NLCS and ALCS Preview
Baseball’s Championship Series are finally upon us. This year there are 4 legit teams that can win the World Series, so it should make for some exciting games. Here’s how they match up head to head.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Starting Pitching: The Phillies have two aces in Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee that can dominate any series. There is a bit of a mystery of who else will start for the Phillies, but they have some solid capable guys. The Dodgers though they don’t have a clear cut ace pitcher have some great depth. Their Game 1 starter, Clayton Kershaw, is only 21 years but has excellent stuff. The Dodgers’ pitchers are going to have to step up if they want to win the series.
Advantage: Phillies
Lineup: Both lineups are very good but in a head-to-head match up there aren’t very many line ups better than the Phillies. They have power and speed through out and not to mention some MVP’s. The Dodgers are also strong 1-8 but they are a little young and haven’t proved it on this stage yet
Advantage: Phillies
Defense: Like the line ups both are very solid defensively. They are solid around the infield and behind the plate. The key will be the weak links in left, Manny Ramirez and Raul Ibanez. This is a tossup but I will give it to Manny at least hasn’t made any errors.
Advantage: Dodgers
Bullpen: This is the easiest one to call. The Phillies struggles in the Bullpen have been well documented. The Dodgers on the other hand have arm after arm that they can throw at you. This is a huge advantage for the Dodgers.
Advantage: Dodgers
Bench: When you have Orlando Hudson, Juan Pierre, Mark Loretta and Jim Thome I’d say you have a pretty strong bench. Phillies have some solid players too but can’t compare to Dodgers bench.
Advantage: Dodgers
Manager: Who would you rather have Joe Torre or Charlie Manual? Exactly.
Advantage: Dodgers
Verdict: Dodgers in 6 games
ALCS
Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees
Starting Pitching: Yankees paid top dollar for their starting pitching this off-season but only trust 3 for this series. The Angels have quality from top to bottom. This is very close but I give the advantage to the Angels with their depth.
Advantage: Angels
Lineup: Everyone knows the power of the Yankees lineup and from top to bottom it is one of the best ever. The Angels are no slouch either. They are also solid from top to bottom but with a lot less power. Their advantage though is in speed but it isn’t enough to overtake the Yanks line up.
Advantage: Yankees
Defense: Both are great defensively but all around the Angels are slightly better. They have strong arms in the outfield and great range in the infield. I give them the slight advantage.
Advantage: Angels
Bullpen: When you have Mariano Rivera closing out games you are in good hands. The Yankees also have good people in front of him to get the game to Rivera. Angels are pretty good too, but not as solid as the Yanks.
Advantage: Yankees
Bench: The Yankees will have an advantage here when Posada is there for two games during this series other than that it is a tossup. I’m giving to the Yanks based off that
Advantage: Yankees
Manager: Soccia has more experience managing in the playoffs.
Advantage: Angels
Verdict: Angels in 6
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