MLB Playoff Preview

The Red Sox will win the World Series.

Oh, how I longed to write that sentence and just a few weeks ago it looked like that would be the case.  They had the best record in the American League at the start of September and looked like a lock to be playing well into October.

Now they find themselves on the outside looking in and will probably be looking for a new manager.  Things changed, for the worse, rather quickly in Boston during September.

With the Red Sox out I cannot be a homer and pick the hometown team so for the second straight baseball postseason there is a little suspense for my picks.

ALDS

Yankees over Tiger
Rays over Rangers

The Tigers will be a tough out with Justin Verlander but they do not have enough pitching to stop the Yankees, who will win in four games.  The Rays will get revenge on the Rangers for their defeat in the ALDS a year ago now that the Red Sox have given them the opportunity to extend their season.

NLDS

Phillies over Cardinals
Brewers over Diamondbacks

The Phillies pitching will be too much for Albert Pujols and the Cards while the Brew Crew will outslug Arizona.

ALCS

Rays over Yankees

Tampa's pitching depth will shut down the vaunted Yankees lineup.

NLCS

Phillies over Brewers

I really wanted to pick the Brewers to win the World Series but Philly just has too much pitching.

World Series

Phillies over Rays

Both teams have great pitching but Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Hunter Pence will score enough runs to earn Philadelphia its second World Series title in four years.