IF THE PLAYOFFS STARTED TODAY!

I love saying that…
And I love breaking it down at this time of the year when the playoff participants seem to keep changing hourly.

So let’s see what the matchups would be.


AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Boston Red Sox












Red Sox have the solid starting pitching and some of their power seems to be coming back. When they get hot, there is no tougher team. But the fact of the matter is the Angels are the most complete team in baseball and I would be stunned if they didn’t win the American League Pennant.

ANGELS in 4



Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox













I’ve been underestimating the Rays all season long… and I haven’t learned my lesson. I am sure someone is still calling them a fluke, but it is September 17th and they are still in first place by themselves. They can pitch, they can hit and they haven’t wilted from the pressure of the post season. I have a soft spot in my heart for the White Sox this year because of Ken Griffey Jr, and if their bats get hot they’ll be tough… but this might be Tampa’s year.

RAYS in 5



NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets



A match up that the networks will love for the big markets and big stars. And if this indeed the match up, don’t blink… the Cubs will make sure this series is over before all the ads are sold.

CUBS in 3

















Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers















The Phillies are hitting, they are pitching and they are on a roll. But the Dodgers pitching is better, they have a better mix of veterans and young kids and Joe Torre has been here before.

DODGERS in 4



Stretching these picks to the next round… I’d see an Angels/Cubs World Series with the Angels winning it all.

But keep in mind something:

The last time the best team in the American League played the best team in the National League for the World Series was 1999 when the Yankees swept the Braves.

October is filled with upsets and LA and Chicago might host a Dodgers/White Sox World Series.

I’m just saying.