ckg68
October 2nd, 2005, 8:30:23 PM
Here's how it'll shape up for round 1:
American League:
New York Yankees v. L.A.(Anaheim)Angels
Boston Red Sox v. Chicago White Sox
National League
Houston Astros v. Atlanta Braves
San Diego Padres v. St. Louis Cardinals
My guesses(and why):
Yanks/Angels: Both teams have guys who can mash(for the Yanks,Rodriguez,Giambi and Sheffield come to mind easily;Guerrero likewise for the Halos). It's going to come down to the pitching(the Angels can rely on Colon & Lackey;Johnson & Mussina for the Yanks). It'll be close,but I think the Angels pull it out in 5.
Red Sox/White Sox: Ah,the battle of the Sox. Quite honestly,Boston's pitching is a mess,and many key players(i.e. Johnny Damon)are among the walking wounded. David Ortiz just about single-handedly carried Boston to a post-season berth(and,IMO,should be in the running for MVP-it doesn't matter that he's a DH),and as long as he and Manny Ramirez can go yard regularly,they'll be in it. Every starter Boston's got available has an ERA in the 4's. Not so the White Sox. Along with that and a balanced attack...sorry,Chowd Nation,there's going to be a new champ. White Sox in 4.
Padres/Cardinals: Uh,who invited the Padres to the dance? Peavy and Eaton are not exactly a pitching duo that sticks in your mind. Neither is their hitting a strong suit;Brian Giles is about their best offensive threat. St. Louis may be a bit banged up and Cris Carpenter may not seem to have much left in the tank,but San Diego shouldn't be too much of a hurdle. Busch Stadium V.1 stays up for a few more days. Cards in 4.
Astros/Braves: Of all the series,this should be the most interesting to watch. Houston has three excellent pitchers it can throw at you(Clemens,Oswalt & Pettitte)and its hitting is just as good(4 players have 20 or more HR's). As for Atlanta-they're going to be a threat with Andruw Jones hitting wise,but he may be taking on too much of the workload. Pitching can match the Astros(1 great one,and 2 very good ones). But what troubles me a bit is the fact that,for many of the Braves' newbies,this will be their first taste of the preseason. I'm going with Houston in 5.
American League:
New York Yankees v. L.A.(Anaheim)Angels
Boston Red Sox v. Chicago White Sox
National League
Houston Astros v. Atlanta Braves
San Diego Padres v. St. Louis Cardinals
My guesses(and why):
Yanks/Angels: Both teams have guys who can mash(for the Yanks,Rodriguez,Giambi and Sheffield come to mind easily;Guerrero likewise for the Halos). It's going to come down to the pitching(the Angels can rely on Colon & Lackey;Johnson & Mussina for the Yanks). It'll be close,but I think the Angels pull it out in 5.
Red Sox/White Sox: Ah,the battle of the Sox. Quite honestly,Boston's pitching is a mess,and many key players(i.e. Johnny Damon)are among the walking wounded. David Ortiz just about single-handedly carried Boston to a post-season berth(and,IMO,should be in the running for MVP-it doesn't matter that he's a DH),and as long as he and Manny Ramirez can go yard regularly,they'll be in it. Every starter Boston's got available has an ERA in the 4's. Not so the White Sox. Along with that and a balanced attack...sorry,Chowd Nation,there's going to be a new champ. White Sox in 4.
Padres/Cardinals: Uh,who invited the Padres to the dance? Peavy and Eaton are not exactly a pitching duo that sticks in your mind. Neither is their hitting a strong suit;Brian Giles is about their best offensive threat. St. Louis may be a bit banged up and Cris Carpenter may not seem to have much left in the tank,but San Diego shouldn't be too much of a hurdle. Busch Stadium V.1 stays up for a few more days. Cards in 4.
Astros/Braves: Of all the series,this should be the most interesting to watch. Houston has three excellent pitchers it can throw at you(Clemens,Oswalt & Pettitte)and its hitting is just as good(4 players have 20 or more HR's). As for Atlanta-they're going to be a threat with Andruw Jones hitting wise,but he may be taking on too much of the workload. Pitching can match the Astros(1 great one,and 2 very good ones). But what troubles me a bit is the fact that,for many of the Braves' newbies,this will be their first taste of the preseason. I'm going with Houston in 5.