2014 NLDS and ALDS Preview

National League

Cardinals vs. Dodgers

How they got here: St. Louis won the NL Central for the second straight season, behind their usual awesome starting pitching staff of Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Shelby Miller, and John Lackey, who was acquired at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Dodgers proved money does buy division titles, as they won the NL West behind Cy Young/NL MVP-favorite Clayton Kershaw and the offensive production of Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig.

Prediction: In this series, the pitching should be sensational, with the Dodgers matching St. Louis with Kershaw, Zack Grienke, and Hyin-Jin Ryu. It'll come down to the offenses, and LA definitely has more depth up and down the lineup than the anemic Cardinals
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Giants vs. Nationals

How they got here: Giants rode a Madison Bumgarner shutout to win the NL Wild Card last night 8-0 in Pittsburgh, while the Nationals won the NL East with ease, behind the best pitching staff in the National League (1st in ERA, 2nd in WHIP)

Prediction: In this series, I like the Nats' pitching of Steven Strasburg, Jordan Zimmerman, and Doug Fister to shut down a Giants lineup that relies Buster Posey and Hunter Pence way too much to produce in the clutch.

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American League
Tigers vs. Orioles

How they got here: Detroit won the AL Central for the fourth straight season, despite some shoddy pitching this year, even after the addition of David Price from the Rays. Meanwhile, the Orioles won a relatively weak AL East for the first time since 1997.

Prediction: In this series, I like Baltimore's superior pitching and bullpen to beat a Detroit team that is running out of time to prove that it can still win a World Series.

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Royals vs. Angels

How they got here: The Angels cruised to their first AL West title since 2009, behind an offense which scored the most runs in the American League, led by MVP-favorite Mike Trout and a rejuvenated Albert Pujols. Meanwhile, the Cinderalla-run of the Royals continues, as they won came back from 4 runs down to tie the A's in the 9th, then tied them and beat them in the 12th inning in the AL Wild Card.

Prediction: As much as momentum often plays in the playoffs, I just think the Angels have a more experienced team, with a more explosive offense.

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