Mahon of the hour
Michael Mahon, Sports Columnist
Sunday's events brought clarity and closure to an exciting 2005 regular season, and now we have certainty. No tie-breakers, no one-game playoffs-we are ready to go. Eight teams, four division series and one World Series trophy on the horizon.
In the American League, it's the New York Yankees opening in Anaheim against the Angels in one American League Division Series and the Chicago White Sox hosting the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox in the other. In the NL, the 2004 league champion St. Louis Cardinals will host the San Diego Padres on Tuesday in the best-of-five Division Series, with the Atlanta Braves entertaining the Houston Astros on Wednesday in the other. Let's break down the match-ups.
There are several reasons why I believe that the Yankees will defeat the Angels in the ALDS. The first factor is momentum. The Yanks won 16 of their last 20 games all of which were close and meaningful. This gives them and edge, unlike some years when they coasted through with a large margin. Second, the Yanks are team of veterans (Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Gary Sheffield, Tino Martinez, Mike Mussina and Randy Johnson) who want to win the World Series now because this may be their last opportunity. Third, let's not forget the fact that Mariano Rivera is the new 'Mr. October.' The guy is lights-out in the post season, so if the Yanks can build up a lead against the Angles, Rivera will close it out. My prediction: Yankees in 4 games.
The ALDS between the Red Sox and the White Sox is a bit more difficult to predict. There are several reasons why either team could pull out a victory on the way to the ALCS. For the White Sox, a team who hasn't won a post-season series since 1917, it's their pitching that could save them from elimination. All of their starters have pitched well recently, and in their last eight games have a combined ERA of 1.57-that's pretty good. Also, they've got four late-game relievers who are all pitching well lately. Their main problem is their lack of postseason experience; their AL-best regular season record is meaningless in the month of October. For the Red Sox, it's their hitting that will get the job done. White Sox pitchers are going to be baffled as Manny Ramirez follows the unstoppable David Ortiz. These two guys can ruin any pitcher's day, and let's not forget Edgar Renteria, Bill Mueller, and Johnny Damon-to name a few. Also, Curt Schilling seems to back from the dead, while Time Wakefield, Matt Clement and David Wells are all capable of putting together brilliant performances. My prediction: the Sox.
In the NLCS match-up between the Cardinals and the Padres, it is clear that the better team will win. Thus, the Cards will easily coast into the NLCS. Their experienced line-up is simply stacked from top to bottom, and their rotation is deeper with a better bullpen to follow. Also, there is the Sea of Red. Busch Stadium, in its final year, will be unlike any other venue in the playoffs, as rabid Cards fans will be out in force for the first two games of the series, making plenty of noise for NL West Champs. My prediction: Cardinals sweep the series.
The NLCS between the Astros and the Braves is questionable, as both teams have definite strengths and weaknesses. For the Astros, the key is pitching. With Andy Pettite, Roy Oswalt, and Roger Clemens, it is difficult to claim that any other postseason team has a better rotation. If these guys can pitch like they did throughout the regular season, they should easily get to the NLCS. But, the Braves dominated the Astros this year, beating them in 5 out of 6, and outscoring the 'Stros 42-13. Also, the Braves have home-field advantage and the best home record in the league, while Houston is tied with the Padres for the worst road record. Back to pitching, we shouldn't forget about Tim Hudson and John Smoltz-two of the most consistently dominant pitchers in the majors. Overall, the Braves are the more talented team. My prediction: Braves in 6.
Yes, it's that simple. Eight teams, four division series and one World Series trophy on the horizon.