Life and Stuff

As I continue to pat myself on the back following my 4-4 performance in picking the winners of the MLB Division Series, I almost forgot to make my picks for the NLCS and the ALCS. I think both series will be classics. I'm not afraid to go on record and say that I will be very surprised if either series goes less than 6 games. I believe that both series feature teams that are evenly matched for the most part, but at one of the teams has a gap in one part of their makeup that makes it difficult for me to choose them as the series winner. You'll see what I mean as you read on.

NLCS: Diamondbacks and Rockies.
It is almost too hard to pick a winner for this series, both teams have proven that they have a strong and balanced hitting attack with at least one ace pitcher on their staff. Both teams have problems in the pitching department in both their rotations and their bullpens From this perspective, you would most certainly believe that these teams are evenly matched, but Arizona has two things going for them. First, they have a proven dominant closer in Jose Valverde, secondly, they have some field advantage, and the crowd noise at "Chase Field is akin to the first time "The Beates" appeared on Ed Sullivan. Those two intangibles are difference makers in this series.

My pick: Diamondbacks in 6

ALCS: Indians and Red Sox.
Putting my bias aside, this is another series that is too close to call. Both teams have stacked and complete lineups. Both teams have a powerful one-two punch in the power department, and both teams have scrappy players like Dustin Pedroia and Asdrubal Cabrera that do the little things well like sacrifice and steal. Both teams have strong #1 and 2 starters, but the similarities end in the bullpen. The Indians have a great setup man is Rafael Perez, but the Sox have an even better one is Hideki Okijima. The matchup of closers isn't even close. While it is true that Joe Borowski led the American League in saves this year, he blew 8 saves and is extremely hittable. Jonathan Papelbon on the other hand, has nasty stuff and an unhittable splitter when he is on.


My Pick: Red Sox in 6