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

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:

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.

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.

Who's Hot, Who's Not

TSF hasn't done it's 'Who's Hot, Who's Not' post for quite sometime so I thought this would be a great time to do so...

Who's Hot

Chase Utley
The Phillies 2nd basemen is 15 for 34 his last 9 games with 7 HR, 20 RBI, and 10 R. He become only the 4th player ever to have two five-game home run streaks in one season.

Jay Bruce
Bruce is 18 for 29 in his first 8 games as a major leaguer with 3 HR, 7 RBI, and 12 runs scored. Said Bruce to the AP, "It's been a lot of fun."

Chicago Cubs
Could this be the year? The Cubs have currently won 8 straight games through June 3rd, winning their first road series since the beginning of the season.

Road to Omaha
With super regionals starting this week, college baseball is heating up. The top search of the month on ESPN was College Baseball. We will have a new champion as Oregon St. is out. All baseball fans love watching games with aluminum bats, the fun has just begun.

Who's Not

Alex Rios
Currently his 27-for-115 (.234 BA) is on a nosedive. Rios has dropped 52 points off his batting average since May 1. His sluggish power (9 HR, 69 RBI) and strikeout rate ('07 K%: 16.0, '08: 23.5) have raised some flags about his patience at the plate.

Paul Konerko
His current stat line is: .206 BA, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 18 R, 1 SB, and a 33/27 K:BB ratio. Can you say slump?

Seattle Mariners
The M's are now 21-38 and are 14.5 games behind the Angels and 8.5 behind the mediocre Rangers. Pitching has been a huge problem for them. Seattle starters are now 15-28 with an ERA of 5.23.

Miami, FLA- Kimbo Slice primetime fight
Yawn. Miami was home to the debut of mixed martial arts fight and Kimbo Slice on primetime television, which aired on CBS last Saturday evening. The night was full of horrible referring and boring fights. Slice didn't live up to the hype as he was embarrassed and knocked out by James Thompson.

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!