The playoffs kick off tonight, with the guys from the American League getting things started. C.J. Wilson and Matt Moore will tangle in Texas, while C.C. and Verlander will battle in the nightcap.
So let’s get into this – whose roster will reign supreme and make the final out of 2011?
American League:
Tigers – Yankees
Detroit pitches overall a hair better then New York. The Yankees do have the deepest bullpen in baseball, and that will cover up some of the problems in their rotation. But fact of the matter is, the Tigers will leave New York up 2-0, because Verlander and Fister are better then C.C. and Nova.
Can Max Scherzer or Rick Porcello pitch well enough to close things up in Detroit? Yeah, one of them will.
New York’s all-world offense will make things interesting, but the Yankees’ fate was sealed long ago. When Cliff Lee turned down New York’s offer this winter, it was essentially the beginning of the end.
Prediction: Tigers in 3.
Heroes: None really, though Justin Verlander and Doug Fister will set the tone.
Rays – Rangers
This series will be a battle no doubt. These two teams met in the ALCS last year, and it went the distance, with Texas ending Tampa’s season. While some might argue that Texas is actually better this year, they still don’t have Cliff Lee, and if it weren’t for Lee, Texas would not have gotten by the Rays last year.
Texas has more talent, but talent doesn’t always win out.
Prediction: Rays in 5.
Heroes: Matt Moore, Desmond Jennings.
Goat: Texas’ bullpen.
Tigers – Rays
While waiting for the Rays to finish off Texas, Detroit gets some rest, but the layoff will hurt the bats. The Tigers will be trying to find their swing against one of the better staffs in baseball, and the end result will be ugly for Detroit.
Tampa’s offense will claw out just enough offense against Detroit’s formidable staff, and the Rays will get another crack at their first title.
Prediction: Rays in 5
Heroes: Tampa pitching staff
National League:
Cardinals – Phillies
The Phillies have to be a little annoyed, as they drew the one team in the NL that gives them the most problems. However, the closest thing to a perfect weapon in baseball – the Phillies rotation – will answer the bell.
In the end, guys not named Lance Berkman and Albert Pujols will have problems getting on base, and the Cardinal’s magic run will come to a halt.
Prediction: Phillies in 4
Heroes: Phillies’ pitching
D-backs – Brewers
This is my favorite opening-round match-up. Arizona will put up a real good fight, but ultimately the talent on the other side will win out. Sorry, no amazing analysis on this one.
Prediction: Brewers in 4
Heroes: Ryan Braun, why not?
Brewers – Phillies
The Phillies present the team most likely to win it all this year, hence they won’t win it all. The Brewers have the firepower on offense to humble Philadelphia’s staff to extent, and the Phillies offense will have problems keeping up.
Prediction: Brewers in 6
Heroes: Yovani Gallardo finally becomes a star, and the Greinke deal pays off for Milwaukee.
Goats: Philadelphia offense minus Hunter Pence.
World Series:
Rays – Brewers
A fantastic season will end in fantastic fashion as the Rays and Brewers have an epic battle in the World Series. The Brewers will start off fast in their home park thanks to the NL’s All-Star Game triumph, but the Rays will get back into it when the series relocates to Tampa. In the end, the depth of the Rays’ pitching staff outlasts Braun and the Brewers.
Prediction: Rays in 7
Heroes: Rays front office, Joe Maddon.
So there you have it. I got the Rays. Who do you guys got? Let’s see somebody use the comments feature for once around here.