MLB PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 (BEST OF 5)

National League

Colorado Rockies wild card v. Philadelphia Phillies nl east champ Colorado in 5

I think the Rockies are just too hot right now for the phillies. Neither team is very strong on the pitching front and both have grea offenses, although I would give the edge to the Rockies. Everyone is saying how high scoring this series will be but I think the average runs scored will be 9, is that high scoring, I do not know X-FACTOR - Pat Burrell - if he can produce then I think the Phils will win.

MVP of series Garrett Atkins 10-23 3 bb's 2 HR 3 2b's 7 RBIs 5 Runs

Chicago Cubs nl central champs v. Arizona Diamondbacks nl west champs Chicago in 4

I would love to see the D-Backs win as they are a scrappy team, but I just do not see them getting the big hit when it is needed, they will be fun to watch though. Cubs actually have a prett good Pitching staff as long as Zambrano can hang tough, Lilly and Hll will be important in this series as they both can dominate or be dominated. In the end I think the Cubs power will be the difference. X-Factor Chris Young -- he strikes out a lot and had a low BA in the regular season he needs to get hits and get on base to set the tone for the D-backs

MVP of series Alfonso Soriano 11-20 2 bbs 3 Hr 1 3b 3 2bs 6 Rbi's 8 Runs


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Anaheim Angels al west champs v. Boston Red Sox al east champs Boston in 3 (sweep)

Boston will be too much for the injured Angels to handle. Vlad can only hit, which hurts the D b/c he has a cannon in Right Field and Gary Mathews Jr. is out which hurts them offensively and really hurts them Defensively. Lackey is their best hope to win the series as he will have to pitch lights out at Fenway tonight and I do not see it happening. I think the Red Sox will light up the score board. X-Factor Garrett Anderson - he was probably thee best offensive player from the all-star break on and if he continues to stay hot it will improve the Angels chances.

MVP of series Mike Lowell 5-13 1 bb 2 HR 3 2bs 5 rbis 4 runs

New York Yankees al wild card v. Cleveland Indians al central champs Cleveland in 5

I hate the Yanks but I also hate picking against them as they are so deep w/ talent and experience. Not sure why I am picking the Indians other than Sabathia and Carmona. Whoever wins the first game will win the series in my opinion. The indians studs will have to be on the ball to win this series, should be a good one. X-factor A-Rod - I think he is the best in baseball and if he can come through in the clutch then the Yanks win.

MVP of series Ryan Garko 9 - 20 5 bbs 2 HR 3 2bs 8 rbis 4 runs