Wow have I been wrong lately.
My World Series prediction of Cubs over Angels went out the window. Cubs were swept by the Dodgers in a series where they were over matched in every facet of the game.
Jon Lester is making a name for himself. He won Game 4 of the World Series last year and was dominant in Game 1 vs. Anaheim. Tonight he pitches against Lackey for the right to advance. I was sure the Red Sox would have finished the series last night but the Angels showed some fight and prolonged the series. I'll be rooting for them.
Onto football:
Biggest surprise - Tennessee. I thought the Titans would win 5 games all year, not in the first 5 weeks. The Redskins deserve some votes as well, especially after a horrendous Week 1 effort. They have pulled together and have played extremely good football. Peter King pointed out that they already completed their 3 road games within the division.
Biggest disappointment: Hard to say because I have so many. The Colts were lucky to win yesterday and should be 1-3. The Chargers have looked awful at times. They came back against Oakland but could not do the same against Miami. The Vikings have one offensive player. The Jaguars don't have any.
I think things will start to take form soon within the divisions. The Patriots are still the class of the AFC East although the Jets are not far behind. The Bills are back to backup QB JP Losman now and got crushed yesterday at Arizona.
The Colts at 2-2 are not done yet. Tennessee has shown it has the best defense in the league but its offense is still suspect. I don't think they can keep up with the Colts. The Steelers are clearly the class of the AFC North. The Broncos have been impressive in the West but gave up 33 points to KC 2 weeks ago. That defense won't help them against SD.
In the NFC, I love the Saints to win the division. They should have another win under their belt (missed 43 yard FG to win vs Denver) and Brees is on track for league MVP. No one seems to want to win the NFC West and everyone is in the hunt for the East. In the North the Vikings have no offense and the Packers lost at home to Atlanta. Chicago has played very well but I would pick GB to pull ahead soon (assuming Rodgers stays healthy).
Monday, October 6, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
2008 MLB Postseason
Playoff Predictions:
National League:
Cubs - have been the best team in the NL the entire season and there is no reason why they shouldn't be in the World Series as the NL representative.
Dodgers - dangerous with Manny but their pitching is very suspect. I'll be rooting for the Dodgers because Manny is entertaining and I might as well root for Torre (even though I was for him getting fired from NY).
Phillies - could compete with the Cubs because of their potent offense and Cole Hamels.
Brewers - Sabathia will not be ready for Game 1 which means they are not winning the series. Sheets is hurt and the bullpen is not that good.
NLDS Predictions:
Cubs over Dodgers in 4
Phillies over Brewers in 5
NLCS:
Cubs over Phillies in 6
American League:
Angels - best and most complete team in baseball all year. They got what they needed (a bat) in Mark Texeira, have excellent starting pitching and the best bullpen in baseball. Their playoff nemesis is Boston but they are 9-1 vs. the Red Sox this year.
Red Sox - Beckett isn't starting until Game 3 and is not 100%. Offense is not the same without Manny.
Rays - showed great resiliency in September by holding of the Red Sox for the Division. Were great at home this year and have two very good top of the rotation starting pitchers.
Twins/White Sox - Both teams are hot and will be good competition for the Rays. Experience will help.
ALDS Predictions:
Angels over Red Sox in 5
Twins/White Sox over Rays in 5
ALCS:
Angels over Twins/White Sox in 6
WORLD SERIES:
CUBS over ANGELS in 7
Logic tells me that the Angels are the better team and will win the championship. However, we've seen over the past few years that the best team does not always win the championship (see 2007 football Giants). I just have a feeling about the Cubs this year. In the last few years the White Sox and Red Sox won the World Series. If they can do it, so can the Cubs.
National League:
Cubs - have been the best team in the NL the entire season and there is no reason why they shouldn't be in the World Series as the NL representative.
Dodgers - dangerous with Manny but their pitching is very suspect. I'll be rooting for the Dodgers because Manny is entertaining and I might as well root for Torre (even though I was for him getting fired from NY).
Phillies - could compete with the Cubs because of their potent offense and Cole Hamels.
Brewers - Sabathia will not be ready for Game 1 which means they are not winning the series. Sheets is hurt and the bullpen is not that good.
NLDS Predictions:
Cubs over Dodgers in 4
Phillies over Brewers in 5
NLCS:
Cubs over Phillies in 6
American League:
Angels - best and most complete team in baseball all year. They got what they needed (a bat) in Mark Texeira, have excellent starting pitching and the best bullpen in baseball. Their playoff nemesis is Boston but they are 9-1 vs. the Red Sox this year.
Red Sox - Beckett isn't starting until Game 3 and is not 100%. Offense is not the same without Manny.
Rays - showed great resiliency in September by holding of the Red Sox for the Division. Were great at home this year and have two very good top of the rotation starting pitchers.
Twins/White Sox - Both teams are hot and will be good competition for the Rays. Experience will help.
ALDS Predictions:
Angels over Red Sox in 5
Twins/White Sox over Rays in 5
ALCS:
Angels over Twins/White Sox in 6
WORLD SERIES:
CUBS over ANGELS in 7
Logic tells me that the Angels are the better team and will win the championship. However, we've seen over the past few years that the best team does not always win the championship (see 2007 football Giants). I just have a feeling about the Cubs this year. In the last few years the White Sox and Red Sox won the World Series. If they can do it, so can the Cubs.
METS - My Entire Team Sucks
Did you enjoy the "Shea Goodbye Ceremony" after the MUTS lost and during the tine the Brewers clinched the Wild Card? I know I did!!!
What an absolute disgrace. During the last three years of Shea Stadium, 3 games stand out:
1. The Mets all but locked up a World Series berth after Endy Chavez made one of the greatest catches/double plays in MLB history. The memory: Beltran striking out looking to end the game.
2. Glavine gives up 7 runs in the first inning - MUTS lose the division on the last day of the season.
3. MUTS atrocious bullpen gives up back to back HR and they lose a playoff berth on the last day of the season...AGAIN! How is that even possible?
I know the MUTS bullpen is bad but the offense deserves just as much of the blame. They could not hit with runners on base during the final homestand and went out quietly into the night yesterday. Sounds familiar.
I hope MUTS fans like Manny Ramirez/Bobby Abreau as their corner outfielder. And guess who just got quite wealthy? 4 letters: K-ROD.
What an absolute disgrace. During the last three years of Shea Stadium, 3 games stand out:
1. The Mets all but locked up a World Series berth after Endy Chavez made one of the greatest catches/double plays in MLB history. The memory: Beltran striking out looking to end the game.
2. Glavine gives up 7 runs in the first inning - MUTS lose the division on the last day of the season.
3. MUTS atrocious bullpen gives up back to back HR and they lose a playoff berth on the last day of the season...AGAIN! How is that even possible?
I know the MUTS bullpen is bad but the offense deserves just as much of the blame. They could not hit with runners on base during the final homestand and went out quietly into the night yesterday. Sounds familiar.
I hope MUTS fans like Manny Ramirez/Bobby Abreau as their corner outfielder. And guess who just got quite wealthy? 4 letters: K-ROD.
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