MLB Division Series Previews and Predictions

With the regular season over, it's time to take a look at the division races. Who's in, and who will win? Here are my division series predictions along with a few observations on each of the remaining teams.

Los Angeles Angels vs Boston Red Sox

Although the Angels earned the World Series crown in 2002 they’ve struggled in the playoffs. Since 1979 they hold a 6-6 ALDS record and an 11-15 ALCS mark.

In 2004 the Red Sox earned their first World Series crown since 1918 but they have struggled in the playoffs also. Boston owns a 10-13 ALDS record and a 15-22 ALCS mark.

The Red Sox have the advantage with their starting pitching and their explosive offensive, but the Angels get the nod on defense. The key to this series is home field advantage.

Prediction: Boston Red Sox in five

New York Yankees vs Cleveland Indians

Since 1921 no one has more playoff experience than the Yankees. They hold a 130-88 record in World Series games, a 32-24 mark in ALDS games, and a 43-25 record in ALCS games.

Their resurgence in the 1990’s has helped Cleveland improve their playoff numbers. They hold a 14-12 ALDS record and a 10-8 ALCS mark. The Indians also hold a 14-16 World Series mark losing to Atlanta in 1995 and Florida in 1997.

Although we have to give the edge to Cleveland when it comes to defense and pitching it will be the Yankees experience, management and offensive power that get the job done in this one.

Prediction: NY Yankees in four

Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks

This will be the Cubs fifth playoff appearance in the last 62 years. For a team that hasn’t won a World Series since 1908 and haven’t been to one since 1945 could this be their year? Chicago owns a 19-33-1 World Series record, a 6-11 NLCS record and a 3-5 NLDS mark.

Arizona has been to the playoffs three times, 1999, 2001 and 2002, winning the World Series in 2002 against the Yankees. Their NLDS record is 4-8 and their NLCS record is 4-1.

Arizona has the advantage on defense; Chicago gets the edge on offense. When Zambrano is on these two teams have very evenly matched starting rotations. However, the combination of Chicago’s offense, veteran experience, and Pinella in the dugout will be too much for this young Arizona team to handle.

Prediction: Chicago in four

Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies

The Rockies only trip to the playoffs ended in a 1 game to 3 pounding at the hands of the Atlanta Braves in 1995.

In five appearances in the World Series the Phillies managed to win one and have an 8-18 overall record. They are 2-3 in NLDS games and 12-15 in NLCS matchups.

Colorado has the better defense. Philadelphia has the better pitchers. Both teams hit the ball and score runs. The Phillies have a better bench and that will be the difference in this slugfest. How much more can Colorado have left? It was a draining end to the season and the rested Phillies should be able to take advantage.

Prediction: Philadelphia in four

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