Time to pick 'em Ok so I caught up w/ the beloved crew from Baseball Tonight over on ESPN, and not suprisingly, they unamisously picked the Cards to beat the Astros in the NLCS, giving the edge to St. Louis in every category (starting rotation, bullpen, offense and intangibles). Shoulda seen that comin... I mean honestly, I don't think you could find a better matchup other than... yeah....the Sox and Yankees. These two teams I'd say are nearly identical on paper...the Cards have a deeper starting rotation but no one to match Clemens/Oswalt. Bullpens are a wash...St. Louis might have a more reliable one but we got Lidge...both offenses are pretty stacked...and the intagibles...well Larussa's a damn fine coach but u gotta love what Scrap Iron has done with this team (minus games 2 and 4 of the NLDS). I think we're in for a close series...with not one team definitely having a clear advantage.
I said Astros in six back before the playoffs started and I'm sticking to it. Good thing I didn't throw away my ticket from Vegas when I put some money on the Astros winning the series way back in March.
Astros drop games 1 and 2 in big ways. Storm back, take the series in 6. Then beat the Red Sox in 7 with Roger on the mound. History writes itself.
St. Louis vs Houston Predictions By ESPN Don't know how many of you saw the little segment called take your pick with Harold Reynolds and John Kruk taking their pick in the NLCS between Houston and St. Louis. Here is the basic Run down. Pitching Depth Both Picked St. Louis (Basically said from top to bottom the pitching staff is better for st. Louis ) Batting Lineup Harold - St. Louis (Says they have Power and hitters all through the lineup Kruk - Houston (Saying that the Houston Hitters are just too hot right now and don't look like they are slowing down) Intangibiles Both Picked St. Louis - stating that Coaching is better on St. Louis side and they run better then houston on the base paths and do more hit and runs that help their teams. Winner of the series Both Picked St. Louis Okay I just want to get this series started so we can show them what the real outcome is going to be and they might as well be eating crow right now or if they like they can wait till we win the series.
I think Astros take one of the first two. They come home and take two of three in Houston, then go back to St. Louis and bring it home in Game 6. I dont care who we play in the World Series, I prefer the Yankees, but just as long as we are in it.
Its going to go seven games, and there will be alot of scoring. Im not going to say who will win the 7th game though.
I can't ever remember...but the NLCS and ALCS....are they the same format as the World Series... 2-3-2? If so I say it goes to 7...Astros split in St. Louis, take 2 of 3 at home, lose game 6 in St. Louis and take it in game 7. It wouldn't be the Astros if they didn't do it the hard way And could you ask for better league championship series...two division-rival matchups! And wouldn't you just like to see the Stros go the distance with Clemens pitching game 7 on short rest in NY...empties his tank in 6 and is...to the surprise of everyone...replaced by Pettite! Not gonna happen but that would be some storybook ending...with Bagwell hitting a game winning two run homer (w/ Bidge on base)! Ok gotta stop..first the Cards...
Pujols was on the cover of Sporting News for their annual 2004 MLB Playoffs Preview issue. Does that count? Can the curse jump magazines?
