MLB PLAYOFFS BEGIN TODAY
I was trying to predict what would happen in the MLB playoffs and I realized that it is near impossible to predict. The only thing that came to my mind is the success of wildcard teams in the playoffs. Many people say that this is because "they have to play playoff like games down the stretch" but I don't know if that's the reason why they do well or if it's just because they were playing well before the playoffs start. Most wildcard teams have to peak right at the end of the season because there are so many teams within a few games, if a team hits a cold streak they won't make the playoffs. Boston is the first team to run away with the wildcard in a while from what I can remember. I'm going to operate on the theory that teams playing well down the stretch do well in the post season (much like the NCAA basketball tournament). With that said, here are my post-season predictions...

LOS ANGELES over ST LOUIS
The Cardinals haven't been playing as well lately, playing about .500 since they clinched the division. Part of that would be because they were resting guys, but I think another part would be that their starting pitching has been shaky. With CHRIS CARPENTER out for the NLDS, I have the sense of an upset.

HOUSTON over ATLANTA
The Astros are the hottest team in the National League. Although Houston seems to be the only team Atlanta can beat in the post-season, I have a feeling that the Braves won't win this series. CHIPPER JONES and JOHN THOMSON being banged up doesn't help.

BOSTON over ANAHEIM
Anaheim has been playing really well, but so has Boston. Plus Boston has CURT SCHILLING and PEDRO MARTINEZ, while Anaheim's rotation is good, but still suspect. Anaheim has a good offense, but Boston has a better one.

MINNESOTA over NEW YORK
The Yankees mash. Their starting pitching has been poor for most of this season, and their bullpen has been in shambles most of the season minus MARIANO RIVERA. MIKE MUSSINA has been throwing the ball better but I just don't know where they can count on getting 6 or 7 solid innings from. The Twins have JOHAN SANTANA for two starts in this series and you would figure they can get a win from somebody else. The Yankees just have too many starters with ERAs over 4 to win in my opinion.

My prediction for the rest of the playoffs goes like this...
BOSTON over MINNESOTA
LOS ANGELES over HOUSTON

BOSTON over LOS ANGELES

That's right, at least one curse will come to an end this year. If the Red Sox win the World Series, Sox fans won't know what to do with themselves, they're so used to whining every year.

Overall I think that this is going to be a high scoring post-season, similar to 2002. I don't feel that there are a lot of dominant pitching staffs this season and there are a few high octane offenses. Either way it will be fun to watch.