MLB Playoffs 2008: Predictions

National League Matchups

Dodgers vs. Cubs- Chicago has a significant edge in terms of pitching and hitting, as well as home field advantage with a group of rabid fans who think this may finally be their year. It is possible that Manny Ramirez could continue the hitting rampage he started when he came to L.A., and that might be enough for the Dodgers to slip past the Cubs. But I don't think so. Chicago just has too many weapons. Cubs in 4

Brewers vs. Phillies- The very presence of the Brewers in the playoffs is a great story. After so many years of frustration, a close call last year, a manager change in the last two weeks of this season, and clutch performances from the most overworked ace in the league, Milwaukee is in for the first time since 1982. And I'm afraid the satisfaction of just getting there will have to be enough. The Phillies have built a quality squad that will likely be very competitive for a while to come. They have great depth in terms of power and run production, the front end of the rotation is solid, and nobody this year has gotten past closer Brad Lidge. Phillies in 3


American League Matchups

White Sox vs. Rays- If any team's story is nearly as compelling as that of the Brewers, it would be the Rays. Ever since they entered the league in 1998, the Rays have been godawful. Every now and then in professional sports, you see an expansion team find success not long after they enter the league. Not the Rays. It took a while. But after doing one thing well for the last few years...drafting talent...everything came together this year. Led by certain AL Manager of the Year Joe Maddon, the success of the Rays has been a true feel good story. On the other side of things I think it took everything the White Sox had this season just to get into the playoffs, especially after yesterday's one-game playoff with the Twins. The Rays are rested and have the home field, where they have been as good as anyone in the league. Rays in 4

Red Sox vs. Angels- After two World Series wins in the last few years, the Red Sox are baseball's current elite postseason club. But the Angels dominated their division on the way to 100 wins and have tremendous balance all over their roster. Manager Mike Scioscia may be the very best in the game at this point, and his teams play great fundamental baseball. The Sox don't have Manny anymore, and Big Papi has had an off year by his standards. Still, they won't give up easy. Angels in 5


National League Championship Series

Phillies vs. Cubs- These two teams have fairly comparable lineups, though Ryan Howard is obviously a potential difference maker at the plate. But I give the edge to the Cubs based on starting pitching, home field advantage and the intangible of needing to break the curse of so many years without a championship. Can you imagine the party on the north side when the Cubs clinch a spot in the World Series? Cubs in 6


American League Championship Series

Rays vs. Angels- I'm going to make the comparison of the Rays to the 1991 Braves as a team that finished last one season and first the next, filled the field and won with home grown talent, and gave an inspired performance that was the talk of baseball throughout the year. There are so many reasons to pick the Angels, but I just think that the Rays have the extra thing going for them that the Braves had that year. Rays in 6


World Series

Cubs vs. Rays- Tampa is a small media market, but the ratings for this matchup will be huge thanks to the national following of Chicago. Cubs fans will throw a party in the streets that will be epic. The city will come to a standstill. The Rays have home field advantage thanks to the silly All Star game rule, and that will get them a couple of games. But the curse will be broken this year, Cubs fans. Chicago has four starting pitchers that they can send out very confidently, which no other club can claim. Cubs closer Kerry Wood is going to be a hero in this one, and look for Aramis Ramirez to swing a hot bat. Like the aforementioned Braves team from 1991, the Rays will have to settle for second best. Cubs in 6