Baseball Playoffs

I have been, somewhat unfairly, been ignoring baseball here recently. After the Red Sox imploded and the Yankees were cruising and it became obvious that the Pirates were not going to lose 100 games, I kinda lost the interest in writing about baseball. That doesn't mean I wasn't paying attention as the Cardinals almost slid out of the playoffs and the Marlins made an end-of-the-season run. I just didn't feel like writing about it. But, with the playoffs starting last night, here are my predictions:

Oakland / Minnesota - Well, this one is over pretty much. Oakland beating Johan Santana at the Metrodome shouldn't happen. Not to this Twins team that dominates at home. But struggles on the road. They blew their homefield advantage that fast. I think that loss probably took the wind out of their sails. The Big Hurt is on fire. Oakland in 4.

Los Angeles Dodgers / New York Mets - I think all the Mets pitchers died at the end of the season. Pedro is out. El Duque is injured. At one point in time it looked like the Mets were the class of the National League. So, things look bleak for the Mets. On the other hand, the Dodgers have Nomar Garciaparra which costs them a game in my eyes. So, Mets in 5.

St. Louis / San Diego - St. Louis collapsed down the stretch and nearly blew the NL Central. Then they whipped up on San Diego yesterday in San Diego. So, which team shows up tomorrow is the question. I just think the Cardinals are a better team but the Padres can push them to the limits. St. Louis in 5.

Detroit / New York Yankees - The Yankees lineup is just unbelievable. Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Sheffield, Giambi, Rodriguez, Matsui, Posada and Cano. With the exception of A-Rod, that's some serious hitting potential. The Tigers can't out-slug that group. Pitching is the only Yankee downfall but it shouldn't stop them in this series. As much as I like Jim Leyland, the Tigers overachieved this year and aren't moving on. Yankees in 3.