MLB Playoff Predictions 2006

The best month of the year is finally year, October. The NFL is in full swing, the NBA starts at the end of the month, but most importantly, its playoff time in baseball. There were a couple of surprises this year, with some teams like the Detroit Tigers overachieving, and other teams like the Cleveland Indians who never got it together.

The bottom line is there are eight teams remaining, and I’m going to try and do a better job of predicting the playoffs than I did predicting the regular season. I managed to get zero – yes zero – American League teams correct. The National League I did a little better with two, but 25 percent is a bad mark. Pretty sad considering baseball is my favorite sport.

I had some bold predictions as well, which also didn’t get so well. I got the Barry Bonds part right about breaking Babe Ruth’s record, but not being out of baseball. I wish it was vise versa. Ken Griffey only played in 109 games, but did hit 27 homers and had a nice season. There were 11 guys who stole 40 or more bases, and Prince Fielder had a nice season, but won’t win the rookie of year. Brian Anderson, well, that one was not even close.
I am not giving up however, and will try to redeem myself now. Eight teams go in, one team comes out. It is time to figure out who that team will be.

American League Division Series

Oakland versus Minnesota
A battle between two of the smaller market teams in the MLB. The Twins have increased payroll over the past few years, but it is still small compared to a lot of teams. Throwing money aside, these are two teams with great pitching. Both teams were ranked top 10 in the league in ERA, with Minnesota third and Oakland seven.
The big difference, however, is in hitting. Oakland was a lowly 25th overall hitting, where as Minnesota was number one. They say great pitching beats great hitting, but when one team has both, they get the edge.

Pick: Minnesota Twins

New York Yankees versus Detroit Tigers
The Tigers were the feel good story of the year. The Yankees are their usual evil empire self. It would be great to see Detroit take down George Steinbrenner’s group of mercenaries, but they have played so poorly this past month, losing the AL central to Minnesota, that the chances are unlikely.
The Tigers have the talent to pull it off in a five-game series, but with Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield back, not to mention seasoned veterans in Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina to anchor the rotation, Tiger fans might have to settle with just making it to the playoffs as a successful season . Let’s hope I’m wrong.

Pick: New York Yankees

National League Division Series

St. Louis Cardinals versus San Diego Padres

Much like the Tigers, the Cardinals are limping into the playoffs. The team picked by everyone to represent the NL in the World Series now looks like a team who wants the season to be over. The way the Padres are playing, they will be happy to help them on their way.
Besides the fact the Padres look like the better team, they have a veteran team with stars like Trevor Hoffman, Brian Giles and David Wells, who all deserve a shot at a World Series ring. At the same time, you have to feel for the Cardinals, who do not look like the team they did even a few months ago.

Pick: San Diego Cardinals

Los Angeles Dodgers versus New York Mets

This might be the most exciting match up in the divisional round. Both teams are playing well, with the Dodgers having been in a virtual playoff with both the Padres and Philadelphia Phillies for the past week.
The big problem is that the Mets are without Pedro Martinez. The rest of their rotation is average at best. The Dodgers on the other hand, have a rotation that should take them deep in the playoffs. In this scenario, pitching is what will make the difference.

Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers

American League Championship

Minnesota Twins versus New York Yankees

Imagine having to face Johann Santana three times in seven games. If it comes to that, the Yankees will not have the best chances in the world. If the Twins would have Francisco Liriano as well, the series would be a shoe in.
The Yankees have their mystique on their side, and Derek Jeter, but this might be asking for too much. I think I know their problem – not a high enough payroll.

Pick: Minnesota Twins

National League Championship

San Diego versus Los Angeles

Who would have guessed at the beginning of the season that two NL West teams would make the playoffs? And on top of that, that the two would make it to the NLCS? Well that is what I’m seeing, seeing as these are the hottest teams in baseball outside of the Twins.
This series could go either way. I see seven games of suspense awaiting these two teams. Not sure who to give the edge to, so we’ll base it off their regular season series. That and here’s to hoping Trevor Hoffman gets his ring.

Pick: San Diego Padres

World Series

San Diego versus Minnesota

Well it might be east coast versus west coast, but sponsors will not be happy about these teams being in the playoffs. But if they both make it, at least the two best teams will be there, and that is what matters.
Again, the possibility of Santana starting three of the seven games is a less than pleasant thought for the Padre line up. Not to mention Brad Radke is pitching through pain, and doing a great job of it. The Padres will play them tough, but the Twins will be the second AL central team in as many years to bring home the title.

Pick: Minnesota Twins

I wonder if I’ll get any of these predictions right. I can’t do much worse than I did with the regular season predictions. Though for sake of favoritism, go Padres.