Results tagged ‘ playoff predictions ’
2009 LCS Predictions
Now that the wheat has separated from the chaff – it’s time for me to make my LCS picks. Once again, giving a bit of a Toronto twist, I will predict that whichever team has the least amount of Blue Jays will win their respective series.
Yankees vs. Angels: The AL team of the decade will be decided here between these two evenly matched squads. Yankees field boss Joe Girardi looks like he has his team dialed in at the right time, with one main goal: to win it all. Girardi also weathered the storm brought upon the Alex Rodriguez PED-admission and injury to lead the Yankees to the best record in Major League Baseball. Angels manager Mike Scoiscia’s no slouch himself, as he has kept the team focused since the tragic death of rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart earlier in the season. The Angels have been winnig 64% of their games since June 2, when they were stalled at a 25-25 record. The Angels have finally beaten their main nemesis in the Red Sox and look like they’re riding a wave of momentum; the Yankees’ search for their first World Series berth since 2003 will continue. Ex-Jays on the Yankees: A.J. Burnett, Chad Gaudin, Eric Hinske (How does he keep doing this, magically appearing on playoff teams? This would be Hinske’s third straight playoff, all with different teams, and all in the AL East). Ex-Jays on the Angels: Kelvim Escobar (not on the playoff roster). Angels in seven.
Dodgers vs. Phillies: A rematch of last year’s NLCS, where the Phillies won in five games. The Phils battled back the second coming of Rocktober in Colorado, where the last two games of that series could have swung either way. The Phillies bullpen is a scary proposition, and blew leads in Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS against the Rockies. Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge is nowhere near his 2008 form, where he blew no saves; this year, he has missed 11 save opportunities. Meanwhile, the Dodgers toyed with the Cardinals and their superb starting staff in two of the three LDS victories, with L.A. slugger – aha! You thought I would say Manny Ramirez – Andre Ethier getting hot at the right time. Much as I’m rooting for the Phillies to repeat, and considering I picked against Philadelphia last year, I really think the Dodgers will do their part to set up a Freeway Series in California. Ex-Jays on the Dodgers: Orlando Hudson, Casey Blake. Ex-Jays on the Phillies: Jayson Werth, Scott Eyre, Matt Stairs, Miguel Cairo. Dodgers in six.
LCS Predictions
Thanks to the efforts of both Chicago teams, I went 1-for-4 in predicting the LDS. This time around, I’m thinking that the team who has the most number of ex-Jays will lose the Series.
Red Sox vs. Rays: The two teams that went hammer and tong for the AL East title now battle for a berth in the 2008 Fall Classic. Does the Rays fairy tale end here, or will they stop a Red Sox Nation on the verge of winning three titles in five years? Beantown experience wins out over a storybook ending for the Tampa Bay franchise. Ex-Jays on the Red Sox: Kevin Cash. Ex-Jays on the Rays: Trever Miller, Gabe Gross, and Eric Hinske. No offence to Hinske, but he is one lucky son-of-a-gun after riding shotgun on the 2007 Red Sox team that won the World Series, and he has a chance to do it again. Red Sox in seven.
Dodgers vs. Phillies: As much as I’m cheering on the Phils for having Matt Stairs on their roster, I’m thinking that Manny Ramirez is making it his mission to get the Dodgers to the World Series and prove everyone back in the Red Sox organization wrong. It would also be the storyline if both the Red Sox and Dodgers faced each other in the Fall Classic. The Dodgers seem to be peaking at the right time, while the Phils would like to go back to their first World Series in 15 years since they lost to the Blue Jays (I had to throw that last shot in there). The Dodgers haven’t even sniffed the finals since their last victory in 1988, but with Manny being Manny, his hitting alone will put Chavez Ravine into the World Series. Ex-Jays on the Phillies: Scott Eyre, Matt Stairs and Jayson Werth. Ex-Jays on the Dodgers: Jeff Kent. Dodgers in seven.
Down To The Elite Eight
Well, it’s that time of season again; playoff baseball. So far it’s been thirteen years of having the best four teams in each league competing for MLB’s Holy Grail – the World Series. Before that it used to be the final four (two in each league), until baseball thought of another way to maximize revenues and fan interest. Gimmicky to be sure, and anathema to purists, but one can’t deny the impact it’s had on the game. Just like interleague play, but that’s another play for another day. I guess everyone’s who’s everyone has a blog on MLB.com has offered up their soothsaying for the Fall Classic, and I’m no different. (Yes, I know I’m writing these after Game 1 of some of these series, but I’m standing by my picks throughout this LDS, regardless.)
Dodgers vs. Cubs: In the battle of ex-Yankees bench bosses, Pinella will get the best of Torre despite Manny hitting like Manny, while Cubs fans can breathe for another round without wondering what calamity will strike this time. Cubs in four.
Brewers vs. Phillies: The Brew Crew won when they had to, but that won’t cut it against the Phillies, where a repeat performance of last year’s NLDS will just be as celebrated by their fans as an Eagles’ three-and-out. Phillies in four.
White Sox vs. Devil Rays: Everyone’s been waiting for Tampa Bay to fall on their face all year; they won’t, but their amazing run ends here against a white-hot Pale Hose team that has history on its side, as every team save one (1998 Cubs) since 1995 that has won a one-game playoff has advanced to their respective LCS. White Sox in four.
Red Sox vs. Angels: The Angels, who clinched their division in April (at least it seemed that way) will break their playoff schneid against the Red Sox, who have won nine straight playoff games against California / Anaheim / Los Angeles / Orange County…but it’ll be a lot closer than Angels fans want to see. Angels in five.
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