NLCS + ALCS Previews
Let me start with the American League Championship Series aka ALCS. The matchup between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim looks to be quite even. LAA is playing with a passion to win one for Nick Adenhart, their fallen teammate. On the other hand, the Yankees are playing for paychecks and their reputation as champions. This matchup will be the better of the 2 series. I want to see this series go to 7 games, but I do not think it will. The Yankees now have the front-line pitcher (Sabathia) on top of their elite hitting (Texeira, A-rod, Jeter, etc). The Angels have incredible depth at the starting pitching spot (Lackey, Weaver, Kazmir, Saunders, Santana) and a solid hitting unit with Figgins, Abreu, Hunter, Guererro, etc. The pitching matchup between the two is interesting as the Yankees have the better front-line starters and that, in addition to having Mariano Rivera at the tail end of their bullpen, will vault the Yankees into their first World Series since 2003. Yankees in 6.
Now, on to the National League Championship Series aka NLCS. This rematch from last year’s NLCS between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers will prove to be more exciting than last year. Basically the entire Phillies team is back from last year except Brad Lidge’s dominance, but they added another power bat in Raul Ibañez and a power arm in Cliff Lee. Then go to the Dodgers; they really did little to improve their pitching staff from last year as they only added former-Phillie, Vicente Padilla. (Will the Padilla Floatilla and Wolf Pack be back in Philly?) But the aspect in which they Dodgers drastically improved was with their bench. They added Mark DeRosa (versatility), Jim Thome (power), and Orlando Hudson (a real 2b). I want to see more drama in this series other than headlines reading ‘WELCOME TO MANNYWOOD’. Drama is where baseball is at its finest. Pitch inside… Hit players… Retaliate… Walk-off home runs… High scoring games… OCTOBER BASEBALL!!!! Who will win this series? The Phillies in 7. With a lineup that is extremely difficult to pitch around and a core who knows how to win, I see the Phillies going back to the World Series for the second consecutive year to face the Yankees.
If I’m right, my preseason prediction of Phillies v Yankees will come true. *fingers crossed*
Thoughts? Opinions? Shout out to a one, Andy H (x2)…. another one is due. I know!
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS FOR ME??? I’m out of them…
Seth B
p.s.- enjoy October baseball. the only thing better is November baseball.
p.s.2.-Did anyone hear about that kid who flew in the huge metal balloon that they can’t find?
p.s.3.- Amazing… but not as good as this one….
