MLB Divisional Series Predictions

MLB Playoffs have arrived! Now, I know it's cheating to make my predictions because "technically" the playoffs have already begun (see Rangers-Rays, 5-0 Rangers in Top 7). But, I am here anyways to deliver thoughts with reason or without reason, to make predictions just like everyone else is entitled to.

Quick overview:
Rays over Rangers in 4 games
Yankees over Twins in 4 games
Phillies over Reds in 3 games
Giants over Braves in 5 games

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rangers come in as AL West champions, led by a strong offensive attack. Vlad Guerrero, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton (now healthy, they hope) and Nelson Cruz bring a lot of firepower to the Texas offense. Cliff Lee heads the front of the rotation, with C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis following. I'm not full of confidence for Wilson on the road, and I think Lewis will be outmatched at home in Game 3.

The Rays, AL East champions and owners of the best American League record, are balanced by a sturdy rotation and experience offense. David Price leads a strong group of arms that includes game 2 starter James Shields and game 3 man Matt Garza. I think Garza will lead the Rays to a road win in game 3 to take control of the series, and David Price will finish off Texas in game 4.


New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

Plain and simple, the Yankees are the better squad. They will trot out their best 9 guys on offense, which will bring lots of offensive ability. CC Sabathia will take care of business in game 1. The Twins will take down the Yanks just once, because the NY pitching has been so shaky as of late. Either Andy Pettitte or Phil Hughes will suffer a loss, but the Yanks and Sabathia will finish it off at home in game 4.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Now maybe I am being mean to the Reds, picking them not to win any games. But honestly, none of their pitchers give them a fantastic chance to win, particularly on the road. It is not shameful that they won't be favorite against Roy Halladay or Roy Oswalt on the road in the first two games, nor at home with Bronson Arroyo pitching against Cole Hamels. The Phillies offense, headed by the attack of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, just to name a few, is a strong candidate to lead the way back to the World Series.

Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants

Now, as a Giants fan, it's simply tremendously biased of me to comment on this series too much. My thoughts are just that this is a very balanced matchup, maybe the most balanced of any first round matchup, and the team who plays at home once more will win.


For some thoughts on the NFL, since I won't get to them today, check out The Sack Lunch Blog, from Will Robinson.