UCB Project: Postseason Predictions

OK, we've done our tour around the leagues, picking where the teams will finish.  But what will October bring us?

We have the Red Sox, Twins, and Angels winning their divisions.  I expect that the Yankees will get the wild card.  That should give us a Red Sox/Twins and Angels/Yankees LDS.

While it would be nice to think that the Twins could send Red Sox Nation to an early winter, I can't see that happening.  In a short series, it's usually about the pitching and the Sox go at least three deep.  Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano can help the Twins stay close, but eventually the Sox win out.  Let's say in 4.

On the other side, it's a tough series between the Angels and Yankees.  CC Sabathia has been known to blow up in the postseason, which might be a problem for the New Yorkers.  Still, I think they are the better team and will win in 5.

Which gives us another Red Sox/Yankees LCS.  I didn't say these predictions are what I'm rooting for, just the way it seems to me that it'll play out.

It's interesting that, in the span of just a few years, the roles have been so totally reversed in this meeting.  It used to be that the Yanks were the ones assured of winning, of going on and adding to their World Series totals.  Then 2004 happened.  Now the Sox would be the favorites and would be looking for another trip, but the Yankees are the hungry ones.  I think they finally return to the Series, taking it in 6 games.

On the National League side, we've got the Phillies, Cubs and Dodgers going as division champs.  As much as I think the Cardinals will be competitive this year, I don't think they'll have enough wins to beat out the Mets for the wild card.

I'm guessing that means Phillies/Cubs and Dodgers/Mets.  The Phillies continue Chicago's futility, taking them out in three games.  I still like Philadelphia's pitching better in the short series, at least on paper.  If Carlos Zambrano or Rich Harden come out firing, it could be different, but right now, we'll stick with Philly.

Dodgers/Mets would probably be a good one.  Tough to argue with the Mets and Santana, though the Dodgers do have a good staff.  I think this one goes five games, with the Mets just pulling it out.

So that means the second round of the playoffs is an all-East affair (90% of the country tunes out, leaving just the northern corner to care).  The Mets are able to avenge the last couple of years, taking out the Phillies in 6.

Which leaves us with the unpalatable notion of a New York/New York World Series.  Again, not what I'd like to see.  One of these will add to the short list of teams that have won a World Series the first year in a new ballpark.  (Yankees '27, Cardinals '06).  My guess is the Yankees in 5, leading to a long offseason of stories about buying championships and overspending.

Quickly, let's look at the awards.

MVP: Mark Teixieria (AL), Albert Pujols (NL)
Cy Young: Roy Halladay (AL), Johan Santana (NL)
ROY: Matt Wieters (AL), Cameron Maybin (NL)
Manager of the Year: Ron Gardenhire (AL), Joe Torre (NL)

Hope you've enjoyed this week's UCB predictions. Check them all out at the official site! 


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