Nobody could’ve guessed that the MLB playoff schedule in 2010 would be littered with the Reds, Giants and Braves. All three teams have collectively been absent from the playoff picture for 27 years summed together. That makes the Philadelphia Phillies, and their incredible pitching staff, the hard-nosed favorite to three-peat as National League champions, and rightfully so.

All divisional round playoff games can be seen on TBS, and I’m pretty sure everybody has that channel. It’s the only channel I can be sure of getting when I stay at a random hotel.

Each round of the divisional playoffs is a best-of-five, so home field will be a huge advantage for any team. The MLB playoff schedule breaks down in to a 2-2-1 format, as always, so there’s no room for error. Can any of the surprising National League playoff entrants put a dent in Philadelphia’s chances at another World Series berth?

#3 Cincinnati Reds (91-71) vs. #1 Philadelphia Phillies (97-65)
Series Price: Reds +210 / Phillies -280

It’s been a 15 years since the Big Red Machine has been part of the MLB playoff schedule, and facing the two-time defending National League champion Phillies isn’t going to be an easy task. Of any series price, the Reds have the tallest order to fill and you can blame the three headed dragon of Hamels-Halladay-Oswalt in Philadelphia for that. Bolstering the hope for Cincinnati is their top-ranked offense (4.9 runs per game) and the National League’s best road ERA (4.2 away from home). Still, will it be enough to make the Reds a worthy underdog bet?

MLB Playoffs Schedule 2010
Wednesday, October 6th @ Citizens Bank Park – 5:07pm (Volquez vs. Halladay)

Friday, October 8th @ Citizens Bank Park – 6:07pm (Arroyo vs. Oswalt)

Sunday, October 10th @ Great American Ballpark – TBD (Hamels vs. Cueto)

Monday, October 11th @ Great American Ballpark – TBD

Wednesday, October 13th @ Citizens Bank Park – TBD

#4 Atlanta Braves (91-71) vs. #2 San Francisco Giants (92-70)
Series Price: Braves +130 / Giants -160

Both the Braves and Giants have a massive amount of momentum heading in to the divisional round of the playoffs, but all eyes will be on rookie sensation Jason Heyward. Considering that the Giants only average 4.3 runs per game, they’re going to have to lean heavily on their 2nd ranked defense in the NL which gives up just 3.6 runs against. If Heyward and Omar Infante lead a charge at the plate, the Giants may lack the necessary firepower to stay competitive.

What may hurt the Braves, however, is the MLB playoff schedule in 2010. As the wild card, they have to hit the road for up to three games in San Francisco. That means a long trip for the Braves, who went just 35-46 SU on the road this year. The Giants were 49-32 SU at home, and also 43-38 SU away from home. Then again, everything changes when it comes to the playoffs because the pressure increases ten-fold.

MLB Playoff Schedule 2010

Thursday, October 7th @ AT&T Park – 9:37pm (Lowe vs. Linecum)

Friday, October 8th @ AT&T Park – 9:37pm (Hanson vs. Cain)

Sunday, October 10th @ Turner Field – TBD (Sanchez vs. Hudson)

Monday, October 11th @ Turner Field – TBD

Wednesday, October 13th @ AT&T Park – TBD

It’s going to be a tight grind for any team to challenge the heavily favored Phillies. As expected, the Locker Room will be jam packed with betting tips as we progress through the divisional round of the MLB playoff schedule in 2010!

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