The baseball postseason is upon us and if the last day of the season is any indication we should be in for quite a treat. Here are my predictions for each of the Divisional Round playoff series.
New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers
Yankees
Positives: The Bronx bombers are always a threat in the postseason thanks to Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, etc. Their roster has so much postseason experience which is never a bad thing. Plus their offense is so explosive with Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira, and Curtis Granderson.
Negatives: Other than C.C. Sabathia their is a ton of question marks in the starting rotation. Relying on a youngster like Ivan Nova in game 2 and Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon after that. I guess the fact that they were still able to have a great season with this rotation isn't all that bad but the postseason is a different beast.
Tigers
Positives: Justin Verlander as your ace. Enough said. They also have a very underrated lineup, and Valverde has been lights out in the ninth inning.
Negatives: After Verlander, how will the other starters hold up? Plus not a ton of experience from a pitching standpoint in the postseason.
Prediction: Tigers in 5.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Texas Rangers
Rangers
Positives: Lots of playoff experience since they were just in the series last season. Lineup is one of the best in baseball.
Negatives: Cliff Lee was huge in getting them to the series last year. Who will step up in their rotation?
Rays
Positives: Might have the best rotation in the AL. All of September has been like a playoff situation so they are ready.
Negatives: Need someone in the lineup besides Longoria to come through for them.
Prediction: Rays in 5
Milwaukee Brewers vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Brewers
Positives: Solid lineup with two MVP candidates in the middle of the order. Deep starting pitching and strong closer.
Negatives: Not much playoff experience. How will Greinke and Marcum do in the playoffs?
Diamondbacks
Positives: Great bullpen and solid pitching all around.
Negatives: Will they have enough offense? How will Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson fare in the playoffs?
Prediction: Brewers in 4
Philadelphia Phillies vs St. Louis Cardinals
Phillies
Positives: Best starting rotation, tons of playoff experience.
Negatives: Will bullpen hold up?
Cardinals
Positives: Have been on playoff life support for six weeks. Tony LaRussa is great to have behind the bench.
Negatives: Bullpen is terrible.
Prediction: Phillies in 3.