MLB Predictions for ALCS and NLCS 2006

Ouch.

As bad as I was during the regular season making picks, I was even worse in the first round of the playoffs. I really should not have tried to guess the entire baseball playoffs at one time, seeing as I went 0 for 4 on predictions. That is beyond sad.

Props to the Tigers, who I wanted to win but did not see it happening. Anytime the Yankees lose, it is a good thing.

The Cardinals, who limped into the playoffs, turned the lights back and took care of the Padres with relative ease. The way they did that was just astonishing. If they can continue to succeed without closer Jason Isringhausen, then they are that much better of a complete team. Good thing they have that Pujols person, he is supposedly pretty good.

The Mets were the best team in baseball at times during the season. But losing two of their starters, Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez, could have been disastrous. After watching them take care of the Dodgers with ease, it must not have been too big of a deal.

The Athletics finally got over their Divisional Series woes, beating up on the formerly hottest team in baseball, the Twins. Can they take out the other American League Central powerhouse Detroit for a trip to the World Series? We’ll find out.

Do I dare make more predictions? I probably do not deserve to, but I will anyway.

ALCS – Detroit Tigers versus Oakland Athletics

These are two very good teams, both of which could take this series. Unlike the ALDS, this series should not be a sweep or quick five game series. The Athletics, when it is all said and done, have the better pitching staff. That factor might be enough to take them to the show, but the Tigers will not go down without a fight.

Pick: Oakland Athletics

NLCS – New York Mets versus St. Louis Cardinals

Apparently, that limp both teams had going into the playoffs healed up fairly quickly. The Mets have a depleted starting rotation, where as the Cardinals have the more shaky bullpen. Where is the edge to be found between these two teams? That is simple. His name is Albert Pujols. Met pitchers beware.

Pick: St. Louis Cardinals

With these picks being said, look for a Tiger-Met World Series seeing as I cannot pick baseball for the life of me this year. On a side note, at least I went 12-2 in football this week. That magic touch is back after a two-week hiccup.