MLB Playoff Predictions: Rangers, Yankees, Phillies, Giants to Win Division Series
October 6, 2010 by Pardon My Bias Bleacher Report
Filed under Fan News
Now that we know the starting pitchers for the first three games of each Division Series, which teams are capable of making it to the Championship Series? Here are my predictions for the AL and NL Division Series.
American League
Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays (Home-field advantage)
The Rays were dominant throughout the season, but the Rangers have been just as consistent. With players like Josh Hamilton (my pick for AL MVP), Vladimir Guerrero, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Young, the Rangers have better power-hitting than the Rays; let’s not forget ace Cliff Lee, as well as C.J. Wilson, and Tommy Hunter, who both have ERAs under 3.75. And if the starting rotation and hitters can get them into the ninth inning with a one-, two-, or three-run lead, expect closer and Rookie of the Year candidate Neftali Perez to get it done.
I know David Price had a great season, but don’t forget this fact: in four career starts against the Rangers, David Price is 0-2 with a 7.45 ERA. I expect the Rangers to win this series in four games.
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins (Home-field advantage)
The Twins lost a key piece in Justin Morneau, and I’m just not sure the Twins have enough firepower to get through the Yankees stunning pitching staff led by CC Sabathia (my pick for AL Cy Young), Andy Pettitte, and Phil Hughes. Don’t forget the Yankees’ scary lineup headlined by Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Robinson Cano. The Yankees will be able to put up enough runs to support their starters, and they still have Mariano Rivera to close out games for them. This shouldn’t be too difficult for the Yankees: I expect them to win in four.
National League
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Home-field advantage)
The Reds have surprised many across the baseball world this season. They were able to win the NL Central, and knock out the St. Louis Cardinals from making a strong run for it at the end. The Reds have a high-powered offense that is able to hit the long ball and knock in runs. With Joey Votto (my pick for NL MVP), Jay Bruce, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, and Orlando Cabrera, the Reds have the offense to put up runs at any given time.
However, the Reds’ pitching may be the reason they falter this series. They are pitching Edinson Volquez in Game 1 and Bronson Arroyo in Game 2: This poses a problem. The Phillies know how to hit, and they do it pretty damn well. Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Chase Utley, and Raul Ibanez have all been here before, and I think they will hit well against the Reds’ pitching.
The Phillies also have one of the best three-man rotations in all of baseball. Roy Halladay (my pick for NL Cy Young), Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels should be more than enough pitching to get them past this series. While I do expect Cole Hamels to struggle against the Reds hitters, I still think the Phillies win this in four.
Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants (Home-field advantage)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, these Giants are special. The Giants have the best four-man rotation in all of baseball, and this will allow manager Bruce Bochy to give his starters their needed rest between starts. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner are all great and have ERAs under 3.50. In fact, two-time Cy Young winner Lincecum has the highest ERA at 3.43, while the others have ERAs under 3.15.
With these great starters and a very good bullpen headlined by closer Brian Wilson, set-up man Sergio Romo, and relievers Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez, this entire pitching staff has what it takes to shut down the Braves offense.
The Giants lineup includes young guns like Buster Posey (my pick for NL ROTY) and Pablo Sandoval, as well as capable veterans like Aubrey Huff, Juan Uribe, Jose Guillen, and Andres Torres. The offense has been inconsistent at times but should be able to give the pitching staff enough run support to win this series.
Home-field advantage will play a big role in this series; that’s why I pick the Giants to win in five.
This is just an opinion…so please, Pardon My Bias.
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