Since I’m batting 1000% on my preseason predictions, time to try my hand at playoff predicitions.
FEDERAL LEAGUE
Kansas City Royals versus Cincinnati Reds
Season Series: 6-6
Hard to believe calling a 99 win team “human looking,” but given the last several years, this is the most “normal” Kansas City team we’ve seen. Cincinnati is a tough matchup for them in the first round – although a wild card team, hard to imagine if the Reds didn’t play poorly in May or August that they would’ve won the division. Their pitching has been inconsistent, but anything can happen in a short series. That being said, hard to rule out the Royals here.
Prediction: Royals in 6
St. Louis Cardinals versus Florida Marlins
Season Series: 7-5 Florida
An interesting matchup between teams with holes in lineups – St. Louis with catchers who couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat and Florida with the same in centerfield. No matter, this will be a pitching fans dream – St. Louis with arguably the better rotation and Florida with arguably the better bullpen. Flip a coin? Fans want to see a FL Central matchup, so we’ll go with…
Prediction: Cardinals in 7
UNITED LEAGUE
Washington Senators versus Toronto Blue Jays
Season Series: 10-8 Washington
As the defending league champion, Washington looks to pick up where they left off in a repeat trip to the World Series. In their way to start? The Toronto Blue Jays, “us against the world” and all. Led by Derek Jeter, the Blue Jays expected to be here, even if others around the league didn’t. Best team in the league versus team of destiny? We’re thinking big and choosing destiny, if nothing else to watch this potential CS play out…
Prediction: Blue Jays in 7
Montreal Expos versus Arizona Diamondbacks
Season Series: 6-6
Raise your hand if you expected the Diamondbacks to be here? Led once again by surprising pitching performances, Arizona just won’t go away, no matter how hard they try. Montreal comes in with a healthy top of the rotation (sorry Correa), rolling out Pedro, Clemens, and Guthrie in the first three games. We want to believe, but opting for strength, and a desire to watch the league melt down…
Prediction: Expos in 5
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Kansas City Royals versus St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis did go 11-7 against Kansas City this season. What the hell, let’s go crazy.
Prediction: Cardinals in 7
Toronto Blue Jays versus Montreal Expos
Ignoring for a second how likely it probably isn’tthat Washington gets bounced early, can you join me in the excitement that this league would feel if Toronto and Montreal met for a chance to get to the World Series? Wars have been fought over less – the drama, the intrigue, the trash-talking. It’s my dream. And possibly the dream of everyone near and far. Holy hell, I’m getting giddy just thinking about the small possibility….
Prediction: Expos in 7
WORLD SERIES
Montreal Expos versus St. Louis Cardinals
Chances of this happening I’ll peg at around 2%, but hey, picking with the grain isn’t fun. Das versus Polakoff.
Prediction: Cardinals in 6
I’m looking forward to being wrong every step of the way. Until then, enjoy the playoffs…