Alas, The Pennant Race is Here-MLB Playoffs Harlemite's Predictions

Well folks, October is here which means the World Series is knocking on the door. We have some of baseball's more nostalgic teams that made the playoffs like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. Also, we have sleepers in the Tampa Bay Ray and Milwaukee Brewers. Unfortunately, we do not see the New York Yankees nor Mets in this equation. There are two Chicago teams and well as two Los Angeles teams though.

We have intriging matchups in both leagues.


American League
Boston Red Sox vs.Los Angeles Angels
Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays


National League
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Here are my predictions:
American League Red Sox/Angels
This series is going to be a good one. I feel the Angels are the best team in the playoffs with their balance of great pitching and offense. The Red Sox usually have their number in the this matchup but this year I feel the Angels will get over that hump and win this series in 5 games.



White Sox vs. Tampa bay

This is a tough one. The White Sox have a good team and playoff experience which is a key factor. Tampa Bay have been tough all year and are a scrappy team especially when playing at their home turf, Tropicana Field. Carl Crawford is coming back to the line up for the Rays, which is good, but I feel the White Sox will win in 5 games.




ALCS
Angels vs.White Sox
I think the gas runs out on Chicago here and Angels will win 6 games to capture the AL pennant.




National League

Philles vs. Brewers

honestly this series is the easiest one for me to pick. The Philles got a taste of being in the playoffs, and now want to go further. The Brewers buck stops here. They dont have the pitiching to go far and their hitting has been inconsistant. The Phillies win in 4 games. I will also say this, if CC Sebastia doesn't win game two, it will be a sweep.


Cubs vs. Dodgers
This is such a tough one with two good teams. On paper, the Cubs should easily win this one but there is something say with the magic of Joe Torre's managerial magic and expertise, added with the dugout presence and playoff experience of Manny Ramirez could beat the Cubs. I would love to see both of these teams advance but I will have the give the edge to the Cubs winning in 5 games.



NLCS
Phillies vs. Cubs
Both teams are thirsty for the pennant and have good pitching but I think it's the Cubs year. They win in 6 games.


World Series
Cubs vs. Angels

Good match up of two solid teams. The Angels depth will make them become the 2008 World Series Champs in six games...Sorry Cubbie fans.


Harlemite's Fantasy matchups-
Red Sox vs. Dodgers-Manny Playing his old team. Also, Joe Torre getting to the World series without the Yankees.

Cubs vs White Sox- Classic crosstown rivalry

Cubs vs. Red Sox-Two of the oldest teams

Angels vs. Dodgers- Another classic matchup


Post a comment and let me know who you think will be the world series champion.