Predictions 2011: Postseason

I'm sure the predictions that I've already made will make me look like an idiot by the end of the year, so I might as well go all the way and give you my postseason picks.

ALDS

Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankees

For the third year in row, the Twins reward for winning the AL Central will be a first round meeting with the Yankees.  Once again, they will lose.  I'm pretty sure this year they will win at least one game in the series, but they won't get the three they need to advance.  The Yankees back end of the rotation won't be a factor in a short series like this so the Twins won't get a chance to take advantage of the Yankees one glaring weakness.

Yankees in 4

Boston Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics

I really want to pick Oakland in this series, I swear, I really do.  But I won't.  The A's are going to have a similar problem as the Twins in that they won't get a chance to go after Boston's back end of the rotation.  I do think that Oakland is going to push this series to 5 games, though and Adrian Gonzales will be the one to break their hearts with a big game 5 in his first shot in the postseason since 2006.

Red Sox in 5

ALCS

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees 

Having really gone out on a limb by picking the Red Sox and Yankees to make it to the ALCS I'm going to go out on another limb and say that this will go down to 7 games.  Although I can't say that I look forward to the 5 hour games that will be played during this series, its hard not to get excited about these two lineups going at each other for 7 games in those two ballparks.  At the end of the day, I think the big difference is going to be whether or not Francona lines his rotation up for Lester to match up with CC in Game 7.  Either way, I'm going to go with the Yankees.

Yankees in 7

NLDS

Colorado Rockies vs Atlanta Braves

The Phillies fan in me wants to pick the Rockies to win this series, but I know better.  Despite the Braves postseason history, they are the better team and unless Fredi Gonzales has killed his bullpen before this series starts, the Braves win.  Something tells me Brooks Conrad is not going to factor in this series and, despite going all the way, the Braves are moving on.

Braves in 5

Philadelphia Phillies vs Milwaukee Brewers

Well, we've seen this show before, back in 2008.  The only difference is that the Brewers won't get a chance to steal Game 3 by matching up against Jaime Moyer.  They'll still win a game, though it won't be enough to take the series.  I'm guessing that their defense costs them one game and the Phillies pitching will take care of the other two.
 
Phillies in 4

NLCS

Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves

I know Adam can't wait for this one to go down.  Its going to go to seven games and regardless of who the pitchers actually are (unless one of them is Joe Blanton), I'm going to favor the Phillies in that matchup.  The only way I see this going the Braves way is if the series becomes a battle of the bullpens.  Jimmy Rollins is going to be the key player in the series and the Phillies are going back to the World Series for the 3rd time in 4 years.

Phillies in 7

World Series

So it all comes down to this.  A matchup that only Bud Selig (and Phillies and Yankees fans) could love.  Having been absolutely killed by the DH, Hideki Matsui, the last time around, I know the Phillies will be hoping that the NL can make it two in a row in the All Star game and give them homefield advantage.  Regardless of homefield advantage, all seven games are going to be played in band boxes so keeping the ball in the ballpark is going to decide this series and the Phillies are going to have the edge in that department.  Pitching is going to win this championship, and we'll be seeing another parade down Broad Street as the Phillies win their 3rd title in franchise history.

Phillies in 6

Don't like my pick?  Think I'm being biased?  Let's see your picks.