Monkeying Around with Playoff Predictions

Time for some Monkeying Around, normally a time to talk about all the Angels-related topics that slipped through the cracks this week, I am forgoing that to make some playoff predictions, but still feel free to talk about the Angels or any other totally unrelated topic you feel like bringing up.

Now, the predictions:

• First up, the Yankees-Tigers ALDS.  The Tigers are generating a lot of hype as a dark horse this year, but I don’t buy it.  Want to know why?  They remind me too much of the 2008 Angels, a team that looked really good because they beat up on a lousy division and then spent the final two months of the season in cruise control.  Once the games started to matter again, it was like the Halos forgot how to play in a competitive game and wound up being embarrassed by the Red Sox (again).  I see a very similar fate unfolding for the Tigers.
• If you follow me on Twitter, you probably noticed an article I wrote stating that Texas will win the World Series.  That was something I was asked to write as part of a series, so I don’t totally but into it, in case any of you were worrying I had finally lost my mind.  That being said, I actually really do like Texas’ chances to once again make the World Series.  They are catching the Rays at a time where they are juggling their rotation and possibly burnt out from chasing down Boston.  That is great news for Texas because Tampa probably is their toughest match-up in the AL.  As such, I am predicting Texas to beat Tampa before moving on to the ALCS where they will once again overwhelm the Yankees’ depleted rotation.
• Don’t try and sell me on the Phillies being in trouble thanks to the way they limped into the off-season.  Not going to happen.  Their rotation is too good to lose to a Cardinal club that barely has half of a big league lineup, especially with Matt Holliday likely out.  I smell a sweep here.
• I really wanted to predict the Scioscia Series (Maddon’s Rays versus Roenicke’s Brewers), but I obviously changed my mind about Tampa.  Milwaukee, however, I like a lot.  They should make short work of a young Arizona club who just doesn’t have enough pitching to hold down a scary Brewer lineup.  After that though, it will be interesting to see if the Brewer bats can top the Phillie arms.  Maybe I am just trying to be different, but I have a hunch that the Brewers will squeak past Philly in seven.  As good as Halladay-Lee-Hamels-Oswalt are, the Brewers have a potentially dominant rotation if they can get Greinke, Gallardo and Marcum all on a good streak at the same time.  That is EXACTLY what I think will happen.
• Rangers!  Brewers!  The World Series absolutely nobody will be interested in watching!!!  I kind of already spoiled this, but I don’t think Texas is quite going to win the World Series.  This should be a great series since both teams can really hit, but Milwaukee has a the edge in terms of rotation.  So take solace, Texas might win another pennant, but they won’t be getting the big trophy.
• Before I go, I feel obligated to completely nullify everything I wrote up above by reminding you that I have a pretty lengthy track record of being TERRIBLE at making predictions of any kind.

Or just feel free to bring up a topic of your own.  I don’t really care (as long as you keep it clean) because it’s Friday.