MLB LCS Preview

My rival blog “5280 Sports Commentary” is written by Alex Schmidt.  In the divisional round of the MLB playoffs we both choose three out of the four winners.  The only thing that separated us was that I picked the exact amount of games for all three and Alex didn’t.  Chalk that one up as a narrow victory for DenverSports360.  Here are my predictions for the League Championship Series.

ALCS

Yankees at Rangers

I choose the Rangers in 5 in their last series because Cliff Lee got to pitch 40 % of their games.  In a best case scenario against the Yankees he will only get to pitch 28 % and that will be the difference.  The Rangers have yet to win a home game so having home field advantage means almost nothing in this series.  I am not counting out the Rangers because I love C.J. Wilson and what he brings to the table.  He has the stuff and attitude to shut down the potent Yankee offense.  The Yankee’s have struggles at the plate so far this post season but get the big hit when they need it.  Teams who can do that are often successful in the playoffs.  As much as it pains me to say it, behind C.C. Sabathia I think the Yankees are poised for a trip back to the World Series.  YANKEES in 6

NLCS

Giants at Phillies

This series has the best pitching matchups in recent memory.  You have Lincecum, Cain and Sanchez for the Giants going toe to toe with Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels.  The Phillies rotation is older and has more experience, but the Giant’s rotation is young and has that swagger you need to beat a great team.  We know the pitching is going to be there in this series so it’s going to come down to defense, base running and of course hitting.  On paper the Phillies are the best in all three of those categories.  My gut is telling me the Phillies are going to win this series.  If I do that then I am predicting the same World Series from last year and that never happens.  I want to root for the Giants and I think their young arms have a great chance to stifle the Phillies hitters.  Therefore I am crossing my fingers and taking the Giants in this one.  GIANTS in 7