

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss and reflect on the first two games of the Nationals-Dodgers and Braves-Cardinals NL division series and the first games of the Astros-Rays and Yankees-Twins AL division series, focusing on playoff win probabilities, the Nationals’ aggressive/desperate usage of Max Scherzer, the greatness of Stephen Strasburg, a perplexing but ultimately not costly intentional walk, the Braves’ Game 2 redemption and an old-school duel, the contrast between the latest Ronald Acuña Jr. controversy and MLB’s postseason marketing message, Tyler Glasnow, Justin Verlander, and the difficulty of keeping pace with the Astros, M-V-P- chants, ever-interminable Yankees games, and more.

Audio intro: The 88, "It’s a Lot"

Audio outro: Del the Funky Homosapien, "Catch All This"

Link to Dan Szymborski on Strasburg

Link to Ben on sabermetrics and in-game tactics

Link to Ben on second-guessing matchup decisions

Link to Craig Edwards on Flaherty and the best second halves

Link to MLB’s “We Play Loud” ad

Link to Ben on the problem with bullpenning

Link to Ben Clemens on long Yankees games

Link to order The MVP Machine

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