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

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

2008 MLB Playoff Predictions

National League

NLDS

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Phildelphia Phillies

The Phillies and Brewers have been pretty impressive lately, but with Sabathia having a big workload the past week he won't be throwing Game 1. I don't think the Brewers have the pitching to compete with the Phillies, with Coles Hamels able to throw game 1, the Phils are set. The Phillies offense has been pretty consistent lately and they can put runs on just about anybody. While, the Brewers have been very inconsistent in scoring runs themselves; they've been one of the top run scoring teams in the league until September. Right now they're 16th in the NL. It could all come down to the bullpen, which i give a big advantage to the Phillies. Brad Lidge is one of the most dominant closers out there, plus JC Romero and Chad Durbin can get them through the late innings.

The Pick: Phillies in 4

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

The Dodgers could very well pull it off here. They have the pitching and offensive potential to do it. Should the Cubs pitch to Manny with runners on base? No way! The Cubs rotation is what will probably get them over the top. Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden back to back could be too much to bare for LA. Both bullpens are pretty deep and consistent. It may all come down to who gets it done on offense.

The Pick: Cubs in 5

NLCS
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs

Could be a matchup for the ages. I am really looking forward to this series (if it happens). The winner could no doubt win the World Series, this may be as wide open for an NL team in years. The Cubs have the advantage rotation wise but the Phillies bullpen may get the nod. Both offenses can put up runs as well, which means the bullpens should be a huge factor in the series. I think in the end the potent Phillies offense in Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell will step up and get it done for Philadelphia. I picked the Phillies to go all the way back in June and I'm sticking with my gut.

The Pick: Phillies in 7

C.C Sabathia Deserves the NL Cy Young

If anybody saw what C.C. Sabathia did on Sunday for the Brewers I don't' see how they can not agree with me here.

He single-handedly took the Brewers to the playoffs this season. And to come out and throw like that in the clinching game in his third start in 9 days (3rd straight game on 3days rest!) is just amazing. Not to mention the fact that he was touching 96 on the gun out there in the 9th!

He is a freak and a stud and earned himself some major cashola for next year no matter where he ends up (please not pinstripes).

If he wins he will be the first player to win the Cy Young in the AL and then the NL the next year. Agree? Disagree? Drop a comment. I'm off to dream of a Brewers playoff run!

The Philadelphia Phillies will win the NLCS

Here's an early prediction for ya, the Phillies will win the National League and make a World Series appearance in 2008.

The Philadelphia Phillies definitely have the make up of a championship contender and I see them coming out on top of the NL.

The Phils have one of the most potent offenses in the Big's. Their offense can produce runs throughout the lineup and they have one of the best top of the orders in the MLB.

Jimmy Rollins is one of the best leadoff hitters out there and even one of the best hitters in the game. Shane Victorino is a solid two hitter, he can move Rollins and runners over whenever and also can hit for power, that combo is rare with most two spot hitters. Then there's Chase Utley. Utley is leading the MLB in HR and is third in RBI. Ryan Howard is one of the best young power hitters in the league, he is definitely capable of leading the Phillies to the top. Plus, you add a good fifth hitter in Pat Burrell and it is just plain scary for any opposing pitcher. They are solid all throughout the lineup.

The bullpen is what sets Philadelphia apart. They have the lowest ERA of any bullpen in the MLB and they know how to close out games. Brad Lidge is just as good as any closer with his 0.93 ERA, 18 saves, and 37 K. Chad Durbin (1.63 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) and J.C. Romero (1.38 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) have also been solid out of the pen. Their pitching is what can get them far and as far as the rotation goes, Cole Hamels is a very capable ace, being one of the top hurlers in the NL.

The Phils have shown they can win any type of game. They can beat you with their bats, their batting order is one of the best in the leagues, especially the top. Their defense is solid as well, they make the plays when needed and they have some of the best pitching out there. The bullpen is stellar and the starting rotation is just good enough to get them to the big game.

I think the Phillies should be the favorite right now, they are the most balanced team out there. The Cubs rotation has been pretty shaky and they need one more solid starter if they want to make the World Series. Also, it doesn't help that Alfonso Soriano is out again. And I think the D-Backs are just too young, they make some mental mistakes at times and they are a year or two away from playing in the WS. The Phillies are on a mission and watch out come October.

MLB Predictions: National League

East
1. NY Mets
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Florida Marlins
5. Washington Nationals

The Mets were the best team in the National League for 5 ½ months last season before the collapse. This off-season they brought in the best pitcher of this generation without losing any contributing pieces from last season’s team. If Pedro Martinez is healthy you can expect to see the Mets' rotation be a strength whereas it was a major weakness heading into last season. Their lineup is headed by three potential MVP candidates in David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltran and should score enough runs to finish in the Top 10 in baseball again. Ultimately I think they’re the class of the NL and a solid tier above the contending Phillies and Braves. I think the Mets win the division handily on their way to a low 90’s win season and home-field advantage throughout the NL Playoffs.

Central

1. Chicago Cubs
2. Milwaukee Brewers

3. Cincinatti Reds
4. Houston Astros

5. St. Louis Cardinals

Last year I went the route of the “homer” and picked my Brewers to win the division. It almost happened. This year I'm going to go against my heart and stick to my head. I feel like the Cubs are true co-favorites with the Milwaukee Brewers. I give a slight edge to the Cubs because they haven’t lost anyone significant from the division championship team last season and added one more free agent signing in the off-season with Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome. The Cubs are one of the more balanced teams in the National League and could post the best bullpen in the league. I see the Brewers' bullpen as a questionmark and a weakness and so I'm giving the edge to the Cubs in an extremely tight race. This will be down to the wire and I think that whoever doesn't win the division here gets in as the wildcard. That being said GO BREWERS!

West

1. LA Dodgers

2. Arizona Diamondbacks

3. Colorado Rockies

4. San Diego Padres

5. San Fransisco Giants

The NL West is looking like the strongest division in the NL to me. Truly I think it will be a great entertaining 3-way race. It seems every year the question with the Dodgers isn’t one regarding talent but one dealing with whether they’re going to do everything in their power to get the most talent on the field. The Dodgers have long held one of the more impressive farm systems in baseball but now that talent is going to be on the field for the most part. Don't get me wrong I think the Diamondbacks are poised for another great run. The Dbacks have a stellar rotation with Webb and Haren being an incredible 1-2 punch. My lack in confidence in the Dbacks is much like the Brewers, the amount of young talent is overwhelming. However, unlike the Brewers, the pitching is not the question mark it is their hitting. They have good young hitters with tons of potential that just haven't been able to produce at the Major League Level. I think Torre will be able to handle the Dodgers' youngsters and polish them enough to win the msot competitive division in the NL.

Playoffs:

NLDS

NY Mets defeat Milwaukee Brewers in 4

LA Dodgers defeat Chicago Cubs in 4

NLCS

NY Mets defeat LA Dodgers in 6

WS

NY Mets defeat DET Tigers in 7

2007 NLCS and ALCS Predictions

NLCS
Colorado Rockies over Arizona Diamondbacks in 6 games

While the Dbacks have the pitching edge, the Rockies have the momentum, chemistry, feel-good story, and offense in their favor. They feel a lot to me like 2003 Marlins. They got hot at the right time and they're riding it right now. Depending on what kind of starts the Rockies get out of their pitching I feel like they could potentially end it sooner than 6 games but I feel like 6 is a safe pick. With my Brewers no longer playing all I can say is GO ROCKIES!

ALCS

Boston Redsox over Cleveland Indians in 7 games

The Redsox have the advantage (in my opinion) in starting pitching, bullpen, offense, and fielding. However, the margin's aren't huge and the Indians are playing very good baseball. I just don't see Cleveland being able to win the series when Boston gets Beckett going twice. The Indians should be able to win some games at home and keep this thing down to the wire for an exciting ALCS. I would absolutely love to see a Rockies vs. Indians World series, however I'm not feeling that bold right now.

2007 MLB Playoff Predictions (NLDS & ALDS)

NLDS
Colorodo Rockies over Philadelphia Phillies in 5

My heart says Rockies but my head says Philadelphia. I would give the edge to the Phillies based on pitching. Both have tremendous offenses though. I'm a little late with this and the Rockies have already beat Cole Hammels so I will go out on a limb and stay with my heart on this one. The Rockies ride their momentum and beat the Phillies in 5.

Arizona Diamondbacks over Chicago Cubs in 5

The Cubs were hot down the stretch and have a great line-up but Arizona is built for the playoffs with great pitching and great defense. Their bullpen is leagues better than Chicago's and it will show.

ALDS
Boston Red Sox over Las Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 3 games

I think the Red Sox will sweep. They'll probably get Beckett in twice in 4 games if they need him and other than Vlad the Angels have no power. Vlad will be DHing and with Matthews Jr. out their outfield is going to be spread pretty thin. Even though the Angels have K-Rod Scott Shields the Red Sox have much more bullpen depth. Sweep?

New York Yankees over Cleveland Indians in 4 games.

I hate to do it but I don't think the Indians can beat the Yankees. Their pitching is a little better. With Rivera and Chamberlain holding down the 8th and 9th innings their going to be tough to beat. Not to mention their offensive lineup should scare the crap out of the Indians. I hate to do it but I have to pick the Yankees. However, I will be cheering my lungs out for the Indians on this one!

Playoff Talk with %'s and NFL Week 4 Picks

So, tomorrow will be Ming's College Football Weekend Preview, and it's family weekend up here at UND so I won't have much time to post my Week 4 picks on Saturday. Therefore, I just wanted to come chime in on baseball and give you quickpicks for next week.

MLB

-The Milton Bradley ordeal is the most ridiculous thing I've seen in a long time. I actually kind of feel sorry for him.

-The Yankees are in the playoffs....Awesome! Now if the Brewers don't make it, I can always watch to cheer for whoever they're playing!

-The NL Playoff race is enough to make your head spin!

-Regardless of who comes out of the NL, the AL teams will be a head above them all.

-Although all of these messy scenarios are possible, Baseball Prospective Playoff Odds reports playoff chances as follows:
1. Mets - 86% (77/8)
2. Diamondbacks - 83% (62/21)

3. Padres - 57% (22/35)

4. Phillies - 42% (22/19)

5. Rockies - 32% (15/17)

-I won't give up on the BrewCrew until it's over.

-There is a 32.3% chance of an outright wild card win for somebody, a 44.1% chance of a two-way tie, a 17.5% chance of a three-way tie, a5.3% chance of a four-way tie, and a 0.8% chance of a five-way tie!

-MLB fans everywhere better hold on to their hats!!

NFL

-Last week I went 8-7...not good. I'm looking to improve this week. Here we go.

Texans over Falcons

Bills over Jets

Ravens over Browns

Raiders over Dolphins

Cowboys over Rams

Lions over Bears - I feel it

Packers over Vikings

49ers over Seahawks

Colts over Broncos

Panthers over Bucs

Steelers over Cardinals

Chargers over Chiefs

Eagles over Giants

Pats over Bengals

I'm a little busy today so these are just quickpicks. If you wanna talk my rhyme and reasoning, drop a comment and we'll talk.