More Predictions (Lucky You)

With the divisional races and postseason awards handed out, I think now is the time to determine the postseason. Here's what the scene looks like with my predictions right now:

AL East: Boston 100-62 (1 seed)
AL Central: Detroit 95-67 (2 seed)
AL West: Oakland 92-70 (3 seed)
AL WC 1: Cleveland 93-69 (4 or 5, depending on their head-to-head with Tampa in the regular season - for sake of argument, I think the Indians will be 4)
AL WC 2: Tampa Bay 93-69 (5; see above)

ALDS 1: Tampa over Boston, 3-2
ALDS 2: Detroit over Oakland, 3-2
ALCS: Detroit over Tampa, 4-1

I think Tampa will take the play in game. David Price in clutch situations is just too much to handle, unless Jason Giambi steps up big time and has yet another walk off home run. They're just deeper at every position except manager, and playing in a stronger division, they'll be battle tested compared to the Indians, who get 40 games against the White Sox and Twins.

The Rays made a compelling argument last year to beat the Red Sox in the ALDS but couldn't quite complete the upset. I think this year is their year - with Price back and now Grant Balfour at their back end - look out. On the other side, we'll see the third straight Tigers/A's ALDS and get another Tigers berth in a thrilling series. Detroit however is a much stronger team offensively than the Rays, making them my choice to go to the World Series. The Rays one win will come from Price.

NL East: Atlanta 94-68 (3 seed)
NL Central: St. Louis 102-60 (1 seed)
NL West: Los Angeles 98-64 (2 seed)
NL WC 1: Cincinnati 94-68 (4 seed)
NL WC 2: Pittsburgh 93-69

NLDS 1: St. Louis over Cincinnati, 3-1
NLDS 2: Los Angeles over Atlanta, 3-1
NLCS: St. Louis over LA, 4-2 
So other than the Wild Card game, this is identical. I really don't see this happening any other way, I mean maybe the Nationals can squeeze into a playoff spot but they won't get past the DS - they're too streaky, and it all depends on how hot they are at the end of the year. I'm not putting my money on anyone but the Cardinals this year.

World Series: 2006 rematch, Tigers vs. Cardinals. We don't know who will have home field advantage until July of this year, and I think that will play a big factor. If the Tigers want to have a shot, they'll need to have home field and win the first two in the Motor City. Without home field, it will be nearly impossible to win - last year, the Cardinals went 54-27 at Busch Stadium, the best home record in the MLB. 

My prediction: Cardinals over Tigers, 4-2
I'm a Tigers fan. This kills me to say, but the Cardinals are just too good. Flawless defense, deep hitting at every position, and a deep pitching rotation led by the unflappable Adam Wainwright. Sure the Tigers are great too, the best hitter in the game and 2 of the last 3 Cy Young winners, but their role players just can't quite get the job done. Especially in an NL park, the bench players need to be able to shine in a pinch - I don't have a lot of faith in Steve Lombardozzi or Andy Dirks with the game on the line. The Cardinals were two wins away last year.

The Tigers were four. 

If this matchup plays out, then expect very low scoring, toughly fought, gritty and scrappy baseball games. It will be a battle of two of baseball's oldest and most historic teams battling it out for yet another crown. St. Louis is looking to add to their NL record 11 championships, and the Tigers are seeking their first since 1984. It should be one of the most exciting ones in recent history. 

I'm excited, but also heartbroken by this. I hope I'm wrong. 

What are your thoughts? Thanks for reading!