Is rustiness a thing? My team in Alexander world has been the best in the NL for three straight years (best record two years, best in advanced standings all three). But all three years I’ve been bounced in the NLDS. I have been resting my guys down the stretch after clinching a bye, plus the days off during the wild card series, only to suck when the playoffs start.

So, is rustiness a consideration, or is it just bad luck?

My guess is that it is just luck. The other side happens as well -- i have seen teams that have no business making the playoffs make huge runs once they are in.

It is certainly frustrating. For every 2001 Seattle Mariners, there is a 2007 Colorado Rockies. Also, even the worst teams in the league can go on a run of winning 14 of 24 games and that is all it takes for a wildcard team to win the World Series.

Playoffs are a completely different thing. Your best against his best. Short pitching staffs make all the difference.