MLB Preview III

This is my final post in regard to the start of the Major League Baseball season and my predictions. Here, we will be revisiting the 8 teams I chose for the playoffs and how the playoffs will play out. I will also provide some basic preseason awards for who I expect to be the best players in the game. For now, we start with the American League.

ALDS
Minnesota vs. Boston
Synopsis: Minnesota is a great regular season team. They've been that way for years, but they falter in October. This season is no different. I like the depth of Lester, Beckett, Bucholz, and Lackey, and the overall firepower Boston has too. Boston.

Tampa Bay vs. Texas
Synopsis: A rematch of the ALDS last season. Texas won't have Cliff Lee this time around, but I like the seasoned poise last year's trek into the postseason more than likely provided. If nothing else, Texas flat outscores Tampa. Texas.

NLDS
Colorado vs. Philadelphia
Synopsis: Seriously, we need to find someone that's able to beat the tandem of Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels. If the Rockies are red hot like they often are in October, it could actually be them, but I'm not willing to take that chance. Philadelphia.

Milwaukee vs. San Fransisco
Synopsis: I really like the team the Brewers have accumulated. They pitch well, with 4 starters I'm confident in, they can mash, and are fast. As long as their defense doesn't let them down I think they can sneak by San Fransisco, who just isn't the well rounded team Milwaukee is. Milwaukee.

ALCS
Texas vs. Boston
Synopsis: It took this long, but Texas finally misses the presence of Cliff Lee. The Red Sox are simply too much for the defending AL Champs. I'd expect an offensive series, but its ultimately Boston's solid pitching that puts them over the top. Boston.

NLCS
Milwaukee vs. Philadelphia
Synopsis: I think Milwaukee really pushes Philadelphia to the brink, and honestly, I could give Milwaukee the series depending upon how healthy the Phillies are at this juncture. I have the give the Phils the benefit of the doubt though. They still got the big 4 in the rotation, and that's hard to argue against. Philadelphia.

World Series
Boston vs. Philadelphia
Synopsis: This could be a great World Series, and its the World Series of the 2 teams that unofficially won the winter this past offseason. I like the Phillies. I like their veteran leadership, their manager, their pitching, and think they are the team to beat here. Philadelphia.

Awards
AL MVP Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers: baseball is his best detox tool.
NL MVP Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals: Poised for a big send off in St. Louis (sorry Cardinals fans)
AL Cy Young Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox: With all the new founded run support and health around him, its his year. He's already a premier pitcher.
NL Cy Young Tim Lincecum, San Fransisco Giants: 3 in 4 years for The Freak.
AL Rookie of the Year SP Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners: Going on a bit of a limb, but he could throw gas on a team that could use him.
NL Rookie of the Year OF Domonic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies: Not starting from the get go, but that won't last. This guy's the reason the Phils felt comfortable parting with Jayson Werth.
AL Manager of the Year Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay: 91 wins after all the guys they lost? He deserves it.
NL Manager of the Year Charlie Manuel, Philadelphia Phillies: 101 wins with a team that's working through injuries, even with that rotation, is a great feat to manage.

What's the baseline?
Phillies pegged to be champs by beating Boston in the World Series.