Thursday, October 7, 2010

MLB Playoffs 2010: NLDS Preview

Braves-Giants: It feels good to be back in the postseason after a long, hard four years in the wilderness (okay, that's a little cruel to Royals and Pirates fans). Anyway, the Giants were the superior team over the 162-game season as measured by third-order wins, and they won't have the benefit of Chipper Jones, Kris Medlen, Jair Jurrjens, Martin Prado, or Troy Glaus operating at full strength. Tommy Hanson is a plus pitcher, but he's not the ace we saw for the second half of last season or the first half of this one. Lord knows I want the Braves to win, but I can't see this ragtag bunch getting it done against Lincecum, Cain, and Sanchez, especially given that all games will be played in pitchers' parks.

Totally meaningless prediction: Giants in 3.

Phillies-Reds: In contrast to the Braves, the Phillies endured several injuries over the course of the season, but are now firing on all cylinders. In addition, they made the biggest impact trade of any playoff team, adding Roy Oswalt to their rotation. The Reds are a great story, but again a team that was built on depth, which matters less in the playoffs. They're clearly the best team in the NL at the moment, even if that wasn't true at several points during the season.

Totally meaningless prediction: Phillies in 3.

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