Division Series Preview

On Monday, I previewed the Red Sox-Angels series. Today, I will look at the other three series. White Sox - Rays I have watched Tampa Bay all year long. I knew they were good but I always believed that the Red Sox would pass them in the A.L. East. I was wrong. Forgetting my past mistakes, I once again will doubt Joe Maddon's club. The White Sox have too much momentum going into this series. They needed three wins in a row, against three different opponents, and did the job on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Last night's 1-0 victory over the Twins, Chicago's first 1-0 win of the year, gave them the A.L. Central championship and a ton of momentum going into Tropicana Field tomorrow afternoon. To be honest, if the Red Sox fail to repeat as World Champs, I would not be too upset if the White Sox (or the Cubs) win the World Series. The idea of seeing Ken Griffey Jr. celebrate a championship would make up for his lost years in Cincinnati. White Sox in 4. Dodgers - Cubs The Cubs starting pitching carried them to a second consecutive N.L. Central title but with their 1-2 combination of Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden showing some wear and tear, there is reason to be concerned on the North Side. The Dodgers may have only won 84 regular season games but they have been a totally different team with Manny Ramirez in the lineup. He has transformed them into a team that has World Series aspirations. For now, I will go with the Cubs but if either Zambrano or Harden is not up to speed, I reserve the right to change my mind. Cubs in 5. Brewers - Phillies I love that the Brewers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 1982 but they do not have the pitching to make it a long stay. Their bullpen has been questionable all year and with Ben Sheets out for at least this series, the starting pitching just isn't strong enough. The Phillies will take this series, unless CC Sabathia pitches every game. Phillies in 4.