| 06 October 2009
There's a slight crisp in the air, pumpkin patches are sprouting up all over town and I'm busy researching my Halloween costume. All may seem like normal October happenings around the country, but if you are a baseball fan, it is the moment you have waited 162 games for....
The Postseason.
Just like every other year, 2009 is filled with drama, hated rivals and even a one-game playoff before we even start the postseason!
Join us as we break down each series and make our own predictions on how this year will fair for each team that has given blood sweat and tears for a chance to be World Champions.
St. Louis Cardinals vs LA Dodgers
Hall of fame managers, HOF sluggers and great pitching; what's not to love about this series? But for the first time in a long time, I can actually root for Joe Torre instead of fearing to face him. Its a nice feeling for someone who is so respected in the game.
The Dodgers starting pitching and Cardinals bullpens must step up to give each of their teams a shot.Pitching always rules in the postseason which is why I'm going with the Cardinals because they have the 2 best starting pitchers in the league with Carpenter and Wainwright. In a five game series those guys are just too much for the Dodger's bats to handle. STL in 4 games.
Game 1: Carpenter vs. Wolf
Game 2: Wainwright vs. Kershaw
Game 3: Piniero vs. Padilla
Game 4: Lohse vs. Billingsley
Game 5: Carpenter vs. Wolf
Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies
Everyone knows the Phillies are the reigning champs but its clear that the long season from last year has stuck with the Phills which could cause them to run out of steam quick. I always believe the team that is hotter has a better shot during the first round; which is why I'm going for the Rockies. The Phillies will put up a fight and I think they can go five but ultimately the Rockies will be the team to move on. Rockies in 4.
Game 1: Jimenez vs. Lee
Game 2: Cook vs. Hamels
Game 3: Marquis vs. Blanton
Game 4: De la Rosa vs. Martinez
Game 5: Jimenez vs. Lee
Boston Red Sox vs LA Angels
Forgive me if I seem biased but I simply cannot help it. The Angels, though a great regular season team, seem to always fall apart in the postseason. Boston has the best starting pitching in baseball with Lester, Beckett, Dice-K, Buchholz in a 5 game series with a bullpen second to none. This series might make it to 4 games. The Redsox aren't the lovable idiots who can never seem to win, this team is loaded with vets with championship experience and have come to take care of business. Thanks for showing up to the postseason LA, but Boston has a date back east that we can't wait to see. Boston wins in 3 no matter what Rosenthal tells you. (knock on wood)
Probable Pitchers
Game 1: Lackey vs. Lester
Game 2: Weaver vs. Beckett
Game 3: Kazmir vs. Buchholz
Game 4: Saunders vs. Matsuzaka
Game 5: Lackey vs. Lester
New York Yankees vs Minnesota Twins
Anyone who witnessed the incredible tiebreaker game between the Twins and the Tigers have just seen the exact reason why the Twins will give the Yankees a serious run for their money. Almost as important as starting pitching is momentum and the Twins are the hottest team in baseball. Momentum can't carry the Twins through the postseason but they could take to 5 games. Yankees move on to play the Redsox in the ALCS. Yanks in 4.
Overall Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | ExWL | |
| NY Yankees | 103 | 59 | .636 | -- | 103-59 |
| 87 | 76 | .534 | -- | 86-76 |
Game 1: Sabathia vs TBD
Game 2: AJ Burnett vs TBD
(rest of games TBD)
