Since the Mets are MIA from the playoffs, I figured I'd make a few picks and predictions on what will happen in the first round.
NL:
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
LA Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
AL:
Boston Red Sox vs. LA Angels of Anaheim
Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
MIL vs. PHI
I'm taking Philly here. The Brewers had to scrape together a starting rotation for the last week of the season, and now with Ben Sheets struggles, they'll have to continue to hope and pray for good starting pitching. Philly caught fire late, and has been rolling near the end. Their bullpen is far superior, as is their starting pitching, and offense. Philly in three.
LAD vs. CHC
Tough one. Cubbies in five. I think this will be the toughest fought out match-up. The Cubs are really good, so are the Dodgers. The Cubbies can rely on both their starters and their bullpen, plus they have a nasty offense. The same argument can be made for the Dodgers.
BOS vs. LAA
Angels in four. The Sox are good, but I think the Angels are going all the way. Their SP hasn't been the same, but it's kind of tough to pitch when you've locked up the division in early September. The Sox will miss not having Josh Beckett until game three. Angels are going to win it all, beating the Cubs in the WS.
CHW vs. TB
Tampa in four. A good run for the Pale Stockings, but it's going to have to end. They won three games against three different teams to close the season, but the Rays are going to come out and be running on all cylinders. Tampa is nasty. Go Scott Kazmir?
Thoughts? How do you see the playoffs breaking down?
