2009 MLB Playoffs

It's October and that must mean baseball postseason. Despite the fact that my team was all but eliminated in June, I am going into this postseason with a lot of excitement. I honestly think any of these 8 teams could win the World Series with their collection of hitting, pitching, defense and coaching. That should make for some great games. The only bad thing that I can think of is that I have to hear a lot of Tim McCarver this month, something I wouldn't wish upon anyone.

Before the games get underway, here are my predictions for each series. With the Indians out of the postseason, I am rooting for the Twins and Rockies. Why? Because it would be cool to see some new teams in the World Series and actually win. Yes, I know both have made the World Series in my lifetime but it's better than seeing any team from LA, NY or Boston make it.

Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Game 1: Wednesday 10/7 - 2:30 - in Philadelphia
Game 2: Thursday 10/8 - 2:30 - in Philadelphia
Game 3: Saturday 10/10 - 9:30 - in Colorado
Game 4: Sunday 10/11 - Time TBD - in Colorado
Game 5: Tuesday 10/13 - Time TBD - in Philadelphia

My Take: This should be a great series. The Rockies come in hot, as they were two years ago when they made the World Series. They also come in boasting pitchers that have really performed well this season. The Phillies are the defending champs and may be better than last year's team. Raul Ibanez has brought another big bat to the lineup and Cliff Lee has been amazing since coming over from the Tribe. The Rockies seem to just play better when they play at home so don't expect this one to end in Colorado. PHILLIES IN 5

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Game 1: Wednesday 10/7 - 9:30 - in Los Angeles
Game 2: Thursday 10/8 - 6:00 - in Los Angeles
Game 3: Saturday 10/10 - 6:00 - in St. Louis
Game 4: Sunday 10/11 - Time TBD - in St. Louis
Game 5: Tuesday 10/13 - Time TBD - in Los Angeles

My Take: The Dodgers come in with the NL's best record and one of the more potent lineups top to bottom. The pitching staff is deep too, with a good mix of young and veteran arms. The Cardinals have one heck of a lineup too, led by presumed NL MVP Albert Pujols and midseason acquisition Matt Holliday. But the strength of this team is pitching, led by Cy Young candidates Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. It's gonna be tough for the Dodgers to take on those two and even worse, they get the duo at home. Don't be surprised to see the Cardinals win both in L.A. CARDINALS IN 4

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees
Game 1: Wednesday 10/7 - 6:00 - in New York
Game 2: Friday 10/9 - 6:00 - in New York
Game 3: Sunday 10/11 - Time TBD - in Minnesota
Game 4: Monday 10/12 - Time TBD - in Minnesota
Game 5: Wednesday 10/14 - Time TBD - in New York

My Take: On paper, this is an absolute mismatch. While the Yankees are filled with All-Star talent on the entire roster, the Twins are made up of gritty, everyday players who just seem to play well year in and year out under manager Ron Gardenhire. The emotion of winning the tiebreaker may help them as they take on the best team in the regular season. They'll need it because besides maybe catcher, the Yankees are better in every aspect. The Yankees have all the pressure on them and that's never good. Plus, they haven't won a playoff series since 2004. YANKEES IN 4

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels
Game 1: Thursday 10/8 - 9:30 - in Los Angeles
Game 2: Friday 10/9 - 9:30 - in Los Angeles
Game 3: Sunday 10/11 - Time TBD - in Boston
Game 4: Monday 10/12 - Time TBD - in Boston
Game 5: Wednesday 10/14 - Time TBD - in Los Angeles

My Take: It's deja vu all over again with these two AL titans facing off in the ALDS round. The last two years, it's been the Sox who defeated the Angels, even though L.A. had the home field advantage. Both years, it's been the Red Sox pitching that's been the difference. Expect the same this season as the Sox come in with the superior pitching staff again. But don't count out the Angels just yet, who were pushed for once in the AL West, unlike previous years when they cruised in with no momentum. They have pitchers that can get the job done but the Red Sox lineup is a tough one to contain. RED SOX IN 4