MLB Postseason Preview 2008

The MLB regular season is officially over after today's play in game between Minnesota and Chicago. Here is a complete in-depth preview of the 2008 MLB Postseason.

ALDS
1. Angels vs 4. Red Sox
Prediction: BOS 3-1b
The Angels chose the longer series which means both teams will use only three starters in this best of 5 series. The first matchup has John Lackey dueling Jon Lester. The Sox get this one because Lester is becoming a fantastic big game pitcher. Lackey is solid, but the Sox always rock him. LAA gets game 2 against Dice-K because I believe he'll last only five and the Angels will knock around Boston's middle relief. Game 3 is supposed to have Beckett pitching for Boston, and I believe he will no matter how injured he is. This guy is the pitching version of Mr. October and I cannot see him missing a pivotal start against the Angels. I then think the Sox clean it up in four because they have the Angels number in October over the yea! rs. Boston advances.

2. Rays vs 3. White Sox
Prediction: TB 3-1
Tampa Bay is inexperienced, young, and lacks the star power, but I still love this team's chances. They have pitching, defense, chemistry, and a very underrated manager in Joe Maddon. I believe after this postseason the name Evan Longoria will become iconic. This kid is a budding superstar fro many years to come. The Rays remind me so much of that 2003 Marlins team and I believe they roll all over the ChiSox. This team is just too good to be one and done. Gotta go with those pesky Tampa Bay Rays.

NLDS
1. Cubs vs 3. Dodgers
Prediction: CHC 3-2
This is the most intriguing of all the series for me. Chicago has been so dominant all year, but the Dodgers are arguably the hottest team still playing. Manny Ramirez has changed the culture in that clubhouse and with him in the lineup they are a different team. Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Jeff Kent are the hitters ! who have improved the most with Manny hitting around them. I ! still li ke the Cubs in 5 despite all this because they are baseball's best team. Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden, Ted Lilly, and Ryan Dempster make a great rotation, and that bullpen with Kerry Wood, Carlos Marmol, and Bob Howry makes their pitching look unmatched. Plus, D-Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Geovany Soto are all still tearing it up at the plate. The Cubs move on.

2. Phillies vs 4. Brewers
Prediction: MIL 3-1
CC Sabathia is the MVP in the National League. He carried this team on his back by pitching on three days rest for three straight starts, including a complete game on Sunday for the wildcard clincher.He does not pitch until Game 2, but I believe the Brewers take games 2-4 to clinch it. I like the Phils and Hamels in Game 1, but there is something about this Brewers team that just tells me we will see them moving on. Ryan Braun and Prince Fiedler are due for a big series as well. I'm going with the Brew Crew.

ALCS
Rays over Red Sox 4! -3
Tampa Bay has had the Sox number all year and I see it continuing despite this team's youth.

NLCS
Cubs over Brewers 4-2
The Cubs are the best NL team period and they have dominated Milwaukee all year.

WORLD SERIES
Rays over Cubs 4-3
MVP: Evan Longoria TB
Yes you read that correctly, the Tampa Bay Rays will win the 2008 World Series. These guys are a complete team with a solid rotation. They do have enough veteran presence, but I think their youth is so valuable. This team just looks like champions. The Rays are the pick.