Ah, October! It’s a magical time where hearts are broken, dreams are realized and stars are born. This year will be another spectacular stretch of games, which will hopefully match the excitement of last year’s incredible run by the Boston Red Sox. Here are my predictions for the playoffs with a brief reason why:
ALDS
Baltimore Orioles vs. Detroit Tigers:
At the deadline, the Detroit Tigers sought out to acquire top pitching and did just that, by landing David Price from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tigers will now throw three Cy Young award winners at a potent Orioles lineup led by Nelson Cruz; the only man to make it to 40 HR’s this year. The Orioles dominated a weak AL East but own home field advantage in this series. Look for the Tigers to pick up one in Baltimore and win this series in five. Prediction: Tigers win 3-2
Los Angeles Angels vs. Kansas City Royals:
The Royals are the feel good story of the year, making the postseason for the first time in 28 seasons. They topped that with an incredible, heart racing win over the highly favored Oakland Athletics in the wild card game, 9-8 in 12 innings. The Royals will have to go up against the most effective offense in baseball. From Mike Trout to Albert Pujols, this offense is stacked. Their depleted pitching staff will be challenged; however Erik Hosmer, Alex Gordon and the gang will be jumping on pitches early. In the end however, the fairy tale comes to an end. Prediction: Angels win 3-1
ALCS
Los Angeles Angels vs. Detroit Tigers:
This will be a classic pitching vs. hitting battle for the American League crown. The Tigers were so close in 2013, losing a thrilling series to the Red Sox, but they loaded up specifically for this moment. The Angels will throw everything they have at the Tigers pitching staff, as almost everyone in the lineup can jump on anyone. Look for the Angels to win a tight one. Prediction: Angels win 4-3
NLDS
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers:
The Los Angeles Dodgers bring not only the likely Cy Young winner, he is also a real MVP candidate. Clayton Kershaw may be the best left hander in recent memory and he could go down as one of the best ever. But to be considered for that he would need a World Series ring. Standing in the Dodgers way first is the team that eliminated them last year, the St. Louis Cardinals. Led by another 20 win pitcher in Adam Wainwright, they figure to be very competitive. At the end of the day, the better offense in Los Angeles should lead them to the promised land. Prediction: Dodgers win 3-2
Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants:
The Nationals rolled to a division title behind some excellent pitching, and effective offense. Jordan Zimmerman pitched a no hitter on the last day of the regular season and Stephen Strasburg led the major leagues in strikeouts. The Giants got their own stellar pitching from a rejuvenated Jake Peavy, as well as a complete game gem in their 8-0 wild card win over the Pittsburgh Pirates from Madison Bumgarner. The Giants have had all kinds of success in the postseason but the Nationals have all the promise and youth. In the postseason, experience matters. Prediction: Giants win 3-2
NLCS
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants:
The divisional rivalry will take place on the biggest stage and the drama will be endless. These teams simply do not like each other and each at bat, pitch, and play will be filled with emotion. The Dodgers won the season series 10-9, but mostly picked up their wins in the second half of the year. Expect guys like Yasiel Puig and Adrian Gonzalez to have a big series and win in six. Prediction: Dodgers win 4-2
World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels:
This cross town rivalry should provide a ton of spark and certainly features the most prolific players in the game. Mike Trout must prove he is the true AL MVP in this series and jump on Clayton Kershaw, and the rest of the staff. Yasiel Puig will have to establish himself quickly against the young pitching of the Angels. The difference in this series will be the quality of pitching. The Dodgers just cannot be matched in that regard, and they will go on the win one for the National League. Prediction: Dodgers win 4-2
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