SB Nation Reacts: Looking ahead to the playoffs

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Each week, we send 30 polls to plugged in fans from each team. Red Sox fans, sign up HERE to join Reacts.

The season just began less than two months ago, but it already almost at its end. There is just a week left in the regular season before the postseason starts, and that’s where the focus lies for this week’s SB Nation Reacts. This time around, every team site is looking at the championship chances for their team as well as the effectiveness of a bubble and surprise contenders.

Red Sox Chances

Look, obviously the correct answer to this question is no and there is really no point in even getting into the logistics of why that is the case. It is readily apparent to anyone who has been paying even a little bit of attention. All I’ll say on this one is it’s actually amazing that no one voted yes even as a bit. I think that’s a first in the history of the internet.

Like the Bubble?

I don’t think there’s any question the answer to this one is yes. We’ve seen in American sports this year that the only way for a truly clean run is if you are in a bubble. I still don’t think that was really possible for the regular season in MLB, but in a postseason format I absolutely think it has to happen.

That being said, this isn’t a bubble that they’re describing. Now, this isn’t to say I don’t think what they do have lined up will work, because I do, but we’re getting real fast and loose with the term bubble lately. They’re traveling to different cities and Manfred wants fans in the games. That’s not a bubble! Again, I think it’ll work (I’d feel better without fans though), but it’s not a bubble.

Which surprise is best?

It’s really hard to pick against the Padres, who have been rolling through the NL West, but I’m still surprised the White Sox didn’t get more love here. They have some questions after their top two starters to be sure, but that lineup is terrifying. They didn’t fluke their way to being the first AL team to clinch a playoff spot.

Should seven-inning no-hitters count?

Not to go all existentialism here but... Does it really matter? I get that it’s not the same accomplishment and it probably shouldn’t count in a fair world. That said, we have so little joy in the world right now. Let’s just celebrate no-hitters in whatever form they come, eh?