2011 NLDS and ALDS Preview

National League
Cardinals vs. Phillies
How they got here: The Redbirds made a great September push for the postseason, and with help from collapsing Atlanta, impressively qualified as the NL wildcard. The Phillies, meanwhile, wrapped up the NL East early again, winning a league high 102 games.

Prediction: I think St. Louis' magical run comes to an end rather quickly. The Phillies will throw Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels, starting pitching that St. Louis cannot match with the likes Edwin Jackson and Kyle Lohse after Chris Carpenter.
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Diamondbacks vs. Brewers
How they got here: Arizona went worst-to-first in the NL West this year, and had eliminated the defending World Champions by mid-September behind much-improved pitching led by ace Ian Kennedy and an offense that thrives on the longball. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's all-in approach in the last year of Prince Fielder's current contract has paid off, as the previous inept pitching staff has put together a great season.

Prediction: This is truly a tossup, but in the end, I'll give the edge to the more experienced team that has home-field advantage.
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American League
Rays vs. Rangers
How they got here: What a comeback it was for Tampa to win the AL Wildcard. Down 7-0 to the Yankees in the 8th inning Wednesday, and with Boston winning 3-2 in Baltimore, it was all but over for the Rays. But a furious 8 unanswered runs and a Boston-bullpen collapse later, and they were partying in St. Petersburg. Texas, meanwhile, took the more conventional route in winning the rather mediocre AL West.
Prediction: This is a playoff rematch of last year, and although teams are different, I think the end result will be the same. Although Tampa does boost the better starting pitching, I think Texas' trio of Hamilton, Michael Young, and Adrian Beltre have enough talent to outscore the Rays' rather mediocre lineup.
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Tigers vs. Yankees
How they got here: The Bronx Bombers answered their early season pitching concerns and cruised down the stretch to the AL East crown yet again, while Detroit rode its Cy Young Winner and potent offense in wrapping up the AL Central fairly early.

Prediction: This will the most intriguing series, in my opinion and can almost go either way. CC Sabathia vs. Justin Verlander is a match-up of pure power and dominance, but whoever pitches better behind each of them will decide the outcome of this series. Detroit's offense led by Miguel Cabrera is more balanced than the Bombers', and as long as Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and the bullpen are able to keep the ball in the ballpark, the Tigers will have enough to pull off the upset. And until they can show me, I don't think Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia will be able to step up to the postseason New York pressure.

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