, the Twins will be playing catch-up against a team I think is superior in every way. Not to mention, Houston brings a ton a championship experience into the series. None of these games will be too big for the Astros.

Prince’s Pick: Astros in 4

AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Series Winner Odds

• Phillies (+150)
• Braves (-185)

Similar to last year, Philadelphia is riding an incredible second-half season surge into a series against its division foe. And like last year, when the Phillies reached the World Series, they’re hoping that momentum carries them to an upset over the Braves. I think they come close.

Philadelphia’s bullpen is stronger than Atlanta’s, and its rotation has playoff-tested veterans who can be trusted in big games. However, the Braves have been the best team in baseball all year, with a lineup that’s almost impossible to work through. So, if this series gets to a Game 5 — which I think it will — and Philly is starting one of its best arms on short rest, or someone who isn’t as proven, I think that’s when the Braves pounce and advance.

Prince’s Pick: Braves in 5

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Series Winner Odds

• Diamondbacks (+170)
• Dodgers (-210)

Arizona’s Wild Card win might have been the medicine the team needed after losing four straight games to close the regular season with its offense going completely cold. Not only did the D-backs sweep the Milwaukee Brewers, they were able to do so without using starter Merrill Kelly — who they now have completely rested for a Game 1 start against Clayton Kershaw. They were also able to throw rookie Brandon Pfaadt into the fire early. And though he struggled against Milwaukee, he knows the team trusts him in big spots, which should add to his confidence.

I say all that to say I think the Diamondbacks can pull off an upset. And it would be a massive upset. But the monkey is off their shoulders. All the pressure is on LA — and we’ve seen the Dodgers fold in this spot before, including last postseason. So, yeah, it could happen. Besides, I went chalk with all my other picks, so let’s get crazy here.

Prince’s Pick: Diamondbacks in 4