Friday, October 11, 2013

ALCS/NLCS Preview

After some great series in the Divisional round, we are down to the top four teams. The Dodgers and Cardinals both escaped in their NLDS matchup. The Dodgers beat the Braves in four games. The Cardinals got a stiffer challenge in the Pirates, but ended up prevailing in five games. In the AL, the Red Sox and Tigers will go at it starting tomorrow. The Tigers are coming off a stellar performance by Justin Verlander to beat the A's. The Red Sox took care of business against the Rays. 
Game 1 Dodgers vs Cardinals
8:00 PM Busch Stadium 
Zach Greinke and Joe Kelly will get the starts in Game 1. This will be a very interesting matchup between these two teams. Both teams have stacked lineups. Carlos Beltran continued to be one of the best Postseason hitters ever after bombing two homers while facing the Pirates. Carl Crawford was a huge difference maker for the Dodgers in that 1st series. He accounted for 3 HR, 5 RBI, and 1 SB in just four games. The Dodgers have gotten time to rest. Game 1 will be close, but I see it going to the Cardinals.
My Game 1 Pick: Cardinals 5 Dodgers 3
My Series Pick: Dodgers in 6
Game 1 Tigers vs Red Sox
8:00 PM Fenway Park
Anibal Sanchez and Jon Lester will both be on the mound for the two teams. The Red Sox have had a layoff after their series win over the Rays. The Tigers are starting to click again. Miguel Cabrera hit a bomb against the A's and Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez have been hitting the ball very well. The Boston fans will be very crazy. Shane Victorino and Jacoby Ellsbury were huge in the ALDS. They came up with plenty of big hits. I expect this game to be close.
My Game 1 Pick: Tigers 4 Red Sox 3