The first step to recognizing that you have a problem is acknowledging that one exists. I am a Chicago Cubs fan. As such, I am forced to routinely seek out alternative teams to root for come playoff time. This is relatively common practice across all sports, especially for teams that are perpetually terrible. If you’re still sitting there, as Friday approaches, and pondering just who to pull for in these MLB playoffs, have no fear and read on.
The good news is that we can effectively eliminate at least two teams, as both the Oakland Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates have been sent home. This will help you to avoid the disappointment that comes along with getting bounced out of the postseason after a nonsensical, one-game wild card appearance. Rather than establishing consistent criteria as we go along, we’ll just wing it, but sufficient rationalization will be present for each team. When it’s all said and done, you should have a clear picture of who you may potentially want to follow throughout October. Or at least through the first week of the month.
Royals
Why you should: They haven’t been here since 1985. There are a lot of likable characters. Base stealing is fun to watch, especially when it happens seven times in one game. They’re winning despite their manager’s best attempts to foil each and every contest. Any team that does that has my vote.
Why you shouldn’t: Ned Yost. The guy is a danger to himself and everyone around him. If the Royals go down, it will be in a blaze of bunts.
Orioles
Why you should: Similar situation to the one in KC, even if the O’s have actually be in the playoffs within the last couple of years. They play the game in a way that’s a blast for everyone: they field extremely well and they hit a lot of home runs. Who cares if they can’t pitch?
Why you shouldn’t: To spite every single person that immediately references The Wire every single time the city of Baltimore is mentioned. Also, Nelson Cruz took performance enhancing drugs that one time.
Tigers
Why you should: The deeper the Tigers go, the more opportunities we get to watch this pitching staff do its thing. That’s a treat in itself each and every time out.
Why you shouldn’t: Really, though, what incentive does anyone outside of the city of Detroit have to root for a team from the city of Detroit?
Angels
Why you should: PLAYOFF TROUT.
Why you shouldn’t: “Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim”. Not mention doing so would mean rooting against Kansas City and who knows why in the world anyone would do that.
Cardinals
Why you should: LOL, no.
Why you shouldn’t: Pompous, self-righteous organization. Pompous, self-righteous fanbase. Pompous, self-righteous broadcast team. Etcetera, etcetera. I’ll use a thesaurus next time.
Giants
Why you should: Who cares about parity? A classic organization that is a little set in their ways with a pompous, self-right…oh. Well, there’s Buster Posey?
Why you shouldn’t: Didn’t I just say it?
Nationals
Why you should: Probably the most likable team on the National League side of things. MVP candidate in Anthony Rendon, polarizing superstar in Bryce Harper, a fantastic rotation. A lot of things going for them, as far as the roster is concerned.
Why you shouldn’t: The Washington Redskins name scandal is hovering over the city like Prince Fielder over an Arlington buffet. People will go out of their way to root against the Nats for that reason. Book it.
Dodgers
Why you should: Yasiel Puig. So much fun.
Why you shouldn’t: Yasiel Puig. Maybe too much fun?
