ALDS: The Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angelos Angels of Anaheim
There are few things I know in this world, but one of them is the Red Sox have the Angels number in the playoffs. Not only are the Angels 0-5 versus the Red Sox in postseason history, but they have lost to the Red Sox in the ALDS in the past two seasons.
This season, both teams have over 90 wins and it truly could go either way. Both teams have very efficent offenses. The Angels rely on small ball from Chone Figgans and Erik Aybar, but can also take you deep with sluggers Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. The Red Sox have a deep lineup 1-7 stuffed with power hitters Victor Martinez, Jason Bay, and David Ortiz. Both teams have good starting pitching, but I would have to give the edge to the Red Sox. I also give the Red Sox the edge in their bullpen because of the depth they have with guys like Papelbon, Bard, Okajima, and Ramirez. Red Sox in 4.
ALDS: The New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins
The Twins maybe riding momentum from there terrific one game playoff win against the Tigers, but the Yankees will win this series in 4 games or less. The Twins have almost no shot in game 1. They are hungover and were still playing the tigers less than 24 hours ago in Minnesota. Not to mention they have to face 19 game winner C.C. Sabathia. The Yankees lineup does not have a weakness. Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel must have great games in order for the Twins to have a chance.
NLDS: The St. Louis Cardinals vs. The Los Angelos Dodgers
Even though the Cardinals do not have homefield advantage, they are considered to be the favorites to many in this series. They are the favorites because of their great one-two punch in the lineup and in the rotation. Albert Pujols, the best hitter in the league, and newly aquired Matt Holliday have been tearing the cover off the ball since July. Cards pitchers Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright are both in the Cy Young award talks after each had a steller regular season. I believe the Cardinals rotation is too strong for the Dodgers and the slumping Manny Ramirez. Cardinals in 3.
NLDS: The Philadephia Phillies vs. The Colorado Rockies
This is my upset special. The Phillies won the World Series last year but I believe they will have a letdown this post season, much like they did in 2007 against the Rockies. Cliff Lee has struggled of late and the Rockies for some reason do magical things towards the end of the season and in postseason.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
These predictions are quite interesting to read now that the Phillies have made it to the World Series finals, and are awaiting the results of the Yankees vs. Angels series. I think your predictions seemed plausible at the time, but it just goes to show that you never can tell. With the Phillies' bullpen, they seemed like a long shot to win both series. But Cliff Lee certainly put in some excellent performances. I am sure you were not too pleased with the outcome of the Angels vs. Red Sox, but in the end, it looks like it will be the Yanks vs. the Phillies (I still wouldn't mind if the Angels could pull another upset however). Care to predict the World Series winner?
ReplyDelete