With the Dodgers participating in their annual tragedy, "stay in it long enough to get people's hopes up and force everyone to set themselves up for the inevitable crap the bed moment during the last few weeks of the season". Which this year played out with the Dodgers losing 11 out of their last 14 games. Obviously I've come to expect this every year, and did everything I could to not jump on the Dodgers' late season bandwagon that claims a few new victims every year. More on the Dodgers in a few months...
Now, normally I don't care about the playoffs of any sport once my team is out of it, but after watching the Padres/Rockies 13 inning wild card playoff game last night, (watching the Padres lose never hurts), I started to get a little excited about the playoffs. So what the hell, here's a preview with my predictions.
Best match up of the first round if you ask me. Both teams are coming off of amazing finishes to the season, with the Phillies becoming the third team since 1900 to overcome a seven-game deficit in September and beat the Mets for the NL East. The Rockies on the other hand only won 14 out of their last 15 games(!), capping it off last night with a thrilling victory by beating Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the 13th. It's safe to say that these teams have an equal amount of momentum heading into this series. Momentum Edge: Even
The Phillies seem to have an edge with their lineup, boasting last year's MVP in Ryan Ho
ward and this year's MVP candidate, Jimmy Rollins. Not to mention Chase Utley and Aarond Roward, 
the Phillies have some pop in that lineup. Colorado isn't too shabby either, but MVP candidate Matt Holliday and ROY candidate Troy Tulowitzki will have to carry these young Rockies if they are going to win the series. I know they have Tood Helton, but he isn't the superstar he used to be, but still a very good 3 in that lineup. Offense Edge: Phillies
Starting pitching is where this series gets a bit more interesting. Both teams have relied on offensive output to carry them through the end of the season, surviving some poor outputs from their starters. The Phillies look like they are going to throw Hamels (15-5), Kendrick (10-4), Moyer (14-12) and possibly Lohse (9-12). Colorado is going to go with Francis (17-9), Morales (3-2), Jimenez (4-4), and possible Fogg (10-9). Although Francis is a very good starter (even though he's Canadian), but doesn't have commanding stuff or a low ERA. I know he played in Colorado, but ERA can really tell a lot about a pitcher and can sometimes be overshadowed but the amount of wins a pitcher has. Morales and Jimenez are basically new talents and have r
eally yet to prove themselves, especially on a large stage. Hamels on the other hand is a legitimate talent. He has commanding stuff and his Johan Santana-like change up is at times, unhittable. Moyer is ancient but can still be counted on, and Kendrick is much the same as Morales and Jimenez, unproven and the results are somewhat unknown. Starting Pitching Edge: Phillies
The other national league matchup can be best described as the "something to prove" match up. The "Baby Backs" have been riding their young stars the entire year, and have proven many a sports writer and critic wrong. Most people thought that the Diamondbacks would tire o
ut, and that their young guys would decline toward the end of the year and slowly drop down to about third or fouth in the NL West. The backs held onto their lead and finished 6-5 down the stretch, not exactly a powerful finish, but they seemed to win every single must-win game during that span. The Cubs went 12-6 over their last 18 games, winning the NL Central by 2 games over the Brewers. Cubs fans (like many Dodger fans) are cynical by nurture, after having endured countless depressing and sometimes devastating losses over the years. This leaves them with that sinking feeling of inevitable doom while watching their team. Surprisingly, they are usually willing to give them one more chance, and often times have a weird sense of unwarranted optimism. The Bartman incident from a few years back seemed to cement their unlucky and doomed status, but the 2004 Boston Red Sox proved that history can be forgotten in one year. By holding off the Brewers this year and winning the division, Cubs fans seem to think that this year may just be the year, as Cubs teams of old would have squandered that division for sure. As for momentum, both teams were counted out at one point this season, and both of them are now dancing in the playoffs. Momentum Edge: Even
Defensively, neither team has shown consistency. The Cubs outfield play has been atrocious, and Stephen Drew has 17 errors at shortstop for the Diamondbacks. The only difference between the two teams is Eric Byrnes, who can pull off a web gem with the best of them. Defense Edge: Diamondbacks
The Cubs spent big money during the season to extend Carlos Zambrano's contract. He's a v
ery emotional pitcher, which has somewhat endeared him to the Cubs' fanbase. He has commanding stuff, but has been anything from stable. He can be erratic, and if you get to him early in the game he is a definite non-factor and will tend to implode. He has been very good lately. He hasn't allowed a run in his past two starts, covering 13 innings. But he had a 7.06 ERA in August, which followed a July in which he had a 1.38 ERA. After Zambrano (18-13) the Cubs will pitch Ted Lilly (15-8) and Rich Hill (11-8), two lefthanders with similar pitching styles. Despite Hill's ridiculous curveball, neither one of those pitchers should be something to be afraid of. On the flip 
side, the Diamondbacks have Brandon Webb (18-10), who is very consistent and has the ability to dominate every game he pitches. Last year's Cy Young winner, Webb threw 42 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings this year, including three consecutive complete game shutouts. The Diamondbacks will then turn to Doug Davis (13-12) and Livan Hernandez (11-11). Hernandez has the ability to lull you to sleep and throw you changeups all day long, keeping you in the park. He's a proven playoff pitcher and tends not to get shelled. Starting Pitching Advantage: Diamondbacks
Again, on paper, this isn't even a contest. The Diamondbacks led the majors in saves this year, with Jose Valverde saving 47 out of a possible 51 games. Brandon Lyon (2.71 ERA), Ton
y Pena (3.27), Doug Slaten (2.72) and Juan Cruz (87 strikeouts in 61 innings) all contribute to this bullpen, which, with the lack of offense in Arizona, was the main contributor to their NL West division title. The Diamondbacks were also 32-20 in one run games this year, which usually shows the effects of a good bullpen. The Cubs bullpen has held it together for the most part of the year, and with the emergence of Carlos Marmol (1.43 ERA) the pen has definitely gotten a boost. Bob Howry (3.32 ERA), Scott Eyre (4.13), and Michael Wuertz (3.48 ERA) make up the bullpen, that has shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks. The closer, Ryan Dempster (4.73 ERA and 28 SV) strikes fear into the hearts of Cubs fans everywhere, and is certainly the weakest part of the Cubs bullpen. Relief Pitching Edge: Diamondbacks
After writing this preview, I guess I am more excited for this series than I thought. But mainly just because I want to see what the Cubs can do this time to devastate their fans. Every time I look at the Cubs and their roster, nothing jumps out at me and makes me think that they can win this series. I guess they can continue the theme of this preview and prove me wrong, but I just think the the Diamondbacks pitching will overpower their hitters and the Cubs bullpen will give up any lead that they may have. The Diamondbacks have found a way to win all year and I think that will continue with this series. Final Prediction: Diamondbacks in 4
NLDS
Rockies/Phillies
Best match up of the first round if you ask me. Both teams are coming off of amazing finishes to the season, with the Phillies becoming the third team since 1900 to overcome a seven-game deficit in September and beat the Mets for the NL East. The Rockies on the other hand only won 14 out of their last 15 games(!), capping it off last night with a thrilling victory by beating Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the 13th. It's safe to say that these teams have an equal amount of momentum heading into this series. Momentum Edge: Even
The Phillies seem to have an edge with their lineup, boasting last year's MVP in Ryan Ho
ward and this year's MVP candidate, Jimmy Rollins. Not to mention Chase Utley and Aarond Roward, 
the Phillies have some pop in that lineup. Colorado isn't too shabby either, but MVP candidate Matt Holliday and ROY candidate Troy Tulowitzki will have to carry these young Rockies if they are going to win the series. I know they have Tood Helton, but he isn't the superstar he used to be, but still a very good 3 in that lineup. Offense Edge: PhilliesDefensively, both teams are solid. Tim Kurkjian of ESPN.com called Colorado's defense, "the best in the game". The Rockies made only 68 errors, fewest in the major leagues, 1
5 fewer than any other National League team. They made 180 double plays, second most in the major leagues. The defense is anchored by the shortstop Tulowitzki, who committed eleven errors on the season. The Phillies aren't too bad defensively, with Rollins at short and Roward giving up his body out in center, they can make plays. Howard is a weak spot at first though, and proved this the other night when he dropped a ball at first and couldn't pick up in, letting a run score. Defense Edge: Colorado
5 fewer than any other National League team. They made 180 double plays, second most in the major leagues. The defense is anchored by the shortstop Tulowitzki, who committed eleven errors on the season. The Phillies aren't too bad defensively, with Rollins at short and Roward giving up his body out in center, they can make plays. Howard is a weak spot at first though, and proved this the other night when he dropped a ball at first and couldn't pick up in, letting a run score. Defense Edge: ColoradoStarting pitching is where this series gets a bit more interesting. Both teams have relied on offensive output to carry them through the end of the season, surviving some poor outputs from their starters. The Phillies look like they are going to throw Hamels (15-5), Kendrick (10-4), Moyer (14-12) and possibly Lohse (9-12). Colorado is going to go with Francis (17-9), Morales (3-2), Jimenez (4-4), and possible Fogg (10-9). Although Francis is a very good starter (even though he's Canadian), but doesn't have commanding stuff or a low ERA. I know he played in Colorado, but ERA can really tell a lot about a pitcher and can sometimes be overshadowed but the amount of wins a pitcher has. Morales and Jimenez are basically new talents and have r
eally yet to prove themselves, especially on a large stage. Hamels on the other hand is a legitimate talent. He has commanding stuff and his Johan Santana-like change up is at times, unhittable. Moyer is ancient but can still be counted on, and Kendrick is much the same as Morales and Jimenez, unproven and the results are somewhat unknown. Starting Pitching Edge: PhilliesThe relievers aren't much better than the starters, but have played relatively well down the stretch. The Rockies boast Brian Fuentes, Jeremy Affeldt, LaTroy Hawkins, with newcomer Manny Corpas taking over the closer role from Fuentes. The Rockies' relievers have h
ave stepped up recently, with Corpas earning saves in 5 out of their last 9 games. The Phillies relievers have taken some slack throughout the year, but have also done well down the stretch. The Phillies have Tom Gordon, Antonio Alfonseca, Jose Mesa, J.C. Romero, and Brett Myers closing. All of those guys have been closers at one point in their careers, and have a vast amount of experience in tight situations. Romero also boast an ERA of just over 1.00 in his past 52 appearances. Myers has been hit and miss with a 4.33 ERA but has closed out the important games on their win streak. Too close for me to call. Pitching Relief Pitching Edge: Even
All in all this series should be the best of the first round. Expect a lot of scoring from both of these clubs, especially when the series is in Colorado. Both teams are very even but I expect Howard, Rollins, and the rest of the Phillies lineup to continue hitting the ball well and to carry them into the next round. Final Prediction: Phillies in 5
ave stepped up recently, with Corpas earning saves in 5 out of their last 9 games. The Phillies relievers have taken some slack throughout the year, but have also done well down the stretch. The Phillies have Tom Gordon, Antonio Alfonseca, Jose Mesa, J.C. Romero, and Brett Myers closing. All of those guys have been closers at one point in their careers, and have a vast amount of experience in tight situations. Romero also boast an ERA of just over 1.00 in his past 52 appearances. Myers has been hit and miss with a 4.33 ERA but has closed out the important games on their win streak. Too close for me to call. Pitching Relief Pitching Edge: Even
All in all this series should be the best of the first round. Expect a lot of scoring from both of these clubs, especially when the series is in Colorado. Both teams are very even but I expect Howard, Rollins, and the rest of the Phillies lineup to continue hitting the ball well and to carry them into the next round. Final Prediction: Phillies in 5
NLDS
Diamondbacks/Cubs
The other national league matchup can be best described as the "something to prove" match up. The "Baby Backs" have been riding their young stars the entire year, and have proven many a sports writer and critic wrong. Most people thought that the Diamondbacks would tire o
ut, and that their young guys would decline toward the end of the year and slowly drop down to about third or fouth in the NL West. The backs held onto their lead and finished 6-5 down the stretch, not exactly a powerful finish, but they seemed to win every single must-win game during that span. The Cubs went 12-6 over their last 18 games, winning the NL Central by 2 games over the Brewers. Cubs fans (like many Dodger fans) are cynical by nurture, after having endured countless depressing and sometimes devastating losses over the years. This leaves them with that sinking feeling of inevitable doom while watching their team. Surprisingly, they are usually willing to give them one more chance, and often times have a weird sense of unwarranted optimism. The Bartman incident from a few years back seemed to cement their unlucky and doomed status, but the 2004 Boston Red Sox proved that history can be forgotten in one year. By holding off the Brewers this year and winning the division, Cubs fans seem to think that this year may just be the year, as Cubs teams of old would have squandered that division for sure. As for momentum, both teams were counted out at one point this season, and both of them are now dancing in the playoffs. Momentum Edge: Even
On paper, this isn't even a contest. The Cubs lineup includes Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, Cliff Floyd, and Jacque Jones. Now, Derrek Lee and Cliff Floyd are certainly not what they used to be, but Ramirez and Soriano should still be enough for them to have an offensive edge. For the Diamondbacks, Chris Young is their only real homerun threat, with Eric Byrnes adding a little pop. But somehow, the Diamondbacks have produced enough runs to win 90 games this season. They may not have your prototypical numbers, but they get it done. Offense Edge: Cubs
Defensively, neither team has shown consistency. The Cubs outfield play has been atrocious, and Stephen Drew has 17 errors at shortstop for the Diamondbacks. The only difference between the two teams is Eric Byrnes, who can pull off a web gem with the best of them. Defense Edge: Diamondbacks
The Cubs spent big money during the season to extend Carlos Zambrano's contract. He's a v
ery emotional pitcher, which has somewhat endeared him to the Cubs' fanbase. He has commanding stuff, but has been anything from stable. He can be erratic, and if you get to him early in the game he is a definite non-factor and will tend to implode. He has been very good lately. He hasn't allowed a run in his past two starts, covering 13 innings. But he had a 7.06 ERA in August, which followed a July in which he had a 1.38 ERA. After Zambrano (18-13) the Cubs will pitch Ted Lilly (15-8) and Rich Hill (11-8), two lefthanders with similar pitching styles. Despite Hill's ridiculous curveball, neither one of those pitchers should be something to be afraid of. On the flip 
side, the Diamondbacks have Brandon Webb (18-10), who is very consistent and has the ability to dominate every game he pitches. Last year's Cy Young winner, Webb threw 42 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings this year, including three consecutive complete game shutouts. The Diamondbacks will then turn to Doug Davis (13-12) and Livan Hernandez (11-11). Hernandez has the ability to lull you to sleep and throw you changeups all day long, keeping you in the park. He's a proven playoff pitcher and tends not to get shelled. Starting Pitching Advantage: DiamondbacksAgain, on paper, this isn't even a contest. The Diamondbacks led the majors in saves this year, with Jose Valverde saving 47 out of a possible 51 games. Brandon Lyon (2.71 ERA), Ton
y Pena (3.27), Doug Slaten (2.72) and Juan Cruz (87 strikeouts in 61 innings) all contribute to this bullpen, which, with the lack of offense in Arizona, was the main contributor to their NL West division title. The Diamondbacks were also 32-20 in one run games this year, which usually shows the effects of a good bullpen. The Cubs bullpen has held it together for the most part of the year, and with the emergence of Carlos Marmol (1.43 ERA) the pen has definitely gotten a boost. Bob Howry (3.32 ERA), Scott Eyre (4.13), and Michael Wuertz (3.48 ERA) make up the bullpen, that has shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks. The closer, Ryan Dempster (4.73 ERA and 28 SV) strikes fear into the hearts of Cubs fans everywhere, and is certainly the weakest part of the Cubs bullpen. Relief Pitching Edge: DiamondbacksAfter writing this preview, I guess I am more excited for this series than I thought. But mainly just because I want to see what the Cubs can do this time to devastate their fans. Every time I look at the Cubs and their roster, nothing jumps out at me and makes me think that they can win this series. I guess they can continue the theme of this preview and prove me wrong, but I just think the the Diamondbacks pitching will overpower their hitters and the Cubs bullpen will give up any lead that they may have. The Diamondbacks have found a way to win all year and I think that will continue with this series. Final Prediction: Diamondbacks in 4
AL & World Series Predictions coming tomorrow.......
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