Big C
09-28-2009, 03:27 AM
With the MLB playoffs drawing closer, IMHO, I am looking at every team that is going into the playoffs or is close enough to get there, and I do not see a team that would surprise me.
Every single team that's going to the postseason has a shot to win it all. Nothing would surprise me- every team that gets in could either make the Fall Classic or go out early.
Let's take a look:
Yankees- They have great hitting and some good starters on the mound, but what'll happen if Sabathia or someone else screws it up? Also, other Yankee teams headed into the postseason with a prolific batting order, but were snuffed out by strong pitching. They have to improve on their spotty recent playoff past.
Angels- They have turned into an offensive machine to go with their solid pitching. Again, what happens if a starter goes south in the postseason/the power hitters go ice-cold?
Red Sox- They are getting good contributions from their lineup and their ptiching has looked better down the stretch. Also, this team is experienced and knows how to win, but have had some moments of weakness at times. Still, this is not a team you want to take lightly.
Tigers/Twins- This division race is not over yet. Detroit has some good hitters and an ace in Justin Verlander, but the rest of the rotation is iffy. Minnesota is on a hot streak, but the loss of Justin Morneau could not have come at a worst time. Whoever comes out on top in this division race will be regarded as the weakest AL playoff representative, but stranger things have happen.
Phillies- Defending champs with lethal power hitters and capable starting pitchers. But the closer role will be a big question mark for this team.
Dodgers- Great pitching and a solid rotation of hitters, plus an experienced manager in Joe Torre. But Manny and Andre Ethier must hit and the pitchers must come up big.
Cardinals- Pujols, Holliday, and a solid supporting cast make these Redbirds fearsome, and their pitching rotation is solid. But the hitters and pitchers must do their part.
Rockies- They have the core of their 2007 NL pennant-winning team, but their rotation is a bit iffy after their first few starters.
That's my analysis of all the likely playoff teams.
Your thoughts?
Every single team that's going to the postseason has a shot to win it all. Nothing would surprise me- every team that gets in could either make the Fall Classic or go out early.
Let's take a look:
Yankees- They have great hitting and some good starters on the mound, but what'll happen if Sabathia or someone else screws it up? Also, other Yankee teams headed into the postseason with a prolific batting order, but were snuffed out by strong pitching. They have to improve on their spotty recent playoff past.
Angels- They have turned into an offensive machine to go with their solid pitching. Again, what happens if a starter goes south in the postseason/the power hitters go ice-cold?
Red Sox- They are getting good contributions from their lineup and their ptiching has looked better down the stretch. Also, this team is experienced and knows how to win, but have had some moments of weakness at times. Still, this is not a team you want to take lightly.
Tigers/Twins- This division race is not over yet. Detroit has some good hitters and an ace in Justin Verlander, but the rest of the rotation is iffy. Minnesota is on a hot streak, but the loss of Justin Morneau could not have come at a worst time. Whoever comes out on top in this division race will be regarded as the weakest AL playoff representative, but stranger things have happen.
Phillies- Defending champs with lethal power hitters and capable starting pitchers. But the closer role will be a big question mark for this team.
Dodgers- Great pitching and a solid rotation of hitters, plus an experienced manager in Joe Torre. But Manny and Andre Ethier must hit and the pitchers must come up big.
Cardinals- Pujols, Holliday, and a solid supporting cast make these Redbirds fearsome, and their pitching rotation is solid. But the hitters and pitchers must do their part.
Rockies- They have the core of their 2007 NL pennant-winning team, but their rotation is a bit iffy after their first few starters.
That's my analysis of all the likely playoff teams.
Your thoughts?