2011 MLB Playoffs Preview

What an exciting way to end the 2011 MLB regular season yesterday, huh? Boston out (no qualms), Tampa in (totally stoked), Atlanta out (bummed) and St. Louis in (also, bummed). On to the playoffs!

ALDS

Detroit Tigers over New York Yankees, 3-2

Texas Rangers over Tampa Bay Rays, 3-2

The Tigers have plenty to worry about considering how stellar the Yankees' hitting always is, but, ideally Verlander will pitch twice, which all but guarantees two wins. Plus, believe it or not, Doug Fister has been even better than Verlander over the past month or two. Aside from Sabathia, New York's pitching is in trouble with how hot the Tigers have been to end the season. I am stoked for this series, and way more worried about Texas than New York.

Speaking of Texas, they're also going to have a tricky time with Tampa Bay and their hot streak to close the season. Texas' bullpen is the best in the business, and that is going to give everyone problems, but Tampa's starting pitching is better. Unfortunately, the Rangers have the better hitting, and I think that is going to overpower TB's starters by the end of the series.

NLDS

Philadelphia Phillies over St. Louis Cardinals, 3-0

Milwaukee Brewers over Arizona Diamondbacks, 3-1

The St. Louis Cardinals won yesterday only to be all but humiliated in their opening series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Hunter Pence acquisition doesn't even matter at this point; Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels will shut the Cards down in three games.

The Brewers will have a slightly more difficult time with the D-Backs, but not by much. Justin Upton's and Ian Kennedy's magical seasons will come to an end quickly when facing Milwaukee's middle of the order, Weeks, Braun and Fielder, and it seems like the Brewers' pitching is totally underrated. I am so into this squad.

ALCS

Detroit Tigers over Texas Rangers, 4-3

Yes, I can realistically see this Tigers team reaching the World Series. I won't be surprised if they don't, because like I said, I fear playing this Texas team. However, I still give 'em a 50/50 chance to reach the "Who's-Gonna-Lose-To-The-Phillies? Bowl."

NLCS

Philadelphia Phillies over Milwaukee Brewers, 4-2

I love both of these teams, and I'd cheer slightly more for the Brewers than the Phillies, but I can't deny how much fun this series will be to watch. Milwaukee definitely has the better hitting, but, as good as their pitching is, Philly's is just that much more dominant. Just like everyone knew it would, that rotation will take Philadelphia all the way to the World Series (in spite of Roy Oswalt's sever underperforming).

World Series

Philadelphia Phillies over Detroit Tigers, 4-1

I hate to say it, but seeing as Detroit never faced Philly's aces during the regular season, our Tigers would be made to look like fools in this series. Once again, Philadelphia's starting rotation just dominates.