ALCS & NLCS Predictions

Ok, so I didn’t do so well with my predictions for the Division Series matchups going 1 for 4, only getting the Mets right. So we are gonna try this again and see how we can do.We will start off with the American League Championship Series since they start tonight.

Oakland A’s vs Detroit Tigers:

Surprisingly, the Detroit Tigers dispatched the vaunted New York Yankees in 4 games. How did they do this you ask? They did it with superior starting pitching. The only starter who had any trouble with the Yankees lineup was tonight’s game 1 starter, Nate Robertson, who took the loss in game 1. Justin Verlander, Kenny “Roasters” Rogers, and Jeremy Bonderman beat up on the Yankees hitters in the next 3 games. Also, the best bullpen in baseball shut down the Yanks as well. For the A’s, some clutch hitting in spots by Frank Thomas propelled them to a sweep of the Twins. I didn’t see this one coming as the American League pitching Triple Crown winner, Johan Santana, didn’t dominate like he did towards the end of the season. The big bats for the Twins didn’t come thru like they had all year. I am going to take Detroit in 6 games. Pitching Matchups:

1. Nate Robertson (Det) vs Barry Zito (Oak)
2. Justin Verlander (Det) vs Esteban Loaiza (Oak)
3. Dan Haren (Oak) vs Kenny Rogers (Det)
4. Rich Harden (Oak) vs Jeremy Bonderman (Det)
5. If Necessary, TBA
6. If Necessary, TBA
7. If Necessary, TBA

Now onto the National League Championship Series.

New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals:

Well they are still playing baseball in NY, but its not the team everyone had hoped for. The New York Mets were said to not have the starting pitching to carry them thru the Dodgers series. So what happens? John Maine and Tom Glavine carry them to wins in the first two games. The Mets ended up slugging their way in sweeping the LA Dodgers. For the Cardinals, strong pitching in the first two games propelled them to victories over the San Diego Padres. A small bump in the road in game 3 saw the Padres beating the Cardinals in St. Louis. After a shaky start by Chris Carpenter in game 4, the Cardinals and him overcame it and defeated the San Diego Padres in 4 games. My prediction is Mets in 6. Pitching Matchups:

1. Jeff Weaver (StL) vs Tom Glavine(NYM)

2. Jeff Suppan (StL) vs John Maine (NYM)

3. Steve Trachsel (NYM) vs Chris Carpenter (StL)

4. TBA

5. If Necessary, TBA

6. If Necessary, TBA

7. If Necessary, TBA