MLB BASEBALL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

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Major League Baseball has wrapped up its regular season and the playoffs are here.  Most of the teams I thought would be there at the end (Cubs, Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers) are there.  The others (Philadelphia, Milwaukee, White Sox and Tampa) are a bit of a surprise.  I thought NY would finally get over the hump but they choked yet again.  I thought Milwaukee, even after acquiring C.C., would still finish just behind either Philadelphia, NY or Arizona in the Wild Card.  The Chicago White Sox are a bit of an embarrassment.  Sure they made it in but prior to this mini 3 game streak they had pretty much packed it in.  They are no where near the same kind of St.Louis team that surprised everyone last year.  Finally despite Tampa leading their division almost all season I was convinced they would cave in at the break.  Than I thought maybe sometime in August.  The collapse never came.  I swear this team is doing it with mirrors.  Well, that and they defend their home turf like a starving Pit Bull.

MLB Predictions

National League

Chicago Cubs over the LA Dodgers 3 games to 2 – In Cubs fashion they will blow a couple of games they should’ve won.  That and Manny Ramirez will hit .600 in the series.  Look for Dempster to pitch his ass off in Games 1 and 5.

Milwaukee Brewers over the Philadelphia Phillies 3 games to 1 – The Brewers have some major momentum heading into this series.  Philly has some issues, most important of all of them is the injured Pat Burrell.  I look for every game to be close but for Milwaukee to win at home.

American League

Anaheim Angels over the Boston Red Sox 3 games to 2 - It pains me to make this prediction as I am a huge fan of the Red Sox.  However Anaheim is arguably the best team in the world.  Boston is dealing with Beckett arm issues and Lowell and J.D. won’t be 100%.  I addition to that Papelbon has looked human in the 2nd half of the season.  I look for the home team to win the games and an exciting Game 5. 

Tampa Bay Rays over the Chicago White Sox 3 games to 1 – Chicago couldn’t win in Tampa during the season and it isn’t going to change now.  Chicago will take one at home with Gavin Floyd on the mound but that is about it. 

NLCS

Chicago Cubs over the Milwaukee Brewers 4 games to 1 – Chicago has played pretty well at home and has played equally well at their home away from home, Miller Park.  The Cubs should hit Brewer pitching quite well…including C.C.  Once you get into Milwaukee’s bullpen good things usually happen.  Milwaukee will steal a game at home but Chicago will clinch at home in Game 5 with BIG Z on the mound. 

ALCS

Anaheim Angels over the Tampa Bay Rays 4 games to 2 – Anaheim is awesome.  Their roster is stacked from top to bottom and the pitching is awesome.  Tampa Bay is made up of young kids and some grizzly veterans.  At some point the gig will be up and it will be this series.  Anaheim should attack with their timely hitting and speed.  I look for them to get out to early leads and attack the Tampa bullpen.  Tampa will have to play catch up almost every night.  Unfortunately for them the Angels have a guys named Fransisco who will squash most of those rallies.

WORLD SERIES

The CHICAGO CUBS will win the WORLD SERIES 4 games to 3 games over the ANAHEIM ANGELS

After 100 years it is about damn time they won.  If they get this far they won’t lose no matter who their opponent is.  However, in true Cubby fashion, it won’t be easy.  They will “choke” a few games away to the Angels but I think the Cubs starters are just a little bit better.  Dempster and Harden should have a great series and I think Kerry Wood will step up and lock down the clincher.  The Cubs hitters also thrive in warmer weather so if the Southern California weather cooperates a couple of warm nights would benefit the visiting Cubbies.  SERIES MVP ALFONSO SORIANO

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