2009 MLB Postseason Preview - focusing on Red Sox v Angels

Well, that's finally over. The Twins edged out the Tigers 6-5 in 12 innings, and an exhaustingly long 2009 baseball regular season is complete (it makes health care reform seem like a sprint in the school playground). Woe to the Tigers, who really blew it - seriously if you cannot secure a 10th inning lead in the 163rd game, you deserve to go golfing. And congrats to the Twins, who now get a chance to be pummelled by the Yankees. Hoorah!

Onto the previews and predictions for all four Division Series:

1) Rockies vs. Phillies - Can the Rockies make another magical run, just like they did in 2007? Can the Phillies hope and pray through the 9th? As good a story as the Rockies are, the Phillies have more talent and experience [ok, Brad Lidge counts as the bad kind], so Phillies in 5.

2) Twins vs. Yankees - The Twins must be exhausted right now, and are boarding a plane for New York. Can they overcome their 0-7 season record against the Yankees? Will it be the Yankees' year, when they finally advance in the playoffs since 2004? Yes, the Yankees are too good for the Twins, so Yankees in 3.

3) Cardinals vs. Dodgers - Like the previous series, this one should be easy to call. The Cards hold two aces, while the Dodgers are still looking for one. Manny will still wreak some havoc, since it is the playoffs and weird hairdos seem to work in the witching month, but Cardinals in 4.

4) Red Sox vs. Angels - Can they finally do it? That is, if you have been living in a cave, the Angels get past the Red Sox in the playoffs? Well, the Angels have a better and more patient lineup than before, and their starting pitching depth is stronger than the Red Sox's. However, the Red Sox have the edge in the bullpen and their hitting and starting pitching - o.k. some of the starters - are peaking. So, until it happens, it won't - Red Sox in 4.