Divisional Series:
Angels vs. Red Sox – Sorry Red Sox Nation, but I am running with the Angels. The Sox are so banged up and with Josh Beckett pushed back to Game 3, the series does not look to bright for Boston. The Angels are healthy this time around and definitely the most complete team in the postseason. The Angels have eight starters batting over .270 – eight! I expect Vladimire Guerrero and/or Mark Teixeira to get series MVP. Just a note, Boston did sweep Los Angeles in postseason 2004 and 2007, but LA won 8-of-9 this regular season. Injuries are so big. Boston gets one at home, LA is four.
Rays vs. White Sox – What a great game last night as the Sox beat the Twins on Jim Thome’s solo shot. This is a very difficult series to predict. However, when in doubt go with the experience and the White Sox club definitely has it. With all the young talent on the Rays, I do give them a ton credit for capturing the American League East – a good story! They were tied with the Cubs for the second most wins in baseball with 97 (Angels 1st 100). The White Sox spent a lot of money over the past few years in the free agency market and it’s paying off – second AL Central title in four years. The Rays will win one, maybe Game 1, but the Sox will take it in five.
Side note: It’s the first time since 1906 that both the White Sox and the Cubs reached the postseason in the same year.
Brewers vs. Phillies – If you listen to show or know anything about me, I’m born in Philly and grew up 11 miles from the Vet in South Jersey. It’s the Phillies in four! Much like the Rays, the Brewers are very young. I was hoping they wouldn’t even make the playoffs after firing Manager Ed Yost – total bush league move on Milwaukee’s front office. The Phillies are led by the soon-to-be NL MVP Ryan Howard and five other starters batting over .269 – Brewers have only four starters batting over .269. I am hoping that the Phils only see CC Sabathia once. He’s going in Game 2 and if there is a Game 5 he will run it back again. The key is getting Game 1! Let’s not forget the best closer in baseball and most likely the CY Young runner up – Brad Lidge 41-for-41 in save opportunities. 0.71 ERA in September. Enough said! Sorry to be should a homer! Homer?!?! Howard hits another bomb…Haha!
Cubs vs. Dodgers – Another tough one to predict but I can’t wait to watch it! So many storylines: Who is Mr. October? Is it Manny Ramirez, who is batting .269 with 24 dingers and 64 RBI (he has played in more postseason games (95) than anyone in the series). Or is it Manny vs. the Wrigley Field bleacher fanatics? Or the Battle of the veteran managers Lou Piniella and Joe Torre? On paper, it’s extremely tough – Dodgers have seven starters batting over .264, while Cubs have six. However, the Cubs have six players that have hit over 20 home runs to the Dodgers three. It could come down to the Dodgers outstanding middle-relief unit or the Cubs starters especially Mr. Z - Carlos Zambrano. Other than his no-hitter on September 14, Z has struggled as of late. I took the Cubs in the beginning of the season so I have to stick with it, but don’t be surprised if Manny goes off and LA wins! Cubs in five.
American and National League Series Predictions: Breakdown to follow after first round.
Angels vs. White Sox – This is a no-brainer! Angels will sweep.
Phillies vs. Dodgers – Now this one is tough! Pulling for Phillies, but it’s been so freaking long since Philly has won a championship in anything. I do think they can there. So, I am going with my heart – Phillies take it in 7.
World Series:
Angels vs. Phillies – Boy, I hate to say it, but the Angels are way too complete and powerful. Just look at the heart of their lineup – Garret Anderson, Mark Teixeira, Vladimir Guerrero and Tori Hunter – Are you kidding me? They have a combine total of 374 RBIs. That’s an average of 89 per player. Wonder how many Dbacks had at least 89 RBIs. Angels in five
written by Roc
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