Now that the playoffs are FINALLY here, it's now time for some playoff predictions. Take these as you will, for remember I also predicted that Cleveland would win the World Series this year. Hmmm, not so much.
Anyway, here they are:
National League division series
Philadelphia over Milwaukee: I think the Phillies have too much depth on their pitching staff to hold off the Brewers. CC Sabathia can't pitch every day for Milwaukee, which means the Phillies will win this series 3 games to 1.
Chicago Cubs over Los Angeles Dodgers: Again, this one comes down to pitching and the Cubs surprisingly have a pretty loaded staff. If, and it is a big if, Carlos Zambrano can be dominant instead of dormant, the Cubs might sweep this one. However, Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers will get at least one game. This one also looks like a 3-1 series for the Cubs.
American League division series
Tampa Bay over Chicago White Sox: I was just as shocked as anyone to see what Tampa Bay has pulled off this season. It's not luck, however. The Rays are very fundamentally sound and have won with pitching and defense. The White Sox will be gassed after having to win three straight days against three different teams just to get in. Tampa Bay will sweep 3 games to 0.
Los Angeles Angels over Boston: Sorry Red Sox nation, you're just not as good as you have been. Josh Beckett gets hurt every other start and the offense isn't what it was with ManRam, whether you like to admit it or not. Besides, the Angels have consistently been the best team in baseball since day one this season and that won't change in October. The Angels will advance three games to one.
National League Championship Series
Chicago Cubs over Philadelphia: I can't believe I'm saying this but the Cubs will go to the World Series. Though the Phillies were able to get by Milwaukee, ther Cubs are just too strong overall. As much as their pitching will beat the Dodgers, it will be the offense's time to shine in the NLCS. Cubs will win 4 games to 2.
American League Championship Series
As much as I'd like to see Tampa Bay make the World Series, the Cinderella run will stop here. The Angels are just too good. They hit better, pitch better and have the best closer in the game. The Angels will win 4 games to 1.
World Series
Los Angeles Angels over Chicago Cubs: If the Cubs can forget they are the Cubs for a week, this could be a classic. The Angels advantages in offense and starting pitching over the Cubs at their best aren't that great. In fact, if the Cubs' staff is on top of its game, that is a dead-even matchup. The Angels' bullpen is better and if they remain patient, they should take their second World Series title since 2002. Oh yeah, that All-Star game victory will play a big role in this as well. The Angels will win 4 games to 3, but it won't be because of Steve Bartman or any curse. They are just a little bit better than the Cubs.
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