With the MLB playoffs imminent, its time to make some more predictions. The following constitutes my revised predictions for the 2010 postseason, although I will say that a few of my original predictions have remained intact:
American League
Rangers vs. Rays: Rays in 4
The Rangers are potentially a very dangerous team, especially with the glorious Josh Hamilton back in the lineup. If Cliff Lee or CJ Wilson can steal one of the first two games in Tampa, I think the Rangers take this series in five. The thing is, that's not going to happen.
Yankees vs. Twins: Yankees in 3
The Twins haven't proven that they can win a playoff series in what seems like an eternity. Why should 2010 be any different? Especially against a Yankee team who, despite their pitching concerns, is much stronger. The Yankees win this one easily, particularly with no Justin Morneau to deal with.
Yankees vs. Rays: Rays in 7
I've been a walking advertisement for the ALCS between these two teams for months. It will be epic, I promise. Winner takes all, because no NL team can play with either squad.
National League
Reds vs. Phillies: Phillies in 3
The Reds don't stand a chance in this series. They've accomplished a lot this year, but all their late-inning heroics won't save them from Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. Cincinnati will get but a taste of playoff baseball before their beloved Reds will be swept away.
Braves vs. Giants: Giants in 4
As I said in my last post, I really hope I'm wrong about this call. The Giants just have too much pitching, and they drew a great matchup in Atlanta, who has not played well for a good six weeks. Home field advantage is on their side as well.
Giants vs. Phillies: Phillies in 5
As good as the Giants' pitching is, the Phillies' pitching is better. And in the playoffs, it's all about pitching. Oh yeah, and the Phillies happen to have a killer lineup. The Giants do not. That's the difference. If the Giants had the Phillies' lineup, this would be an amazing series. But they don't. Enough said.
World Series
Rays vs. Phillies: Rays in 6
Two of the most balanced teams in baseball square off in this year's Fall Classic. I will be glued to my TV watching these two teams going at it, because we're going to see some great baseball here at the end of October. Ultimately, the Rays will beat the Phillies at their own game, and will prevail. They are the most complete team in baseball, and they've shown it all year long. I just hope people actually show up at the Trop to see it happen.
October 5, 2010
October 3, 2010
The Homestretch, Days 30-32: Finale
I thought that if I didn't post anything this weekend, the Padres would come back and sweep the Giants to force a one-game playoff tomorrow night for the NL West title.
That superstition almost worked.
Unfortunately for the Padres, my willpower was not enough to save them from a 3-0 shutout in San Francisco this afternoon which gave the Giants the division. Leading by 6 1/2 games in late August, the Padres stumbled their way through September, and hung by a thread today as they faced a team who never let them run away with it. Now, they'll be sitting at home this October, while the Giants have a date with the wild-card winning Atlanta Braves starting Thursday.
The scary part of it is, the Giants actually have a very reasonable chance of winning that series. I've said all along that they won't get anywhere in the playoffs, but I didn't anticipate them meeting up with Atlanta in the NLDS. Atlanta is a favorable matchup for the Giants, especially with home field advantage. I like the Giants to win this series and advance to the NLCS, as much as it kills me to say it. Their pitching is better and they have a huge amount of momentum coming in. Meanwhile, the Braves have limped their way in after a sub par September. I really hope I'm wrong, and the Giants fade quickly into the autumn breeze, but I pick them to beat the Braves in four.
My other playoff picks will be coming in the next couple of days, but for now, this post concludes the Homestretch series. This definitely was not as exciting a homestretch as we have had in years past, but the NL West and wild card chases made it worthwhile. This week, the real tests begin. The dominant storylines unfold. Baseball's best team will commence their run at glory in its final act of 2010.
That superstition almost worked.
Unfortunately for the Padres, my willpower was not enough to save them from a 3-0 shutout in San Francisco this afternoon which gave the Giants the division. Leading by 6 1/2 games in late August, the Padres stumbled their way through September, and hung by a thread today as they faced a team who never let them run away with it. Now, they'll be sitting at home this October, while the Giants have a date with the wild-card winning Atlanta Braves starting Thursday.
The scary part of it is, the Giants actually have a very reasonable chance of winning that series. I've said all along that they won't get anywhere in the playoffs, but I didn't anticipate them meeting up with Atlanta in the NLDS. Atlanta is a favorable matchup for the Giants, especially with home field advantage. I like the Giants to win this series and advance to the NLCS, as much as it kills me to say it. Their pitching is better and they have a huge amount of momentum coming in. Meanwhile, the Braves have limped their way in after a sub par September. I really hope I'm wrong, and the Giants fade quickly into the autumn breeze, but I pick them to beat the Braves in four.
My other playoff picks will be coming in the next couple of days, but for now, this post concludes the Homestretch series. This definitely was not as exciting a homestretch as we have had in years past, but the NL West and wild card chases made it worthwhile. This week, the real tests begin. The dominant storylines unfold. Baseball's best team will commence their run at glory in its final act of 2010.
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