With 3 of 4 Division Series ending in sweeps, it's kinda hard to gauge where these 4 teams are at. They dominated their opponents, so what does that mean now? Does that mean that these series will go longer, say 6 or 7 games? Or, does it mean that one team will have the upper hand? Can't wait to find out the answer, starting on Thursday night with the NLCS starting between the Dodgers and Phillies.
NLCS: Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia
Philadelphia had the only series which didn't go past three games. They also had a snow delay to force Game 3 to be pushed back into Sunday and Game 4 to finish on a Monday. That has screwed up their pitching schedule as well, which means either Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, or Pedro Martinez will start Game 1 in L.A. Also, the big question about the Phillies, the bullpen, looked pretty good, espescially with Brad "blowup" Lidge not blowing up against the Rockies and their potent offense.
Conversely, with L.A., they looked solid all around, with 3 of their best hitters, Rafael Furcal, Andre Ethier, and Manny Ramirez going a combined 16 of 35. Also, the Dodgers proved me wrong with their starting pitching, as that looked stellar. Vicente Padilla, Clayton Kershaw, and Chad Billingsley all holding down the potent Cardinals offense, espescially holding down Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols. Then, holding down the fort in the ninth with his powerful imposing frame, Jonathon Broxton, not allowing much. L.A. is also looking for revenge from last season's 5 game knockout from the Phillies. But, the Phillies are dedicating this season to the memory of the longtime broadcaster, Harry Kalas, who was so close with the team. It's not easy for me to pick this matchup, but I'm also a homer, so go with the Phillies in 6.
ALCS: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. New York Yankees
Fox nearly got what they wanted, but they still have the Yankees who are bringing the biggest ratings, just puzzling why the ALCS starts on a Friday, typically one of the least watched nights of TV.
Both teams cruised through both of their series, as the Angels finally overcame Red Sox nation, and in a big way, sweeping them right out of the playoffs. The Angels also showed grit and determination by really handing it to Jonathon Papelbon, who previously never was scroed upon in the playoffs. L.A. is also coming in dedicating this season to Nick Adenhart who was killed by a drunk driver after his first victory, a shutout victory over the A's. So, they have that and a team unity and a determination to not only win it for themselves, as they haven't been to the Series since they won it in 2002. But, also for Adenhart whose family is getting his full share of his playoff bonus. As far as the actual players, Torrii Hunter, Vlad Guerrero, Erick Aybar, Chone Figgins, and the resurgent Bobby Abreu did an amazing job against the BoSox. Then, they've got the starting pitching, with Jered Weaver, John Lackey, and Scott Kazmir, who they got in a puzzling trade with the Rays.
Then, there is the Yankees, and their offense, where you cannot find an easy out anywhere in that lineup. Even with A-Fraud, Alex Rodriguez who exploded against the Twins, with a just under .500 average, 2 homers and 6 RBI. There is also the pitching, with 2 of the 3 big acquisitions over the offseson, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett coming up big, not allowing more than 4 runs between the 2 of them. Then, they've got Andy Pettite, only the most dominant pitcher of the postseason, and Joba Chamberlain in game 4 is pretty much the only question mark. O, and to close it out, only the most dominant closer in his era, Mariano Rivera.
Pick: because I hate the Yankees, and I think the Angels will rally around Adenhart's death, take the Angels in 7.
This would make it a matchup of two teams who are playing for two very different people, the Phillies, playing for a legendary broadcaster, and the Angels, playing for a promising rookie pitcher. Look forward to 2 exciting series.
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