The Sports Fanatic playoff predictions: Divison Series
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Well, after 162 games (and 163 for the Rockies and Padres), we finally have our playoff picture. It came down to the bitter end with two collapses (Mets and Padres) and two hot-streakers (Phillies and Rockies) as well as two never would have thought teams (Diamondbacks and Cubs). On the AL side, well we figured them out a month ago. So let's get to the predictions.
ALDS:
(AL West Champs) Los Angeles Angels vs. (AL East Champs) Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are loaded; just loaded. They have Beckett, Schilling, Dice-K, and Buchholz for the pitchers with Papelbon for the saves. Oh, and don't forget Okajima and Gagne, the set-up men. On the offense: Manny, Big Papi, Lowell, ]Youkilis, Pedroia, and Varitek, just to name a few. They are facing an all right Angel team, led by Vlad the Impaler Guerrero. They also have Lackey and Escobar for their aces. They match up well vs. the two top starters of the Red Sox, and their bullpen is pretty good too: Shields setting up a K-rod save. However, the Red Sox have the advantage on batting, which is why they should win the series. But look out, the Angels are known for first round upsets in the playoffs (just ask the New York Yankees of 2002 and 2005). Still, I think the Red Sox should take this one 3-1.
(AL Wildcard) New York (DAMN) Yankees vs. (AL Central Champs) Cleveland Indians
Yep the (DAMN) Yankees are in the playoffs again! This time, just as a wildcard. They are a legit team... ok they're pretty good. Especially with A-rod, Matsui, and Jeter on your team. Oh, and don't forget the playoff killer, Posada. They have an ace in Wang, but the rest of the pitching staff is iffy. They have Clemens, Pettite, and Mussina, the veterans who have been up and down. And Rivera, who didn't really come out this year as the big closer. They face a young Indian team, led by Grady Sizemore and Martinez on the offensive side, and C.C. Sabathia and Carmona for the pitching. I believe though if Hafner can start being a little bit more like his self last year, the Indians can win this thing vs. the (DAMN) Yankees and even win the World Series. Actually, they're my favorites for the World Series. Anyways, Indians over (DAMN) Yankees in the series: 3-2.
NLDS:
(NL Wildcard) Colorado Rockies vs. (NL East Champs) Philadelphia Phillies
The two hottest teams square off, and their bats at least will continue to be hot. I see some high scoring affairs as both these teams have bad pitching staffs. The first game might have some defense, Jeff Francis vs. Cole Hamels. But I think the offense will be the story for this series. Also, it's the battle of two MVP candidates: Holliday and Rollins. No doubt in my mind Rollins should win, giving his team more chances to win whether it's running, hitting, fielding, or whatever. Actually, this article an ArmChairGM colleague did should tell you why he is the MVP. Anyways, I think the Phillies because of home field and because I think their offense will do slightly better will win the series: 3-1.
(NL Central Champs) Chicago Cubs vs. (NL West Champs) Arizona Diamondbacks
It's the young team out West vs. the lovable losers in the Midwest. The Cubs haven't won the World Series since 1908, of course you've known that. While the Diamondbacks were the first World Series champs of the 21st century, winning the final thrilling game vs. the (DAMN) Yankees. Anyways, the Diamondbacks aren't that bad. Sure they've given up more runs than they've scored in the season, but that's just because they've been blownout a bunch of times. But when it comes to the nitty-gritty games, they're good. Led by Eric Byrnes and Brandon Webb, this team can go far. But the Cubs are good too, after their resurgance and patience by manager Lou Pinella. I think this the team coming out here should be the team to look out for in the rest of the playoffs as they can shock anybody. These two seem to be the teams nobody really are talking about. Anyways, back to the series, if the D-backs can continue to just find their ways to win, getting the timely hits, then they can overcome their horrendous stats and win the series. For the Cubs, it'll really depend on Derrek Lee. 2 years ago he had his breakout season, the time we all thought he could be a great player. Well, he is still pretty good, just in the shadows of Alfonso Soriano. If Lee can be productive, the Cubs have a shot. The D-backs won the season series, and should be able to win this series, but it will be close. D-backs over Cubs, 3-2.
