MoeJackson

2011 MLB Playoff Preview

Unless you’re over the age 40 or have a decent team, you’re probably not interested in this year’s MLB playoff matchups. I’ll be honest. I’ve been a sort of fair-weather fan when it comes to my Texas Rangers. I used to attend their games in late 90s when they’d win division titles but most fans knew that inevitably all those teams were just bait to some of the greatest Yankees teams in the postseason. That all changed last season when the underdog Rangers went on a magical run throughout the playoffs that eventually ended losing in the World Series to Bryan’s fluke (you know it’s true) San Francisco Giants. It was a terrible ending to a magical season. Think about it: they went from never winning a single playoff series to winning the AL pennant. Crazy, huh?

That is, until you realize what happened last night in what most people think is the craziest night in the history of American baseball. A night of historic comebacks and historic collapses. I’m going to be sensitive to Freep and any other Red Sox and/or Braves fans and not go into too much detail. In a span of 89 minutes four different games changed the 2011 playoffs. Three of those four games came down to the final pitch, hit or play. Boston and Atlanta went through some of the greatest collapses in baseball history. Both had significant leads in the respective divisions earlier this month but both clubs fell to incredible comebacks by both the Rays and the Cardinals. It’s hard to imagine anything more exciting than what happened last night (yes, I just used baseball and exciting in the same sentence) but as always, the playoffs are another level entirely.

On to this season’s Division Series matchups and my very uneducated predictions:

National League

-Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers-
Game 1: 10/1 2:07 ET
At the beginning of this season, most baseball fans wouldn’t have picked either of these teams to make the playoffs, let alone win their divisions. Two small market teams with big hopes of making a splash this postseason. I think that if Ian Kennedy (Arizona’s ace) can help the D-Backs steal the first game in Milwaukee then I’d give Arizona a real chance. Although, I don’t see them having enough pure firepower in their bats to keep up with the Brewers. The quality bullpen of the Brewers is terrific and the lack of playoff experience on the D-Backs is only going to make things more difficult for them to score.
Prediction: Brewers in 4

-St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies-
Game 1: 10/1 5:07 ET
Some people consider the Phillies to have one of the greatest starting rotations of all time. Some people think that they HAVE to win the World Series or else the season is considered a failure. Then you have the Cardinals. I’m a person that will never underestimate a team that is hot going into the playoffs. Not only are they hot, they’re a veteran team. St. Louis has been here and I have a feeling that they’re not intimidated by the Phillies superior pitching. The Cardinals won’t be caught up in the hype because they have nothing to lose. All the pressure is on Philadelphia. Can the Cardinals take the series? I wouldn’t bet on it. I would bet on this series going all the way though.
Prediction: Phillies in 5

American League

-Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees-
Game 1: 9/30 8:37 ET
I think this will be the greatest series of all four. It’s especially evident this year when the Tigers have the best pitcher in baseball going against the juggernaut that is the New York Yankees. Detroit’s Justin Verlander has the talent and the skill to take on the Yankee’s ace CC Sabathia and beat him. If the Tigers can steal game 1, I think they have what it takes to beat the Yankees. Wishful thinking because well…the Yankees win. That’s just what they’ve been doing for the past, I don’t know, century? I also think the Tigers offense can keep up with the Yankees. Having said that (terrible sports cliché but whatever) if the games are close, it’s nearly impossible to beat the Yankees. They have the greatest closer in baseball’s history. It’s going to be closer than most would expect.
Prediction: Yankees in 5

-Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers-
Game 1: 9/30 5:01 ET
Of course I saved my Rangers until the very end. What else did you expect? I actually think this year’s Rangers team is actually better than last years, even without ace Cliff Lee. The Rangers made significant signings and are poised for another magical run. The Rays are coming off an incredible comeback to win the wild card but it’s going to be tough for the Rays to win game 1 without David Price being the starting pitcher. He’s their ace but having pitched Thursday, don’t expect him to be back until the series heads back to Florida. The Rays have all the momentum but the Rangers have a superior infield and a bullpen that can keep and hold leads late in games.
Prediction: Rangers in 4