ALCS/NLCS: Call it!

[Shoalzie]

ALCS: Red Sox vs. Indians

Francona made a move today in slating Schilling as the Game 2 instead against Carmona instead of Dice-K. The Game 1 and 2 pitching matchups are about as good as it gets when you consider you have 3 AL Cy Young candidates and both starters for the Red Sox are great postseason performers. The Red Sox won the season series against the Indians this year but when you consider the Yankees won all 6 games against the Tribe this year, you can pretty much ignore that stat. Schilling and Beckett combine for a 2-1 record and an ERA slightly over 1.00 against the Indians this year while Carmona threw 8 innings of shutout ball in a win against the Sox and Sabathia gave up only one earned run in 7 innings in a 1-0 loss to Boston back in late July. The big two on both teams have had success against the opposition this year and I expect a pair pitchers' duels in Game 1 and 2 in Boston to start the series. If I had to choose which team has the advantage in those matchups, I'd give the edge to the Sox because of the October experience. I loved that stat from the ALDS for the Indians...they hit .444 with 13 RBI when they had runners in scoring position with 2 outs. The Red Sox pitchers need to avoid giving up any cheap baserunners with 2 outs because these first two games will be low scoring and the fact the Indians were so prolific at driving in runs with 2 outs. This should be a classic series but I give the slightest edge to the Sox because of the big game pitching experience plus I think they have the big edge in the Game 3 matchup with Dice-K against Westbrook.

Red Sox in 6


NLCS: Diamondbacks vs. Rockies

Webb was 1-3 with a 5.77 ERA in 6 regular season starts against Colorado and he's 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA at home. Going into this series, I favor the pitching of the Diamondbacks but Webb has struggled against the Rockies this year for the most part. In the regular season, Helton, Holliday and Hawpe all hit over .350 against the Diamondbacks. Hawpe's 3 home runs and 18 RBI were the most by any Rockie against Diamondback pitching...in fact, no player this year had more RBI against the Diamondbacks than Hawpe. He was quiet in the series against the Phillies but I'm sure he'll come to life against a team he's had great success against this year. I also think the emergence of Matsui at the top of the order is another bullet in the chamber for the Rockies already loaded arsenal. The Rockies are just looking that team this year that is playing their best baseball at the right time and seem destined for the World Series.

Rockies in 5

[Degenerate]

I think they have the big edge in the Game 3 matchup with Dice-K against Westbrook.

Why, because NESPN told you so?

Westbrook's ERA is 4.40 ERA. Matsuzaka's is 4.32. They were each shelled by the other team's lineup once this season. Yes, Dice-K had one other outing against the Tribe, but his weak performance in Game 2 of the ALDS suggests he is hardly at the top of his game right now. The "edge" is nonexistent.

[godzilla2002]

Heard on the radio today here in Denver that Arizona had almost 8,000 tickets still available for both the first and second game. Makes me wonder how many fans at Chase Field will be pulling for the Rockies. If it’s anything like the Broncos playing in Arizona the Diamondbacks might want to get off to an early lead to keep the crowd out of it.

NLCS Diamondbacks vs. Rockies
The Rockies have won 17 out of the last 18 now, they may be due to lose a game, Webb deals em a loss in game 1 then they get back on track and win 4 of the next 5
Rockies in 6

ALCS Red Sox vs. Indians
Put me down for Boston
Hope it goes 7

[Shoalzie]

I think they have the big edge in the Game 3 matchup with Dice-K against Westbrook.

Why, because NESPN told you so?

Westbrook's ERA is 4.40 ERA. Matsuzaka's is 4.32. They were each shelled by the other team's lineup once this season. Yes, Dice-K had one other outing against the Tribe, but his weak performance in Game 2 of the ALDS suggests he is hardly at the top of his game right now. The "edge" is nonexistent.

I've never been impressed with Westbrook. Dice-K isn't is as tough as he was in the middle of the season but I'd still take him over Westbrook in the matchup. Had Wedge moved Byrd to Game 3, I'd favor Byrd over Dice-K. Dice-K was sub-.500 on the road but had a better ERA away from Fenway.

[WolverineSteve]

Tribe in 6

Rocks in 5

[RSoxFan]

Boston in 6
Colorado in 6

[Mikey]

Rockies in 6
Native Americans in 6

At least that's what I'm hoping for.

[godzilla2002]

ROCKTOBER

Coming home up 2 zip

[Cuda]

Forecast looks grim:

Sun, October 14
Time Condition Temp Feels Like ChancePrecip Dew Point Humid. Wind

11am Rain 42°F 35°F 60% 41°F 93% From N 12 mph

12pm Rain 43°F 36°F 60% 41°F 89% From NNW 14 mph

1pm Rain 44°F 37°F 60% 41°F 86% From NNW 15 mph

2pm Showers 44°F 37°F 60% 41°F 86% From NNW 15 mph

3pm Showers 44°F 37°F 50% 41°F 86% From NNW 15 mph

4pm Showers 44°F 37°F 50% 41°F 86% From N 14 mph

5pm Showers 45°F 39°F 50% 41°F 86% From N 14 mph

6pm Showers 44°F 37°F 50% 41°F 89% From NNW 14 mph

Sunset 6:22 pm

7pm Showers 43°F 36°F 60% 41°F 93% From NNW 13 mph

8pm Showers 43°F 36°F 60% 41°F 93% From NNW 13 mph

9pm Showers 42°F 35°F 50% 41°F 96% From NNW 12 mph

10pm Showers 42°F 35°F 50% 41°F 96% From NNW 12 mph


Last Updated Sunday, Oct 14, 10:08 AM Mountain Daylight Time

[Shoalzie]

Ugly conditions last night but it was the same for both clubs. Can't stop the Rocks right now...could be a party in Denver tonight.

[RadioFan]

Forecast looks grim:

Nice contribution, mensa.

What's next? The C&P Skier's forecast?

[Mikey]

Can I change my prediction to Rockies in 4?

And then the Rockies in 4 over the Indians.

Too bad we'll never see the Rockies vs. the Patriots.

[Qbert]

Rockies now have 7 days OFF.

that usually doesn't BODE well.

my initial thought would be that the Rockies have the "Marlins'" MOJO going....they cannot be Stopped.

7 days Off though.

we'll see.

Go TRIBE.

[godzilla2002]

Rockies now have 7 days OFF. that usually doesn't BODE well

Keep thinking that and maybe you will end up believing it

my initial thought would be that the Rockies have the "Marlins'" MOJO going....they cannot be Stopped.

Do me a favor Qbert…Don’t ever confuse this Rockies team with the championship team Wayne Huizinga bought, then sold the following year.
HUGE FUCKING DIFFERENCE!!!

7 days Off though.
we'll see.
Go TRIBE.

Yep, and after winning 21 out of the last 22 games I’m sure it will be no problem for either your team or Boston to take 4 out 7 from them!


At first I wanted your Indians to win, but that has all changed thanks to back to back sweeps in the playoffs. Go Boston, just for the simple fact that more people will be watching and will be able to see what we’ve been watching for the last several weeks


GO ROCKIES!!!

[rozy]

Hey, 'zilla, he was referring to the '03 Marlins, dumbass. That team wasn't bought.

And he is right. This is reminiscent of that year. However, bear in mind that your extremely likeable bunch of Rockies may have the Cabrera equivalent, but you have NO Josh Beckett to run out there and are about to face a real baseball team whichever it may be. Best o' luck to the Rocks. They won't be playing a crap NL team this time around.

[Shoalzie]

Congrats to the Rockies on the NL pennant...I guess I was disrespecting the Rocks by only picking them to win in 5 games. I don't follow league alliances when pulling for teams in the playoffs...I can never root for a team from the AL Central after trying to beat their brains in all year and I don't really dislike the Red Sox but I'd rather see the Rockies continue their amazing run and capture that funny-looking gold trophy.

[Shoalzie]

I think they have the big edge in the Game 3 matchup with Dice-K against Westbrook.

Why, because NESPN told you so?

Westbrook's ERA is 4.40 ERA. Matsuzaka's is 4.32. They were each shelled by the other team's lineup once this season. Yes, Dice-K had one other outing against the Tribe, but his weak performance in Game 2 of the ALDS suggests he is hardly at the top of his game right now. The "edge" is nonexistent.

I've never been impressed with Westbrook. Dice-K isn't is as tough as he was in the middle of the season but I'd still take him over Westbrook in the matchup. Had Wedge moved Byrd to Game 3, I'd favor Byrd over Dice-K. Dice-K was sub-.500 on the road but had a better ERA away from Fenway.

Props to Westbrook on a strong start last night. Dice-K was so-so but not good enough to win. That Lofton re-re-acquisition at the deadline is paying off the Tribe.

Wakefield vs. Byrd tonight in a pivotal game...no pitch will break 85 MPH tonight.

Even if the Tribe win tonight, I wouldn't panic if I were a member of SoxNation. Beckett wins big playoff games home and away and I can see him throw a gem at the Jake on Thursday in Game 5. I expect that series to return to Fenway for at least Game 6.