Friday, October 16, 2009

NLCS and ALCS Predictions

In the National League the Dodgers and the Phillies will square off in a rematch from last years series which the Phillies took 4 games to 1. Gone is Derek Lowe and Pat Burrell but welcome Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez. This two teams remain mainly intact from the clubs that met last year. Because of the similarites I give the Phillies the nod again in 6 games. The Phillies upgraded as they added Ibanez, Lee, and Martinez. The Dodgers made some minor adjustments also as they added Padillia, George Sherrill, and Orlando Hudson. I think the pitching for the Phillies will again outlast the Dodgers staff as they can throw out a lineup of Lee, Hamels, Blanton, Happ, and Martinez. These starters will be able to keep the LA big hitters in check and help take the pressure of the weaker bullpen which would have been a stronger group if not for Lidge's struggles this year. Joe Torre's descion making will keep the Dodgers in the series but the lineup for the Phillies with the weak link being the the 9th spot will be too much for the Dodgers pitchers. The one, two, three punch of Rollins, Utley, and Howard is backed up by a solid 4-6 hitters with Ibanez, Werth, and Victorino.
The Yankees and Angels square off in a close matchup of AL teams with impressive rosters. The Angels finally removed the enormous monkey from their backs with a sweep of the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees had a easier time as they played the exhausted and over matched Twins. The Angels will win this series if Lackey and Weaver have an encore performance of their Game 1 and 2 wins. They will be evenly matched by the possible 3 man rotation of Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettite. The Angels have all the momentum since they swept the Sox and are focused on delivering a World Series for their late pitcher Nick Adenhart. The Angels speed will win out over the Yank's power as the Halo's pitchers will negate A-Rods success against the Twins. The bullpens are evenly matched with Rivera's experience but Fuentes success this season. This will be a very close series as the Angels prevail in 7 games.

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