I am a big baseball fan and this time of year is so special. The postseason is here and I am looking forward to seeing which team emerges as the creme de la creme, numero uno, raising that big trophy as World Series champions.
My friends, I have my opinion on which teams will get the job done. I am not Peter Gammons, Steve Phillips, John Kruk or Karl Ravech, but I am going to give you my picks ...
American League Divisonal Series
Yankees over Cleveland in four
I know that C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona are tough, but look at that Yankees lineup from top to bottom. Alex Rodriguez had an MVP season and he will shine in the playoffs. The Indians will not be an easy out, but I see the Yankees moving on.
Boston over LA Angels in five
Don't discount Mike Scioscia and company. John Lackey will be tough in Game 1 and Vladimir Guerrero and his team can flat-out hit. I think the Red Sox pitching, with Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Daisuke Matsuzaka will find a way to win this thrilling series.
National League Divisional Series
Cubs over Arizona in five
I love Lou Piniella and he has done a great job rallying the Cubs. Has there been anyone hotter than Alfonso Soriano? Having a lineup with Soriano, Derrick Lee and Aramis Ramirez is tough to beat, though Brandon Webb and company will make this a great series.
Philadelphia over Colorado in four
The Rockies have been amazing down the stretch and scoring three runs off Trevor Hoffman in the tiebreaker game shows that momentum is on their side. However, Philadelphia is back in the playoffs for the first time since 1993 and the tandem of Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins (both legitimate MVP candidates) will help send Colorado packing.
American League Championship Series
Yankees over Boston in six
Here we go again, the two heated rivals doing battle. This should be an intense series, but Joe Torre's team gets the nod with the better overall lineup.
National League Championship Series
Phillies over Cubs in six
This has the makings of a thrilling series too. This team has overcome adversity all season long, so Jamie Moyer gets a shot at a World Series ring as Digger Phelps is happy.
World Series
Yankees over Phillies in six
I like the fact the Yankees have Joba Chamberlain in place to bridge the gap leading to Mariano Rivera in the late stages. This should be a great series, with A-Rod finally getting his ring. Derek Jeter celebrates again!
