Baseball Playoffs are on!

[John Crichton]

Gotcha. I figured it was something like that. Thanks!

I aim to please.

 

[John Crichton]

Darn it. No Indians in the post-season.

Logical prediction for World Series: Cards over Angels; Cards are by far the best team in the NL, and the Angels are the only complete team in the AL playoffs.

Emotional predicton for World Series: Padres over Angels. Because the Padres can beat anyone when Peavy's pitching, did pretty well against Atlanta and St. Louis, and it'd be cool to have a World Series downtown. And the Angels are the closest AL team, so the I-5 series would nicely frustrate eastern writers...

The great thing about this postseason is that their is no outstanding favorite to win it all (like back in the late 90's with NY). Every team has some problems or obvious weaknesses. A quick breakdown of the AL if you may...

I agree that the Angels have the most balance in the AL. Their weaknesses are on offense - they will have difficulty scoring (especially if teams are smart and stay away from Vlad) and their starting pitching (outside Colon) is spotty. However, their bullpen is really good (best left in the playoffs) and their defense is solid.

The White Sox are a similar team to the Angels. However it is their starting pitching that is strong and their bullpen suspect. They have a few above average relievers but no one lights-out like K-Rod, Donnelly, or Rivera (NYY). Their offense is average on a good day and they will really struggle to score in the playoffs as the best pitchers come out to play. Their defense it okay and nothing spectacular.

Boston has one of the best offenses in the game, their success will be based on out-slugging their opponents. They have 2 good starters: Shilling and Wells. Either could bomb at any moment because of injury/age. Wakefield can be solid but he's not a lock for a great start. Their bullpen is bad. Timlin is not a true closer and they can't rely on him to lock down many close games - maybe one or two. They will be looking to win games with the bats and the best 3-4 hitter combo playing. Their defense is inconsistant.

The Yankees are the hottest team in the playoffs right now winning 16 of their last 21 games. They have above average starting pitching and a stud with the Big Unit and a suspect bullpen until you get to Gordon/Rivera. Their offense is just as good as Boston's with just a bit of weakness near the bottom. Their defense is okay but can be a weakness in the outfield (especially William's arm in Center) and Giambi has a terribly arm at first. The left side of the infield is very solid.

I will make no predictions as I will simply be cheering hard for my team.

I'd break down the NL but I don't know it as well. My impressions -

Cards are just like last year - good offense, decent pitching and overall solid.
Astros - Good starters, great closer, everything else is above average.
Braves - A few stand-out players that play a solid game but no part of their game actually rises above the rest.
Padres - Wouldn't have made the playoffs in any other division. They still have Hoffman, right? This of course means they'll win the WS...

 

[LightPhoenix]

But, but, but, but....

You *live* in New York!

You don't even route for the Mets?

Oh no, I root for the Mets. I root for the Knicks, and for the Buffalo Bills, and you better believe I'm an Orange fan. I just hate the Yankees.

 

[John Crichton]

Oh no, I root for the Mets. I root for the Knicks, and for the Buffalo Bills, and you better believe I'm an Orange fan. I just hate the Yankees.

Oh, ok.

That works. Just making sure...

 

[Jdvn1]

I couldn't watch due to work, but all I wanted was the Astros to clinch their spot, which they did. I don't expect them to go far because they never do.

 

[BOZ]

all i can say is, it looks like the Sox are guaranteed to win in the first round of playoffs!

of course, the Sox are also going to lose.

(old joke)

 

[Mark CMG]

Rather than start another baseball thread, I'll just bump John Crichton's...


Chicago's Sox are looking good but tonight's game with Clemens and Smoltz pitching against one another is definitely a great post-season matchup that deserves watching.


It's K's-Ville, Baby!

 

[John Crichton]

I'll change the title so it jibe's.

 

[BOZ]

the braves had some really great hitting tonight! they just kept putting it where the astros fielders were not able to field the ball. and Smoltz' pitching was outstanding as well.

 

[John Crichton]

The Bravos were impressive tonight. I was sure they were going to lay down and die, just like the last few years. Looks like it's game-on. Only problem: the NL lacks the juice of the AL series. Cards/Padres? Ugh. Braves/Stros ain't bad but it lacks oomph for some reason.

With the *hurk, barf* Defending Champs on the ropes against Chicago (the new hard-luck Sox team) and the Yanks/Angels, which are always close games where the Yanks are never favored (no team beats them more) the stories and games just have more punch. My one concern at this point: Rain! Nooo! I only have Fridays and Saturdays off so having games on both days is a real treat. A rainout or two (for either NY or BOS) will be dissappointing to say the least.

When is that stupid continental bio-dome gonna get built, dangit?!