How the result of the AL Wild Card game impacts the Astros

Who is ready for some day games between the Astros and Indians?

Following the exciting finish of the Cubs-Rockies NL Wild Card game on Tuesday night, the A’s-Yankees AL Wild Card game was a bit anti-climatic. Sure, the opener strategy will be criticized (wrongly), but the Yankees bats simply showed up while the A’s didn’t. And the umpires, well, missed a few calls that had consequences.

For the Astros and Indians, though, the other ALDS is now between two competent teams in the Red Sox and Yankees. Well, that would’ve remained the case if the A’s advanced instead, but the Boston-New York element adds another layer of drama to ALDS. Both teams could dispatch Houston or Cleveland in the upcoming ALCS. The reverse is also true. And cue the day games in Houston and Cleveland. Can we at least get an alternative sabermetric-friendly broadcast as the Cubs-Rockies did a couple of nights ago? That was a quality broadcast.

The remaining AL playoff field is terribly competitive as there are three 100-win teams in the mix. The Indians only won 91 games, but you shouldn’t discount them. Hey, this is postseason baseball when anything can happen. Also, the first postseason series between the Red Sox and Yankees in 14 years will be something fun to watch. Rest assured that I’ll watch the Astros-Indians, but the other ALDS series is must-watch television, streaming, or whatever.

If the Astros are fortunate enough to advance to the ALCS, an opponent from last year’s postseason awaits. A rematch between the top two teams in the AL in Houston and Boston would be something fierce. The same can be said with the Yankees. 24 straight curveballs! Sorry, I just had to include that.

Even if the Astros fall to the Indians, I will watch an Indians-Yankees or Indians-Red Sox series. Outside of the Rockies incredible run in 2007, the ALDS and ALCS involving the Cleveland, New York, and Boston were thrilling to watch. If you can’t tell, I enjoy some excellent postseason baseball, no matter the teams.

For the Astros specifically, the Indians are priority number one. But it does help to know, especially for the front office, who’ll be waiting in the ALCS. It is much easier to further scout two teams than three. Plus, the A’s seem to had the Astros number at various points this season despite losing the season series 12-7. The power of perception, am I right? At least the day games, which I presume will likely happen, ensure no west coast start times anytime soon.