MLB Playoffs: Arizona Diamondbacks Head to Milwaukee To Face Brewers

On the eve of October, the Arizona Diamondbacks now know who they'll begin their 2011 playoff run against. In what was the most memorable final day of the season in MLB history, it's finally been settled that Arizona will play the Milwaukee Brewers and begin on the road in the best-of-five series. This is scheduled to begin on Saturday, October 1.

The Diamondbacks finished the season 94-68, which is an impressive 29 games above their 2010 record of 65-97. Their opponent, the Milwaukee finished 96-66. Going into Wednesday night, both teams weren't scheduled to play each other in the first round, but thanks to a wacky ending to another great MLB season it ended up this way.

Diamondbacks fans have to be relieved that they don't have to play the Philadelphia Phillies on the road to begin the playoffs. While the Brewers are a really good team and the best at home(57-24), the Phillies are feared.The Diamondbacks played the Brew Crew seven times in 2011, winning four times. More impressively, Arizona took two of three in Milwaukee, which gives them a slight mental edge. 

Taking the hill in Game 1 for the Diamondbacks will be their newly appointed ace, Ian Kennedy. After finishing the season with a 21-4 record, including a 10-2 mark on the road, Kennedy will make his postseason debut on Saturday.

Kennedy will face opponent Yovani Gallardo, who posted a 17-10 record on the season, including a 10-2 mark at home. Gallardo has pitched in two postseason games in his career, including one start. Both appearances totaled seven innings of work. In his time on the mound during the 2008 NLDS he didn't allow an earned run, but allowed five walks. Just having minimal playoff experience gives Gallardo and the Brewers the slim edge over the Diamondbacks to begin Game 1.

In fact, Joe Saunders is the only Arizona starting pitcher to have any playoff experience. He's started three playoff games in his career, putting up a 5.40 ERA. Since Saunders pitched Wednesday night, he'll most likely be the Game 3 starter.

Although the Diamondbacks lack postseason experience on the mound, that's expected from a young up-and-coming ball club. After the season they've had, it's hard not to believe that the Diamondbacks won't be contenders for years to come.

The experience starts now.

Coming into the playoffs as underdogs, manager Kirk Gibson will have his men primed and focused against the Brewers. Truth be told, a young squad shouldn't be the favorite; that way they have nothing to lose. Look for the Diamondbacks to come out aggressive, taking calculated risk while trying to press the Brewers into submission. 

It all starts Saturday folks. The playoffs begin and all is good. After what happened on the final day of the MLB season, baseball has plenty of fanfare. October is here, and that's when legends are made—just ask Kirk Gibson.