MLB Playoff Thoughts

Now that the Minnesota Twins have wrapped up the final playoff spot with a thrilling 6-5, 12 inning win over the Detroit Tigers, it is time for my divisional playoff round predictions. Due to time constraints, I do not have time to really go in depth, or probably provide great quality, but here are some thoughts.

Saint Louis Cardinals (91-71) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (95-67)

The Los Angeles Dodgers nearly completed the biggest come from ahead tank job in baseball history by nearly allowing the Colorado Rockies to win the NL West and force the Dodgers to open the playoffs on the road. Fortunately, Clayton Kershaw bailed out the Dodgers last Saturday and the Dodgers were able to close out the Rockies. While the Dodgers were going through their own tailspin, the Cardinals were as well finishing their last ten games with a 2-8 record. Both teams hit comparable (.270 avg. for the Dodgers and .263 averages for the Cardinals). Both teams feature possibly the #1 and #2 most feared hitters in the game (Albert Pujols and Manny Ramirez). Both the Dodgers and Cardinals have compliment hitters that complete their lineup (Matt Holliday and Ryan Ludwick for the Cardinals and Matt Kemp and Andre Either for the Dodgers). So to me, this series comes down to pitching. Both teams seem to have decent bullpens so I will turn my attention to starting pitching. The Cardinals have Chris Carpenter and the Dodgers do not. Carpenter will start two games for the Cardinals and could carry the team to victory all by himself and in my mind, he will. Cardinals win the series 3-1.

Colorado Rockies (92-70) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (93-71)

At 18-28 and completely out of it in the middle of May, the Colorado Rockies decided to make a managerial change by firing Clint Hurdle and bringing in Jim Tracy. Since then, the Rockies have gone 74-42 (baseball’s best record in that timeframe) to earn the Wild Card Berth for the second time in three seasons. Their reward? The defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. However, the Phillies are not the same team they were last year. Their bullpen faces major issues with Brad Lidge not being able to get anybody out after going perfect in save opportunities (regular season and playoffs) last year. Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels have had terrible finishes to the season and Jamie Moyer was lost to season ending surgery. On the other side, Jason Marquis looked like a Cy Young candidate before falling apart in the month of September, so much so that Tracy will start Ubaldo Jimenez in Game 1 of the series. I’ll ride the Rockies hot streak and pick them to win in 5 games; however, the real NLCS may have already started in Los Angeles tomorrow night.

Boston Red Sox (95-67) vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (97-65)

Really? Again? For the fourth time since 2004, baseball fans have to suffer through this matchup again? I only say that because the Red Sox are 9-1 against the Angels in the ALDS since then. Will history change its tune? Perhaps, and there may be reasons why the Angels can finally get over this year. For one, the Angels lead the majors in hitting at .285, fifteen points better than their opponent. Second, The Angels post the best road record in baseball at 48-33 while the Red Sox only went 39-42. Since the Angels get three home games (if needed) in this series, they will have the advantage in this area. Well, you know what, I could go on and on about why the Angels will win this series. Forget about it. Until the Angels beat the Red Sox beat the playoffs, I will not believe it. Red Sox in 4.

Minnesota Twins (87-76) vs. New York Yankees (103-59)

The New York Yankees are 7-0 this year against Minnesota. You really expect me to break this down? Yankees sweep and close out baseball’s presence at the Metrodome on Sunday.