MLB Playoffs: AL vs NL

How great is it that the NL is so up for grabs each year? Who had any idea that the four playoff teams would be the Cubs, Phillies, Diamondbacks and Rockies? While the AL is the same each year, Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and whatever team from AL Central (Indians this time around). Sure, the NL sucks overall and should be relegated to AAAA, but at least the playoff race is exciting to watch.

Hopefully enough people were paying attention to the amazing season ending run made by the Colorado Rockies this year, ending with a dramatic 13 inning win over the San Diego Padres in a tiebreaker game to see who would make it to the playoffs. The Padres scored two runs in the top of the inning with a 2-run HR by Scott Hairston, but the Rockies rallied back with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to cap their unbelievable finish, winning 14 of 15. Oh, and the winning pitcher for the Rockies, Ramon Ortiz.

And just as dramatic was the historic collapse by the NY Mets, losing the division to the Philadelphia Phillies in the last week after having control of the division all year long. Game 2 starting pitcher for the Phillies, Kyle Lohse.

Paging Steve Bartman? The Cubs are in the playoffs again and I bet they want to make sure you are no where near Wrigley Stadium. And as for Arizona, I really have no idea what to expect from them. Do they still have Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling?

My Picks:
Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks - Cubs in 5
Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies - Phillies in 4

As for the American League, the Yankees were able to fight back from a horrible start and middle to the season, but once they started winning consistently, I think we all knew where they'd be in October. And as long as the pitching holds up and Mariano Rivera is as good as we know he can be, the Yankees are always a threat in the postseason. But how would a third straight first round defeat be dealt with?

Also in the East, the Red Sox were able to win their first division championship since 1995, but it nearly got ugly out in Boston. As long as Beckett and Matsuzaka have quality starts, and Papelbon is steady in closing out games, it could be a good playoffs for the Sox.

As much as I hate the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and their obnoxious fans, I really like their team, always have. Vlad is one of my favorite players, and it seems like the guys are always having fun. Of course, playing out west is about as easy as it gets, so we will have to see if they really are that good when facing the best.

Last season, the Indians were 78-84, good for fourth place in the AL Central, but with the young guys they had, everyone knew they would be a threat this year. They matched the Red Sox for the best record in the league, and were able to control the league when it looked like it was falling apart (sweeping the Twins twice in Aug/Sep definitely helped that). The Indians have the pitching and the hitting, but for some reason, it feels like they are coming in under the radar, which is probably great for them.

My Picks:
Los Angels Angels vs Boston Red Sox - Angels in 5
New York Yankees vs Cleveland Indians - Indians in 4