2008 MLB Playoff Predictions: LCS

Well, I went 2 for 4 in my LDS picks, getting the Rays and Phillies right. I did not see the Cubs losing at all and I knew the Angels and Red Sox was pretty much a toss-up. But now, we are moving to the League Championship Series. The same round that ate away at my heart last season when the Tribe were one game away from the Fall Classic and an eventual World Series win over the Rockies. But I digress...to the picks!

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Game 1: Lowe vs. Hamels - Thu 8:22pm
Game 2: Billingsley vs. Myers - Fri 4:35pm
Game 3: Moyer vs. Kuroda - Sun 8:22pm
Game 4: Blanton vs. Maddux - Mon 8:22pm
Game 5: Hamels vs. Lowe - Wed 8:22pm
Game 6: Billingsley vs. Myers - Fri 8:22pm
Game 7: Kuroda vs. Moyer - Sat 8:22pm

Season Series: Split 4-4

Breakdown: Well, this one is all about pitching. Whichever pitching staff shows up is going to win because the bats are about equal. Got some speed at the top with both squads in Furcal and Ethier for LAD while PHI counters with Rollins and Victorino. Plenty of pop in the middle with Manny Ramirez and Ryan Howard anchoring the middle. But again, it will come down to the pitching. Both have great bullpens jumping on the starters is huge. To me, it will come down to Game 3's matchup of Moyer vs. Kuroda. That will the pivotal game of the series. If Kuroda pitches like he did in the LDS, then I like L.A. but if he struggles, I like Philly's rotation to finish it off down the road.

Prediction: Phillies 4-2

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Game 1: Matsuzaka vs. Shields - Fri 8:37pm
Game 2: Beckett vs. Kazmir - Sat 8:07pm
Game 3: Garza vs. Lester - Mon 4:37pm
Game 4: Sonnanstine vs. Wakefield - Tues 8:07pm
Game 5: Shields vs. Matsuzaka - Thurs 8:07pm
Game 6: Beckett vs. Kazmir - Sat 4:37pm
Game 7: Lester vs. Garza - Sun 8:07pm

Season Series: Tampa Bay Leads 10-8

Breakdown: Doesn't get much better than this. The defending champs vs. the team that never made the playoffs until this season. But this should be a great series. The Rays aren't scared of the Red Sox. They won 4 out of 6 from Boston in September, which had a playoff feel to it. Plus, the Rays rotation is set while the Red Sox had to move Lester to game 3, which means the shaky Beckett goes in Game 2. That could be bigger than some think. Home field advantage will help here too. Just think. Tropicana Field vs. Fenway Park. Knowing the quirks of your home ballpark helps a ton. If the Rays bullpen stays strong, I like their chances because their starting pitchers should keep the Boston bats reasonably quiet.

Prediction: Rays 4-2