The first round of the MLB Playoffs was filled with surprises with the underdog Tigers defeating the $200 million Yankees, the A's sweeping the favored Twins, and the previously slumping Cardinals dispatching the Padres. The Mets were the only squad that was both favored by the experts and managed to advance, thanks in large part to the stupidity of the Dodgers in game 1 of their series. There is no prohibitive favorite to win the World Series now that the Yankees are eliminated, which should make for some competitive baseball.
American League
Tigers over Athletics (4 games to 2): Both of these squads come into this series with tons of momentum after convincing wins in the Division Series. Both squads feature good starting rotations and deep and talented bullpens. The x-factor in the series is Rich Harden, the A's starting pitcher who has dominant stuff but hasn't pitched many innings this year due to injury. If he is well-rested and sharp, the A's rotation is the equal of the Tigers. If not, they have no chance in this series. Assuming the squads are equal on pitching, then the team that takes quality at bats and hits will win this series. The Tigers' lineup is deeper and more productive with quality veteran bats such as Pudge Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Sean Casey, Placido Polanco and others providing production. The A's have a few decent bats like Nick Swisher, Frank Thomas, and Eric Chavez, but they are a lineup that struggles to score runs at times. That will cost them in this matchup as the Tigers advance to the World Series.
National League
Mets over Cardinals (4 games to 3): The Mets are the favorite to win the NL pennant, but with the loss of Pedro Martinez and El Duque Hernandez they have lost half of their starting rotation. However, their hitting lineup is far deeper and superior to the Cardinals, who are dependent on superstar Albert Pujols. Additionally, the Mets have a much better bullpen, as the Cards have had serious problems in their bullpen after Jason Isringhausen went down with injury. The Cardinals didn't put together much of a regular season, but in the playoffs a stopper like ace pitcher Chris Carpenter can carry you a long way. In order for the Cards to win this series, Carpenter has to win twice without losing, and they have to find a way to stop the Mets in two other games. If the Mets beat Carpenter even once, they'll take the series. If not, it is going to be a barn-burner. I think that the Mets lineup will be able to grind down the Cards lesser starters and get into their shaky bullpen. It will be a very entertaining series and a barnburner, but I think the Mets advance to the World Series for a fun matchup with Detroit.
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