LCS Previews and Predictions

I'll be somewhat surprised if anyone reads this at all. Maybe I had a few readers before the playoffs, but after I went one for four in my divisional series predictions, I suppose only the truly dedicated will continue reading. That's quite alright with me. I don't at all expect to be right 100% of the time. However, I have faith in the validity of my methods. I can only hope that people will agree with me, but I realize that some won't.

Before I get into the AL & NL Championship Series, I will take accountability for my previous predictions.

ALDS

Prediction: Yankees over Twins, 3-1
Result: Yankees over Twins, 3-0

This was my only successful prediction of the first round of the playoffs. This seemed to be perceived as the easiest series to predict. However, the Twins led in all three games and failed to come through each time. Minnesota's bullpen was simply unable to overcome the superior offense of the Yankees. It looks like New York will be a force to be reckoned with in these playoffs.

Prediction: Red Sox over Angels 3-1
Result: Angels over Red Sox 3-0

The Red Sox also had some late-game pitching troubles, but their offense is as much to blame for this loss as anyone. Their powerful lineup was seemingly dormant during the majority of this series, and the Angels took advantage. John Lackey and Jered Weaver both pitched gems in L.A, and the Angels' offense covered up for Kazmir in game 3 with some timely hitting. The result of this series is not a fair indicator of these two teams' relative skill. However, the Angels played better than the Red Sox three times in a row, and so they move on to face the Yankees.

ALCS: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels

This series is an interesting one. The rain expected in New York could create pitching dilemmas for both teams. Right now, the Yankees are hoping to be able to go with a three-man rotation, but that could change with the weather. The difference in this series, though, should be the offense. If the Yankees' hitters don't fall asleep as the Red Sox did, then the Yankees should have a really good chance of overpowering the Angels. I'm going to predict that the Yankees will win this series in 5 games, though it's very possible that the series could end up much closer than that.

NLDS

Prediction: Cardinals over Dodgers, 3-2
Result: Dodgers over Cardinals, 3-0

Well, one thing you have to admit is that, with the exception of Adam Wainwright, the great Cardinal starting pitching didn't show up at all in this series, and when it did, the bullpen tripped up. At the same time, the Dodgers' starting pitchers were very sharp in this series, especially Vincente Padilla. If you honestly expected Vincente Padilla's WPA to be .317 higher than that of all three of the St. Louis starting pitchers combined in this series, then I commend you.

Prediction: Rockies over Phillies, 3-2
Result: Phillies over Rockies, 3-1

As I said, this series could have gone either way. The Rockies played alright, but the Phillies played really well, and that was honestly the difference. The trade for Cliff Lee certainly looks like a brilliant move right now.

NLCS: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

These two teams are very evenly matched. They are certainly two very different teams, but I think that this series will be a close one. According to my calculations, though, the Dodgers have the slight advantage. In this matchup, it appears as if Los Angeles' pitching will put them over the top. Philadelphia has a stronger offensive team, but the Dodgers' pitching may be able to do what the Rockies' pitchers could not. It must also be noted that Cliff Lee is currently scheduled to start games 3 and 7 because of his two starts in the NLDS. If this series comes down to a seventh game, Lee is certainly the man the Phillies will want on the mound. I will predict, though, that he won't be able to come through. My prediction is that the Dodgers will win this one in 7.


Thanks for reading =]