NLDS
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Second half sensation CC Sabathia leads the surging Brewers into a match-up with the high powered Phillies. The Phillies went 5-1 against the Brewers in the regular season, including a four-game sweep of the team in mid-September.
As far as match-ups go, the edge in offense goes to the Phillies. Led by 2006 MVP Ryan Howard and Chase Utley who was on a MVP pace before he cooled off in the second half of the season. While the Brewers do have some pop in their line-up, they just don't have enough balance and depth to compete.
In the pitching match-up, the nod also goes to the Phillies. I say this only because the Brewers will only go as far as CC will take them. Since he will be taking the mound in game two, the odds of him pitching on a couple days rest for game 4 looks unlikely. After CC the rest of the rotation is shaky at best, Jeff Suppan is the Brewers next best hurler, but he enters the post season in a 3 game slump. For the Phillies, Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, and Jamie Moyer form a very strong front that will give the Phillies a world of problems.
Prediction: Phillies in 4
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
Chicago, the NL's best team from start-to-finish this season, captured its second straight NL Central crown with a 97-64 mark, faces off against the Manny Ramirez led Los Angeles Dodgers.
In this series, I believe it boils down to if the Cubs can slow down Manny. Throughout his career Manny has pumped his game up in the postseason. I do realize that the Cubs have a better team and line-up from top to bottom, but Manny is like a live wire that could spark any teammate. Everything tells me to go with the Cubs here, but I just don't know. I don't know if Carlos Zambrano is really healthy. Rich Harden is a liability, and I don't trust Kerry Wood in a pressure situation. But hey, they have to win sometime, don't they?
Prediction: Cubs in 5
ALDS
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels
Injuries will be the story of this series for the Red Sox. The Red Sox could be missing Mike Lowell, with a sore left hip, and JD Drew, who had a strained lower back but played last Sunday. If Lowell can't play, Kevin Youkilis would move to third base and Sean Casey or Mark Kotsay would play first. That's a big drop off in production to say the least. Josh Beckett, the star of last years post season is also hurt and was pushed back to a game three start.
The Angels come into the series as the favorite, and I think they believe that they are. That mental edge could win them a crucial game in the series. I do believe that they are poised to win this series based upon their play in the regular season. They are a scrappy team that isn't afraid to get dirty and stretch singles into doubles and put pressure on the opposing team.
Prediction: Angels in 5
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox
The upstart Rays head into the series with the White Sox as the favorites. The White Sox's only chance in this series is to get to the youthful Rays early. They don't have a real exact approach to offense other than hit the ball far. I can't knock it because it has gotten them this far. I just don't think it can carry them very much further, especially with Carlos Quentin out for the year. Look out for Ken Griffey Jr. I believe he is primed for a big series. Just not enough to win the series for the Sox
Prediction: Rays in 3
bout time
Are you watching the same Dodgers/Cubs series I'm watching? LOL!!! The Cubs are about to be down 0-2!!!
The only thing they'll be in five is out! LOL!!!
It goes without saying, but with your predictions gown south....I'd suggest you keep ur day job.
you must be getting advice from Littal
Lol, I admit picking the Cubs was a big risk. I guess the curse is stronger than I thought. Lol.