Anything can happen in a 3-game series. The higher seeded team has the advantage of playing all 3 (if needed) games at home, but without fans, it's a debatable "benefit." It is a definite advantage to be the home team if any games go to extra innings.

And once you get past the 3-game initial series, everyone will be in a bubble. Not much of an advantage there for anyone.

Of the 8 higher seeded teams (4 from each league), I bet at least 3 go done in the first round. My predictions: In the American League the White Sox beat the As and the Yankees beat Cleveland. In the National League Cincinnati beats Atlanta. Although I'm not predicting it, it also wouldn't surprise me if Milwaukee knocks off the Dodgers.

If you have 3 dominant, consistent, reliable pitchers you've got a great chance in this kind of series. That's one reason I'm giving the nod to the Reds over the Braves. And it's a reason I'm concerned about the Dodgers' chances to move on. They've got some great pitchers, but have had lots of injuries throughout the season to pitchers. There's a definite lack of consistency. And then there's Kershaw's mediocre track record in the postseason.

I'm not a huge fan of the way the playoffs are set up for this season, but this is a weird year in every way.