First, a quick recap of my Division Series Predictions, which were pretty much dead-on across the board.
American League Division Series
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins
My prediction: New York Yankees in 4 games.
Reality: New York Yankees in a 3 game sweep.
This was the only prediction I got “wrong” on any level, as I figured they would split the 2 games at Target Field, and then the Yankees would win 2 at home. Yankees were just too dominant. Even with the questionable umpiring, notably Hunter Wendelstedt’s awful strike zone in Game 2, and the totally blown call at the end of Game 2 where RF Greg Golson caught the ball but it was erroneously ruled a trap, the difference between the teams was very clear. The Yankees don’t let bad calls get to them, and take advantage when they need to.
American League Division Series
Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
My prediction: Texas Rangers in 5 games.
Reality: Texas Rangers in 5 games.
Definitely an odd series. First time in MLB postseason history that the visiting team won every game. So much for home field advantage. Texas won the first 2 in Tampa, and everyone figured they’d then wrap it up in Arlington somehow. But then they lost two at home to the Rays, and had to go back to Cliff Lee in the first LDS Game 5 since 2005 Yankees-Angels.
National League Division Series
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds
My prediction: Philadelpha Phillies in 3 games.
Reality: Philadelpha Phillies in 3 games.
This was the easiest prediction to make. Phillies had H2O (Halladay, Hamels, Oswalt) in the rotation. Halladay only pitched a no-hitter in Game 1, making him only the 2nd person ever to pitch one in the MLB postseason (Don Larsen’s perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers being the other.) Oswalt didn’t pitch that well, but it didn’t matter when the Reds were making ridiculous mistakes on defense, highlighted by RF Jay Bruce losing a fly ball in the lights that allowed a Phillies rally in that game. Cincinnati’s heralded Aroldis Chapman was throwing 103mph, but the Phillies didn’t care. They just hit hit hit.
National League Division Series
Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants
My prediction: San Francisco Giants in 4 games.
Reality: San Francisco Giants in 4 games.
If Doc Halladay hadn’t thrown the no-hitter the night before, everyone would be talking about the dominance of Tim Lincecum in Game 1 of this NLDS. 14 K’s, 1 walk, 2 hits, a CG SHO. An unbelievable performance from the Freak. This was the best of the 4 series to watch too. All the games were close, all with drama, especially Atlanta’s Game 2 win. The games in Atlanta were also very exciting and simultaneously heartbreaking for 2B Brooks Conrad, whose 3 errors led to the Giants come-from-behind win in Game 3.
So, prediction wise, got all the right teams, and only off by 1 game in total. TOOT TOOOOOOOOT!!!
American League Championship Series
Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees
There are a lot of “keys” to this series. It’s practically expected that CC Sabathia will win the games he starts, and Cliff Lee will win the games HE starts. One of the problems the Rangers had in going to 5 games with Tampa is that they wouldn’t be able to use Cliff Lee until Game 3 of the ALCS. At best, he would pitch Games 3 and 6 (or 7), instead of 1, 4, 7. Sabathia will be available to pitch 3 games, but Yankees manager Joe Girardi will adjust where needed.
It’s a bit oversimplified to EXPECT automatic wins from either CC or Cliff Lee, both who are obviously capable of faltering. In fact, I expect Andy Pettitte to be more of a sure thing than Sabathia.
The keys for the Rangers? #2 starter CJ Wilson needs to somehow match his ALDS performance from Game 2 in which he shut down the Rays through 6.1 IP. Wilson did lead the AL in walks this season with 93. He faced the Yankees 3 times, going 0-1 with a 5.65 ERA. He’s going to have to step things up for the postseason.
On the offensive side, Josh Hamilton has to wake up, as he was not very effective in the ALDS against Tampa. Vladdy and Nelson Cruz need to come through in big spots. Texas has a very potent offense and they can’t allow themselves to get overpowered by Yankee pitching.
Most people expect the Yankees to take this series. Unfortunately, count me among those predicting another World Series trip for the Bronx Bombers.
Much like last season’s ALCS between the Los Angeles Angels and the New York Yankees, the Yankees will have a tough time with Texas. They are not pushovers by any stretch. They are not the Twins nor Reds this year.
I really hope I am wrong about this, but…
My prediction: New York Yankees in 6 games.
National League Championship Series
San Francisco Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies
If any team can upset Philadelphia, it’s the Giants and their dazzling starting pitchers of Tim Lincecum, Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Cain. The problem for the Giants is still, offense. They didn’t have a lot of it against Atlanta, and Philly’s pitching is even better. Philly is just stacked from top to bottom, and even in the past when there was questions about their bullpen, the Giants are not going to be the team to run over Brad Lidge unless there’s some cosmic Pat Burrell walkoff occurrence.
I don’t expect a sweep here, but the Giants are going to have to get PERFECT pitching from their staff in order to beat Philly. That may happen from 1-2 guys, but not all of ‘em.
Philly has the home field advantage here, and they’ll also have it in the World Series.
My prediction: Philadelphia Phillies in 5 games.
