Monday Rockpile: A Rockies fan’s guide to the 2024 Wild Cards (2024)

We did it, everyone. The 2024 edition of the Colorado Rockies has come to a close. They won some, they lost a lot more, but the real joy came in seeing some of the “kids” make their MLB debuts and play (some more than others, obviously). The 2024 Rockies finished with a record of 61-101, and Charlie Blackmon called it a career. Now we’re on to 2025!

But before we can get there, we must first watch the 2024 MLB Playoffs, which begin tomorrow. And even before then, there’s one more game this afternoon to determine the final two NL Wild Cards! Hurricane Helene postponed the final two games of the Atlanta Braves/New York Mets series, which will determine the final two NL spots (the Arizona Diamondbacks are also waiting). If either of those teams sweep today’s doubleheader, the Snakes are out. But if they split, the Snakes are in... Who saw that coming?

Here’s a guide to each of the Wild Card series this week:

AL Wild Card 1: Detroit Tigers @ Houston Astros

  • Game 1: Tuesday, October 1, 12:30pm MT
  • Game 2: Wednesday, October 2, 12:30pm MT
  • Game 3 (if needed): Thursday, October 3, 12:30pm MT

The Detroit Tigers both ended their 10-year postseason drought and handed the Chicago White Sox their record 121st loss. The Tigers have been on a hot streak over the last two months, going 31-13 since August 10. They called up some young prospects and got better. They’ve been a magical story at the end of the season, and are definitely a team to keep an eye on.

the Astros clinched their fourth-consecutive AL West division title by beating the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. Since June 1, they also own the best record in the AL. The challenge facing the Astros right now is Yordan Alvarez, who is currently dealing with a knee sprain. They still have a strong (and deep) offense and pitching staff, but perhaps the Tigers’ magic will continue past the formidable Houston team.

AL Wild Card 2: Kansas City Royals @ Baltimore Orioles

  • Game 1: Tuesday, October 1, 2:00pm MT
  • Game 2: Wednesday, October 2, 2:30pm MT
  • Game 3 (if needed): Thursday, October 3, 2:00pm MT

The Royals squeaked into the postseason due to a Minnesota Twins loss on Friday. It marks their first playoff appearance since 2015. They limped into the postseason, losing seven-straight games twice over the last five weeks to finish 86-76. Their pitching is a strength, which might help with their unreliable offense.

The Orioles had a little more drama heading into the playoffs, making it by way of a win over the New York Yankees and the Twins losing to the Miami Marlins. Last year, the 101-win Orioles were swept by the eventual-champion Texas Rangers in the Wild Card round and are looking to avoid a similar fate. Early in 2024, the Orioles were a force, but they have faded in the latter half of the season. Since July 7, the Orioles have gone just 29-37. They are still young and building, so they’ll have to fire on all cylinders to make a deep run.

Old Friend Alert: Garrett Hampson, KC

NL Wild Card 1: New York Mets/Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers

  • Game 1: Tuesday, October 1, 3:30pm MT
  • Game 2: Wednesday, October 2, 5:30pm MT
  • Game 3 (if needed): Thursday, October 3, 5:00pm MT

The Brewers got the playoff party started, clinching the first spot on September 18 and securing the NL Central title for the third time in four seasons. Due to their early clinch, they have been buried in some of the other NL craziness, but they have an stellar starting rotation, brilliant bullpen, and outstanding offense. Pat Murphy is also the favorite for NL Manager of the Year. They Brewers are really solid, and they could really make a run this postseason.

The Mets boast a deep roster and a hot streak, and are currently in possession of the sixth and final Wild Card spot. Grimace provided them a lot of luck, so much so that they honored him with his own purple seat in Citi Field. They’re playing with magic right now, and their offense is outstanding. Additionally, their starting pitching has the second-best ERA in the NL since June 3 (3.66). Can they hold on and make the postseason?

The D-backs have been struggling as of late, which is why they’re currently the odd team out. However, their offense is still the most well-rounded in all of baseball. They’ve scored the most runs (886) — 44 ahead of the formidable Dodgers. The Yankees are third with 809. They also lead in numerous other categories. They challenge they’ll face is their pitching staff, who has been inconsistent as of late. The D-backs are currently outside the Wild Card bubble and will need either the Mets or Braves to sweep the doubleheader to sneak in.

Old Friend Alert: Nick Mears, MIL; Adam Ottavino, NYM; Jose Iglesias, NYM; Randal Grichuk, ARI

NL Wild Card 2: Atlanta Braves/New York Mets @ San Diego Padres

  • Game 1: Tuesday, October 1, 6:30pm MT
  • Game 2: Wednesday, October 2, 6:30pm MT
  • Game 3 (if needed): Thursday, October 3, 6:30pm MT

The Padres clinched a postseason berth in thrilling fashion on Wednesday with a game-ending triple play. It also forced the Dodgers to sweat about their division title for another day. The Friars are loaded with star power: Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatís Jr., Jurickson Profar, Luis Arraez, Manny Machado... the list goes on and on. Their bullpen has also been locked down. They took the Dodgers to the brink, only ceding the division to them on Thursday (Game 159).

The Braves are currently in the driver’s seat for the first of the final two NL Wild Cards, having a firm grasp on the five seed. They’re riding their starting rotation, led by Chris Sale, Max Fried and Spencer Schwellenbach. Their offense hasn’t been terrible, they just need to all pull together to make a run.

(See above for Mets analysis)

Old Friend Alert: Jurickson Profar, SD; Elias Díaz, SD; Pierce Johnson, ATL; Adam Ottavino, NYM; Jose Iglesias, NYM

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Here are my predictions for the 2024 Wild Card week:

  • Tigers over Astros, 2-1
  • Orioles over Royals, 2-1
  • Brewers over Diamondbacks, 2-0
  • Padres over Mets, 2-1

The Divisional Series both start next week, with all of these teams waiting to face the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. Stay tuned for another round of “Rockies fan’s guide to the MLB Playoffs” then!

Who will prevail? Will it be the underdogs, or the historic juggernauts? Sound off on your 2024 MLB Playoff predictions below!

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‘He’s what’s right about the game’: Blackmon hangs up spikes after 14 years | MLB.com

Charlie Blackmon singled in the third inning of yesterday’s game. It was the final at-bat of his illustrious 14-year MLB career (but unfortunately the Rockies lost 2-1 and were swept to a 61-101 season). Thomas Harding documents the final day of Chuck Nazty.

Behind the beard: For those who got to know Charlie Blackmon best, Rockies outfielder “was a trip” | Denver Post ($)

Patrick Saunders also provides his behind-the-scenes look at Charlie Blackmon’s storied career, providing his own anecdotes as well as those of former teammate Nolan Arenado, wife Ashley, friend Ivan Orsic, Colorado’s long-time clubhouse manager Mike “Tiny” Pontarelli, current teammate Ryan McMahon and manager Bud Black.

The biggest takeaway? The final paragraph:

But Ashley does have a concern. She has never seen her husband without his famous beard and he’s hinted that he might shave it after he retires. She’s fine with that, but she’ll urge him to proceed with caution.

“I’ve told him, ‘Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be ready, too. But just don’t do it too abruptly. You just need to shave it off in small amounts or you’ll scare off our kids.”

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Monday Rockpile: A Rockies fan’s guide to the 2024 Wild Cards (2024)
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