If you can't beat em, buy em

As we all know by now Yankees GM Brian Cashman flew to Arkansas to talk with Cliff Lee.  This is obviously not surprising at all as any MLB fan knew the Yankees would go after Lee during the offseason.

It seems apparent that the Yankees will go after Lee hard.  Their pitching hasn't really worked out for them recently.  Javier Vasquez didn't pan out.  A.J. Burnett is a question mark after a terrible season.  Plus, Andy Pettite is getting old.

Lee is the obvious choice.  The Yankees pitching staff is basically the sole reason they didn't get by the Rangers in the ALCS.  There's really no one else they can go after.  Zach Greinke simply won't go to New York and the next two best choices are Jorge de la Rosa and Carl Pavano.  Who we know the Yanks won't touch.

Some think the Yankees wouldn't go after him because having two aces wouldn't make much sense.  I remind those people that it's the Yankees.  They will do whatever they can to win another World Series, and I don't blame them.

Lee throttled the Yankees.  As we've seen before, the Yankees absolutely hate being embarrassed.  They've brought in Yankee killers before (Tony Womack and Carl Pavano). It may not always work out, but Lee is arguably the best pitcher in the game right now.  It just makes too much sense.  As it seems like it always is for the Yankees, if you can't beat em, buy em.

2010 World Series Prediction

Ok I'm gonna make this a quick one.  Here's my World Series Preview:

We all know by now why the Giants and Rangers are facing off in this years World Series.  The Rangers Offense and the Giants pitching are those reasons.  The Giants face a tall task with Cliff Lee pitching two and maybe even three games if need be.  Good thing they have Tim Lincecum to counter.

The Rangers have been great on the road in the playoffs but several factors will come into play.  AT&T Park is not a hitter friendly park.  Will
the huge McCovey Cove winds blowing in from left hurt Josh Hamilton?  You betcha.   Can Vladimir Guerrero cover the huge RF?  No he cannot.  The decisions of Ron Washington and Bruce Bochy and the way they play a back and forth chess match will be very intriguing.  Look for Bochy to utilize Javier Lopez when Hamilton/Cruz are up.  Both managers have made great decisions all the way, but only one will prevail in the end.

Another factor you cannot overlook is the Giants ability to win close games.  They have such great experience in these close, 1-2 run ball games.   The Rangers seem to struggle playing in close games and they only seem to do well when they're hitting and already up big.  That could be tough going against the best rotation they will face in the Giants.  The Giants have the advantage in the bullpen and with Brian Wilson yet to give up an earned run in the playoffs, this should make for a very compelling World Series.

Giants in 7

We should have seen this coming

Why didn't anybody see this coming?  The reasons are clear why the San Francsico Giants and Texas Rangers are facing off in the World Series.  Sure, the Rangers have never been here before and the Giants haven't been in the playoffs since 2003, but it's pretty obvious.

The Rangers have the best offense in all of baseball right now.  They're deep, they get base runners and they have huge bats in the heart of their order.  The addition of Vladimir Guerrero and his stellar play (.300 avg, 29 HR, and 115 RBI) put a lot of pressure off of Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz and Michael Young.  Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler have been productive at the top, letting the big boppers drive them in.  This Ranger order is arguably the best in baseball.

I won't forget the pitching either.  Cliff Lee gave them an ace this team desperately lacked.  I always felt they were a couple of solid pitchers away from being a very dangerous team.  C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis are young guys who have also stepped up.

As for the Giants, it's clear their pitching is the reason they're still alive. They boast a phenomenal rotation and a very underrated bullpen.  Perhaps the best in all of baseball.  From September until the end of the season Brian Wilson converted 11/12 save opportunities.  Sergio Romo allowed 0 runs and 3 hits in 14 appearances.  Javier Lopez had a 1.59 ERA in 12 games.  Santiago Casilla and Ramon Ramirez combined for .36 ERA in 25 innings.

I also have to mention Cody Ross.  The Philly killer is another reason San Francisco is playing in the W.S.  The Giants also have the potential to hit one out of the park at any point in the game.  We saw Juan Uribe knock out the winning HR in Game 6 and he's their 8 hitter.  The offense may not be potent, but it can do it's fair share of damage.

As we know now, it's clear why these two ball clubs are playing in the World Series.  Texas's Offense and San Fran's pitching.  The only question that remains, is which aspect will prevail in the end.

NLCS Game 4 Live Blog

Join us on Wednesday as we'll be live blogging NLCS Game 4 at 6:30 CT between the Giants and Phillies. 

2010 MLB Playoff Predictions: World Series

So here it is,  our World Series prediction.  Enjoy!

Phillies vs. Yankees

Here we go again.  Ever since last season ended I predicted the Yankees and Phillies would face off again.  And why not?  Both teams looked so dominant compared to everyone else.  The Phillies have arguably the best lineup in the bigs and now this season they have Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt complementing Cole Hamels.  Last season they had Cliff Lee.  But now they have two aces.  As for the Yankees,  I really couldn't see anybody overtaking them once again.  It really isn't that hard to predict.

As for the game,  I see this as another classic matchup.  The Phillies easily have the pitching edge with Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels.  The Yankees only have CC Sabathia.  If this series were to happen you better not miss game one with Halladay facing off vs. Sabathia.  My oh my.  Both offensive lineups are just stacked and I see them basically evening out.  As for the bullpen,  the Yankees have the advantage there with Mariano and Wood.  Look for another hell of a series if this happens.

Phillies in 7

2010 MLB Playoff Predictions: NL

Time for our NL Predictions!

NLDS

Phillies vs. Reds
The Phillies are the heavy favorite to represent the NL in the World Series.  They have 3 very tough pitchers that will give them an advantage over almost every opponent.  The offense has been inconsistent but the past two seasons they've turned it on for the playoffs.  Keep an eye on Jimmy Rollins as he's not 100%.  As for the Reds, I can see them making this a good series.  They have capable pitching to matchup with Philly.  If Volquez, Cueto, and Arroyo get going Cincy can be very solid.  It remains to be seen whether the Reds' offense can put up enough runs after their up and down September/October.

Phillies in 4

Giants vs. Braves

This is a very intriguing matchup and the most compelling of the the divisional series IMO.  The key here will be how Atlanta plays in San Francisco.  If they sneak away with a split heading to ATL they will win this series.  The Braves finished with the best home record in all of baseball.  We all know about the Giants pitching, but it will come down to their off and on offense.  They are arguably the most inconsistent offense in the playoffs.   The pitching and defense will be there, but it will depend on how many runs the G men can put up consistently.  As for the Braves,  I am not sure if they have the pitching to match up.  But like I said, if they win in San Fran, anything can happen.

Giants in 5

NLCS

Phillies vs. Giants
I think most people can say that this is the NL matchup they want to see.  The two best pitching staffs in all of baseball matching up in the NLCS.  You've got the two dominant rotations battling and two frivolous offenses squaring up.  Look for low scoring battles that will come down to who makes the least mistakes.


Phillies in 6

2010 MLB Playoff Predictions: AL

It's October folks so you know what that means, playoff baseball!  Here's our AL Playoff predictions.

ALDS:

Twins vs. Yankees
The Twins were looking  at a matchup with the Rangers.  Then the almost unthinkable happened.  The Yankees lost on Sunday so now the two best teams in the AL (IMO) are playing in the ALDS.  The Twins have struggled lately and their two best players have been hampered with injuries.  Their pitching will also need to be spot on.  Meanwhile, the Yankees are always ready in the playoffs and with CC Sabathia going game 1, they should have an edge despite not having home field advantage.  Twins absolutely need to sweep the first two games at home because I don't see them getting a win at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees in 4

Rays vs. Rangers
The Rangers have also been hit with injuries as well.  Josh Hamilton is not 100% and you cannot afford to have your big bat banged up.  I don't know if the Rangers pitching is good enough to advance.  Plus, Cliff Lee hasn't been his self lately.  The Rays have been very consistent in the past month and I see them continuing that trend especially with playing the first two games at home.

Rays in 4

ALCS:

Rays vs. Yankees
If any team wanted to take down the Yankees your best bet would have been to secure home field.  Well, the Rays have just that.  I see this as a great matchup and either team can win it all if they advance to the World Series.  I'm a little unsure about the Rays' bullpen in this, which is the most important unit when it comes to playoff baseball in my opinion.

Yankees in 6

Should Stephen Strasberg be an NL Allstar?

The Sports Flow is back in action! I'm going to start off by tackling a bit of a hot debate as of late. Should Stephen Strasberg be chosen as an all-star representative for the National League? I will address both sides of the argument and then I will give my stance on the dilemma.

MAKE HIM AN ALLSTAR
The allstar game is an exhibition game played for homefield advantage in the World Series in which the MLB showcases its best, most exciting, and most deserving players to help grow the sport.

Having Strasburg even in the conversation for the All-Star Game, despite pitching in the big leagues for less than a month, may be considered an insult to the game and of some its participants.But you cannot deny that he belongs on the big stage with the best players.

Each team must have one representative in the game, and Ryan Zimmerman is having a nice season -.290, 13 home runs, 37 RBIs. However, Strasburg is the best player on the Washington Nationals right now. So why not have him in the game? He is an electric commodity right now and he can energize the game and boost viewership for the allstar game even if he only pitches an inning!

NOT AN ALLSTAR
There's something to be said for actually earning a spot. Strasburg has been dominant since joining the Nationals three weeks ago. Coming in to Monday night’s start against the Braves he had 41 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings against the Pirates, Indians, White Sox and Royals. Many would say that this falls short of All-Star material given who he has pitched against.

If Strasburg goes to Anaheim, some deserving pitcher will stay home.
Yes, the All-Star Game is an event for the fans, and everyone is dying to see Strasburg. However, if Strasburg is as good as he appears he will have many All-Star appearances in his future. To put him in the game already this year would be doing both him and the player he displaces a disservice. Let him go as a legitimate All-Star later and not as an attempt to boost TV ratings now.


MY TAKE
Honestly, is there 12 better pitchers in the NL RIGHT NOW than Strasberg? I say No. He is the single biggest spark plug that baseball has right now. He should represent the NL in the allstar game.

What do you think? Is Stephen Strasberg all-star worthy or not?

Giants need to sign Jermaine Dye

Jermaine Dye is still out there. Teams are tending to shy away from him because of his age. But he's proved the past few seasons that he still capable of being a good hitter. The Giants are one big bat away from winning the NL West.

They made some decent pickups to help the offense by signing Mark Derosa and Aubrey Huff and resigning Freddy Sanchez and Bengie Molina.

We already know they have the best 1-2 pitching duo in the league and one of the best rotations. It's time for Brian Sabean to finally get this done for his team by signing Dye to at least one year deal. They've got the roster win now, they're just one bat away from winning their division and maybe even a World Series.

MLB Power Rankings

Here's our first addition of out MLB Power Rankings.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Now that Manny is back they should be able to get home-field in the NL. The have hitters all over their line-up and the latest pick-up of RP George Sherrill should put them over the top.

2. New York Yankees
The top of the lineup is one of the best in baseball. Look for them to keep pounding the ball.

3. Boston Red Sox
Arguably the best pitching staff in the MLB. The pick-up of Victor Martinez turned a weakness into a strength and gave them a needed bat.

4. Los Angeles Angels
They've looked impressive since the break, but remember baseball is a marathon not a sprint.

5. Philadelphia Phillies
Jimmy Rollins is finally starting to regain his old self. If they won it all last year without a great starting rotation, imagine what Cliff Lee will do for them.

6. Texas Rangers
Boy can they hit the ball! Pitching will be what breaks them in the end. Imagine had they gotten Roy Halladay!

7. St. Louis Cardinals
Look for them to win the Central now, teams will have to pitch more to Pujols with Matt Holliday batting behind him.

8. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are making things interesting in the Al East.

9. San Francisco Giants
The additions of Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Garko should bolster the order. The best rotation in the NL should be what gets them the Wild Card in the end.

10. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies will not go away, they play solid defense and make you earn your runs.

Athletes deserve their paychecks

The average school teacher in North Dakota receives $35,000 per year, the average MLB player makes around $3,000,000.

But is that fair? I think so.

It's the law of supply and demand.

Salaries are set by the demand for workers in a particular job and the supply of workers able to do that job. The higher demand for a job the lower the supply, resulting in higher pay; jobs with a low demand and high supply will pay less.

Professional athletes are one of a kind. Matt Cassel recently signed a six year, $63 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. There are roughly a few dozen or so who can play quarterback as well as he can. Does he deserve this fat paycheck in my opinion? Rightfully so. That's how the market works.

The sports industry brings in billions of dollars yearly, if programs and teams can afford to give out that kind of money to players, that's their right and no one can tell them otherwise.

Jobs with low demand, such as teaching are full of people with the capabilities to do that work. There are plenty of teachers out there, but there's only one Matt Cassel. There's only one Albert Pujols and there's only one Roy Halladay.

That's why the Toronto Blue Jays can basically wait for a deal that they cannot resist. There's so much high demand for Halladay and they don't have to jump at just any deal. They're playing with house money. Halladay is worth as much as a team wants him for. Teams/Businesses want people who can make money for them. Remember, there is only one Roy Halladay.

Professional athletes make the millions of dollars that they do because they're good, they put butts in the seats, sell merchandise, and raise advertising rates.

Not many people can hit or throw a 94 MPH fastball or throw for a 50 yard TD against an NFL caliber defense. But many of us can teach someone simple math, the capitals of the U.S. states, or explain the difference between their, there and they're.

This is not to degrade the teaching profession, it's just the law of supply and demand.

Expand MLB Instant Replay? No way

Once again we have the tiresome instant replay argument being brought up again in the MLB. We had ONE bad call recently and it shouldn't even have happened in the first place, and now we have a bunch of people screaming for it again...

What a load of crap.

The Twins got called out on a game-ending play at the plate. The A's were ahead 14-13 and Michael Cuddyer tried to score the tying run on a passed ball. Cuddyer was easily safe but called out to end the game.

But the Twins shouldn't have been in this position in the first place. They had a 12-2 lead in the 3rd inning; last time I checked in baseball rarely any lead is comfortable early in the game. It's a sport where you need to keep putting pressure on the opposing team.

The Twins didn't do their job after the 3rd inning. The pitchers struggled and hitters went quiet. The A's slowly crept their way back into it and then blew up with a 7 run 7th to take the lead. The Twins only have themselves to blame. They gave up a big lead then tried to blame it on the ump on one call to end the game.

I know it was a bad call but the umps can't see them all. That's why you can't put yourselves in a possible position where an umps call can "decide" the game. The umps are payed to be accurate and make sure the game goes along smoothly. But they're not payed to get every call right.

Now to replay. The human element is what makes baseball such a great game. There's just something about it that I like. Baseball is a game of judgment calls and was made that way for a reason. I would not like to see instant replay expanded to calls on the field.

Once you expand to 'on the field' plays you run the risk of delaying the game and ruining the tradition of the game. If we do this then what's to stop them from expanding to balls and strikes? You rarely see bad calls like this, but remember it's part of the game. It was a rather unfortunate ending to a game where the Twins unfortunately had it coming.

Legalize Steroids in Sports

"Steroids are a huge problem in sports. Steroids are a serious health problem today and lead to heart disease, brain tumors, strokes, and even death."

Those are statements you hear almost everyday. They're beaten to death by the media, teachers, public officials, friends, and maybe even family. But none of them are true. There is no evidence that steroids lead to any of these things.

Steroids are blamed for former professional wrestler Chris Benoit killing himself and his family. But according to University of Wisconsin bioethicist Norman Fost, there is no documented correlation between steroids and brain tumors.

Many so called "experts" and doctors claim that steroids lead to heart attacks. Many say things such as, "it's possible and probable" that steroids are associated with hearth disease. But that's all they can ever say. There's no evidence whatsoever. Unlike smoking, where there is substantial evidence between it and lung cancer, there are no long-term studies that show steroids cause those diseases.

Steroids may not be completely safe, but why single out steroids? Every single over-the-counter drug has it's side effects. Tylenol can lead to ulcers and asthma. What's to say steroids is worse for you? Or even smoking? Drinking beer? Or what about texting/talking on the phone while driving? People put their lives in danger all the time.

I truly believe adults should have the freedom to harm their bodies and steroids should be just another personal choice; Whether it be steroids, smoking, alcohol or whatever, as long as they're not threatening anybody else.

A lot of the stories you hear about athletes killing themselves because of steroids are bogus. There is no evidence steroids lead to Chris Benoit's death and his supposed "roid rage".

But what about the "cheating" factor you might say? There's plenty of other things athletes do to gain a competitive edge over their opponents. What about the slippery swimsuits for swimmers? What about the new special contacts that help shade the sun for baseball players? What about Tiger Woods improving his eye sight to 20/15 with special lasik surgery?

Don't get me wrong, professional sports leagues should be allowed to ban these substances all they want, but congress and our government have no business being involved in any of this.

But what I am trying to get at is that the steroids argument is overblown and is no worse for you than alcohol or smoking, among numerous other things.

Steroids aren't the problem, rather it's the people suggesting they're a problem.

MLB All Star Softball Team

Okay so my buddy and I were sitting watching Baseball Tonight after one of our softball games one night and we started to talk about who we would have on our All-MLB Slow Pitch Softball team. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, we have a lot of time on our hands. But it was a very compelling topic. So here's my ultimate MLB Softball team:

Pitcher: Carlos Zambrano
OK so obviously this position doesn't matter much. Anybody can pitch in slow pitch softball as long as you know how to throw strikes and maintain control. But most importantly, Zambrano can hit! He is one of the better hitting pitchers in the league and can field the ball up the middle.

Catcher: Joe Mauer
Mauer is the obvious choice here. I don't think you could get him out. He would be able to place the ball wherever he wanted. He could hit the long ball, bust the gap, paint either line, or hit it up the middle, whatever you want. Also, would be perfect to move over the lead off hitter on base. Not to mention he could field any ball coming at him from the OF with a runner barreling down third with no gear on...

1st Base: Albert Pujols
The ultimate 4 hitter. Pujols could use up your HR limit by himself. But he wouldn't need to do that. He would never hit for a single either. Also, his fantastic glove work would do wonders in the field.

2nd Base: Dustin Pedroia
Phenomenal fielder. 2nd Base is an overlooked position in SP softball, you need balance everywhere in order to be successful. He would be one hell of a 2nd lead off hitter batting last in the 11 slot.

Shortstop: Jose Reyes
Reyes is the ultimate slow-pitch lead-off hitter. Speed like none other and a great hitter. Also has a great OBP. SS is a key position as well in softball and he is one of the top SS out there. Can field in the hole or up the middle.

3rd Base: David Wright
Wright is one of the best fielders out there and would be a wall at the hot corner with piss rockets coming at him. Also, his bat would add a little spice to it. He can hit all fields and mix in some power and contact as well. Solid 7 hitter.

Center Field: Carl Crawford
Yeah, I know he plays LF but it's the OF it doesn't matter. He could catch any ball hit around him. The lefty would be the perfect piece in the batting order to mix up some of the righties.

Left Field: Alfonso Soriano
Another great glove to the OF but more importantly a versatile bat to the line up. Good mix of power, contact and speed. Can hit either power alley, go deep, or hit for a single if needed. He can bat anywhere in the order at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, you name it...

Right Field: Matt Holliday
Another power bat to the lineup. Good fielder as well, would be very dangerous at the five spot.

Rover: Hanley Ramirez
You wouldn't be able to hit any grounders or anything up the middle on this infield with Hanley, Reyes, and Pedroia fielding everything! I hate to say it but you would probably have to put Ramirez at the 6 spot in the order. Mauer is too good to pass up at the 2 spot and Reyes is your ultimate lead off. Also, too much power with Manny and Pujols batting in the 3 and 4 spots.

Extra Hitter: Manny Ramirez
Very, Very solid 3 hitter. Him batting in front of Pujols would be deadly, only thing is how would he be able to share the HR limit with Albert?

Batting Order:
1. Jose Reyes- SS
2. Joe Mauer- C
3. Manny Ramirez- EH
4. Albert Pujols- 1B
5. Matt Holliday- RF
6. Hanley Ramirez- RO
7. David Wright- 3B
8. Carl Crawford- CF
9. Alfonso Soriano- LF
10. Carlos Zambrano- P
11. Dustin Pedroia- 2B

There you have it! Long Haul Trucking or Resmondo ain't got nothing on this softball team!

Who would you have on your MLB All Star Slow Pitch team?

RIP Harry Kalas

One of the best voices in all of the MLB, Harry Kalas passed away Monday, April 13, 2009.

Kalas was the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and NFL Films. He had some very unique calls and his voice brought excitement, joy, and refreshment to the game of baseball.

Harry Kalas, you will be missed.

Tribute to Harry Kalas:

A-Rod truly is A-Fraud

I don't know if anyone else caught A-Rod's press conference yesterday but it had to have been the biggest crock of crap I've ever seen. The man read off of a piece of paper for crying out loud! About the only thing he had going for him was the fact that he didn't look Orange this time...Watch this in case you missed it:

Like I said the guy read off of a piece of paper, which was probably prepared by his crisis management specialist. And there weren't even follow-up questions allowed. WHAT A JOKE!

A-Roid constantly mentions that he was so young and naive and etc. This is such a joke. Does he really expect us to believe that he let his cousin inject him with something he didn't even know what it was!? Injecting himself with a mystery substance that he didn't know the effects it would have or even how exactly to use it? He's stupid, but not that stupid. I also really liked how he said the reason why he didn't disclose on his cousin right away was that he first called him and talked about it. Yeah that's called deciding on the story they were going to tell. Just seems wrong to me.

And how about that address to his teammates? That horrendous 37 second pause was nearly unbearable. I would almost guarantee that he practiced that act in front of the mirror for the last couple days. This man is the T.O. of Major League Baseball. He wants us to judge his legacy from this day forward. All i have to say is good luck with that because I am not impressed and I don't think that many people bought into what A-Roid said in the interview.

Big Unit Signs with Giants

The Big Unit will give it another go in the NL West next season in his question for 300. The 45-year-old, five time Cy Young Award winner signed a one year, $8 million contract with the San Fransisco Giants Friday night. The contract joins Johnson with an already formidable Giants staff that features former Cy Young winners Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito as well as the highly touted Matt Cain.

FANTASY IMPACT
Johnson has gone to a very good place and this really helps his fantasy value for next season. While the Giants' offense is nothing to write home about (in fact it's nothing to write anywhere about) the Big Unit should see similar success to what he saw in the second half of last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Don't be totally fooled by Johnson's overall numbers, his second half numbers showed flashes of the Unit of old we are used to seeing.

IMPACT ON THE GIANTS

Johnson's numbers picked up in the second half as he got healthier and came to terms with what he now is as a pitcher. Less power, more finesse, pitching more to contact and allowing the defense to do their jobs really allowed Johnson to thrive. Not to mention the fact that he'll be going from a good hitter's park to a good pitcher's park..He isn't the dominant ace he once was in years past, but you can still expect near 15 wins, 175Ks and an ERA in the low 3.00s. I feel like this was a really good move for the Giants and helps their pitching stall out a lot really. The Giants need a lot more help than just the Big Unit if they want to contend though. But Ming should be excited because this was a step in the right direction.

Best TV Sports Commercials

Here's some great sports commercials over the years and whether funny or just bone-chilling, this is what keeps us going between games...

Everybody loves the SportsCenter Commercials...


"Next time have some ID"


Remember Y2K?


Who's up for a game of Ping-Pong?


New Kid


50th best heavyweight, in Georgia


Big Buddy


ESPN NBA


Now for the bone chilling ones...


A Tradition Unlike any Other


Leave Nothing


Let Your Game Speak


United We Rise


Where Amazing Happens


Just do it


The Time is Now (Bare with me, this is still a good commercial)


This was a little lengthy, but I know you'll appreciate it...

2008 World Series Prediction

Phildelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Angels

This would be a great matchup if it were to happen. Both teams have the pitching to get here and both have very potent offensive line ups. The heart of the order of both teams are arguably the best in both leagues.

Breaking it down:

Bull Pen: Advantage Angels
With K-Rod as your closer you should always get the edge. He's arguably the best closer in the MLB. Add Jose Arrendono and Scott Shields and they're virtually unstoppable. They have the arms to win it all.

Starting Rotation: Advantage Angels
Once again I have to give the edge to the Angels. The Phillies rotation may not be the best but they still have some capable arms. Cole Hamels is one of the best aces out there when he's on his game. He never gives up a lot of runs and he'll keep you in every game. The Angels may not have a dominant starter, but they are deep. John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders is an outstanding trio to have.

Offense: Advantage Phillies
Both teams can put up runs, but the Phillies make up on offense is unbelievable. Jimmy Rollins is one of the best lead off hitters out there, plus he is the most efficient base runner in the league (47 SB out of 50 attempts). Shane Victorino can come up with the big hit and move Rollins over. Chase Utley is a dangerous three hitter and Ryan Howard has that raw power. Pat Burrell is a scary 5 hitter too. The bottom of the order can produce with Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz.

Defense: Advantage Angels
The infield is solid with SS Erick Aybar and 2B Howie Kendrick up the middle. They may be one of the best up the middle defensive teams out there. Chone Figgens is also a solid 3B and utility player. The outfield is the best in all of baseball with Torii Hunter patrolling center field and Vlad Guerrero's arm out in RF.

The Pick: Los Angeles Angels in 7

This is a pretty even matchup but the Angels will get it done. They have a big pitching advantage over the Phillies and that's what will get it done in the end.

2008 MLB Playoff Predictions

AMERICAN LEAGUE

ALDS

Boston Redsox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem

Well we all watched the Red Sox run all over a weak Angels team last year; this year, the Red Sox are facing off against the team that’s not only the best in the AL but enjoyed a 17-9 September. It shouldn’t be close. Especially with Beckett coming in a little dinged up. Obviously it's hard to bet against the Red Sox Nation but I think this is one of the only circumstances that it should be done. The Angels are waaaay too complete of a ballclub. The Angels pretty much owned the Red Sox throughout the Regular season this year and I expect more of the same. Especially if the Angels can put themselves in save situations I fully expect K-Rod to be dealin his meanest. But don't completely write off the Red Sox. They're THE RED SOX. This is the PLAYOFFS. This will be a damn good series.

The Pick: Angels in 5

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox

Okay, let’s be honest. I love the concept of what the Rays have done this year. I mean this franchise was pure crap for their entire existence. Now finally they are playing good all season. What a beautiful story. Here is the problem with all of this: it has to end somewhere. I think it ends here. That’s right, the fun is over. I hate to say it because I loathe the White Sox, I really do. Tampa will be good for several more years but I think they are tired. It has shown a little down the stretch. The lack of experience against a veteran team like the White Sox will be their undoing. With all the veteran leadership on the White Sox side and the momentum they're riding off the win against the Twins I just don't see the Rays taking this one. I think you can look for veterans like Pierznsky and Griffey Jr. to have big series'.

The Pick: Chicago in 4

ALCS

Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem vs. Chicago White Sox

This matchup is just laden with veteran leadership and good starting pitching. However if this is indeed the ALCS matchup I think you can look for the Angels to have an easier time with the White Sox than the Red Sox. The White Sox are a good team and I think Ozzie Guillen is a good enough manager to make this as close as possible but I think the Angels are in a class above the White Sox. Their pitching is all around better and I also think their lineup is a little more potent.

The Pick: Angels in 4