Red Sox vs. Angels: Though Beckett won't appear until Game 3, I still like the Sox starting pitching. Lester is the next Andy Pettitte and Dice-K will take advantage of a free-swinging Angels lineup. Also, if Beckett can't go, I think Yankee fans remember Paul Byrd is no chump in the playoffs. K-Rod is not as lights out as he would like to think he is and is one huge home run away from falling apart. The Sox just need one game in LA and should take two in Fenway. Sox in four.
Rays vs. White Sox: The White Sox live and die by the homer. (i.e. play-in game Jim Thome homer, 1-0 win.) Plus I think the Sox left it all on the field in the last three games. Though the Rays are young, they will play loose and the pitching will continue to be solid. The bullpen has been shaky, but if they score some runs should be ok. If they can get some fans to the Trop this series could be over quickly. Rays in three.
Phillies vs. Brewers: Sabathia can't pitch every game and the rest of the pitching staff is hurt or is just bad. The Phillies have a killer lineup and decent pitching. Brad Lidge has been great this year and lucky for him, Albert Pujols is at home waiting for his MVP award. CC wins one game. Phillies in four.
Cubs vs. Dodgers: In a stunning turn of events, Manny Ramirez sees exactly 300 straight balls in this series. There is NO WAY Sweet Lou lets Manny beat the Cubs. I think Manny might start to miss the protection he got in the Red Sox lineup. Cubs continue to hit and mash their way to the NLCS. The pressure won't catch up with them in the first round. Cubs in five.
No comments:
Post a Comment