NLCS and ALCS previews

Ok so the four teams remaining in the MLB Postseason are the Giants, Phillies, Yankees, and Rangers.

First off let's take a look at how I did in my first round predictions:

YANKEES in 3 - Right on.

RAYS in 5 - False, but got the length correct

PHILLIES in 4 - I'm ok underestimating my own team.

GIANTS in 5 - Probably would have been right if Brooks Conrad doesn't make 3 errors.


On to the Championship series plural. First up, the junior circuit.

Yankees vs. Rangers

Stories all around. Cliff Lee faces the Yankees again. How will the Yankees rotation handle the Rangers tough lineup? Can the rest of the Rangers' rotation behind Lee step up? Will Mo avenge his 0-2 record against the Rangers? How will Jeff Franceour do in his first meaningful game in New York City?

The Yankees had many people that were question marks coming in to the Twins' series step up (Pettitte because of injuries, Berkman, Granderson, Marcus Thames) and they will most likely need them to do the same against the Rangers. The Rangers will need to win a game at home in order to win this series. If CJ Wilson and Colby Lewis pitch as well as tehy did in the regular season, I think the Rangers will take the series. Should be a very good series

Prediction - Yankees in 7


Giants vs. Phillies

The pitching in this series gives me chills. Halladay, Lincecum, Sanchez, Oswalt, Hamels, Cain... yum. It will most likely come down to which ever team's hitting will step up. The Phillies may have more potential to do that, but anything can happen in the playoffs.

This series will most likely come down to the fourth starters (Blanton, Bumgarner) in what will be a crucial game four. Also, Lidge and Wilson will be key, as Lidge has been good since the All-Star break, while Wilson is 0-2 against the Phillies (sound familiar?)

Prediction - Phillies in 6