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American League and National League predictions and end of the year awards
AL Predictions
The Advocate
Texas Rangers (90-72) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (96-66): The last time the Rays won the East (2008), they went all the way to the World Series, only to fall to the Philadelphia Phillies. Looks like after two games against the Rangers, they will be the clear favorite to exit earlier that expected. The Rays are led on the mound by southpaw phenom David Price (19-6, 2.72 ERA), and MVP candidate Evan Longoria (.294, 22 home runs, 104 RBIs and 96 runs scored, and one of the best all-around gloves in the bigs). They’re a hard-nosed, in-your-face, grind-it-out team. They rely on small ball, with a bit of power and speed. With that said, there’s no way Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA) and fellow southpaw C.J. Wilson (15-8, 3.35 ERA), Josh Hamilton (.359, 32 home runs, 100 RBIs and 95 runs scored) and company (Rangers) leave without a fight. In game one, Mr. Lee and the Rangers dominated the baby Rays with 10 strikeouts in seven-innings of work. The Rangers won easily 5-1. Price was out-dueled and threw his worst game (four earned runs in 6 2/3 innings of action) since Aug. 21 against the Oakland A’s (six innings, only five strikeouts and four earned runs). I wouldn’t quite count the Rays out… (Rangers are up 2-0 in the first to win three games series).
Rangers in 4 games.
New York Yankees (95-67) vs. Minnesota Twins (94-68): This is an easy pick for me, all bias aside. The Yankees are too hungry, and have been through way too much adversity this year: losing “The Boss” (owner George Steinbrenner died), injuries, not winning the pennant (with so much money invested in this team) and players such as Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada running out of gas. With healthy arms (CC “Cy Young” Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and a name to be determined), and playoff experience (27-time World Series champs), they have way too much gunpower. The Twins don’t stand much of a chance, especially with the loss of former AL MVP Justin Morneau (long term concussion). All fingers point in favor of the Yanks, even with the Twins gaining home field advantage and ending the season much better than the Yankees. (Yankees are up 2-0 in the first to win three games series).
Yankees in 4 games.
2010 AL awards:
MVP: Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)
2nd place: Robinson Cano (New York Yankees)
Cy Young: CC Sabathia (New York Yankees)
2nd place: Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners)
Manager of the Year: Terry Francona (Boston Red Sox)
2nd place: Ron Washington (Texas Rangers)
NL Predictions
The Advocate
Cincinnati Reds (91-71) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (97-65):Imagine, just two seasons ago Cole Hamel (12-11, 3.06 ERA, 211 Ks) was the ace of Philly’s championship team, winning MVP honors during the NLCS and World Series, while this season he’s been relegated to third in the rotation. It may seem like a demotion, but it’s actually testament to Philly’s pitching depth. Led by Roy Halladay’s no-hitter in the opener, Philly finds itself one game up in the series. Game two this afternoon features Roy Oswalt (7-1, 1.73, 73, in 12 starts w/Philly) going up against Bronson Arroyo (17-10, 3.88, 138). Game three will see Hamel squaring off against Johnny Cueto, who despite having his best season to date (12-7, 3.64) has only two victories in his last 11 starts. Offensively, it’s a battle of the NL’s number one run producer (Reds) versus the number two (Phils). With MVP candidate Joey Votto (.324 BA, 37 HR, 113 RBI) leading the way and a mix of veterans backing him (Johnny Gomes, Scott Rolen, Orlando Cabrera) the Reds match up well. In the end though, postseason baseball is all about pitching, and there the Phillies have a clear edge. Anything longer than a four-game series would be surprising. Anything other than a Philadelphia victory would be shocking. (Phillies lead 1-0 in the first to win three game series).
Phillies in four games.
San Francisco Giants (92-70) vs. Atlanta Braves (91-71): This match-up is full of intrigue. From Bobby Cox’ final days as Braves manager, to the suspense of the NL’s two best rookies (Jason Heyward and Buster Posey). After hearing repeatedly how that Tim Lincecum’s (two time Cy Young Award winner 2008 and 2009) velocity had dropped during a career-worst August (0-5, 7.82), Lincecum was spectacular in bouncing back in September (5-1, 1.94, 52K’s in 41 1/3 IP). He absolutely dominated the Braves in game one with 14 strikeouts, only one walk and two hits in a complete game. Atlanta started the series with Derek Lowe, followed by Tommy Hanson and Comeback Player of the Year Tim Hudson. Lowe is a formidable postseason option and has already expressed a willingness to pitch on three days rest if the series makes it to a fourth game. Hanson comes into October with an ERA of 1.81 since Sept. 1, while Hudson (17-9, 2.83, 139) enters the series with an ERA over six (6.19) in his last six starts. Atlanta will be relying heavily on 21-year-old Heyward to continue to get on base (.393OBP), while ‘Frisco is hopeful that Posey comes back to life soon after ending the season in a 4-for-34 skid. Both teams will also be relying heavily on late-season acquisitions, Derek Lee for Atlanta and Jose Guillen and Pat Burrell for SF. Throw in two of the best closers in the game (Brian Wilson and Billy Wagner) and despite being devoid of any stars besides Lincecum, this series should be quite suspenseful. (Giants lead 1-0 in the first to win three game series).
Giants in five games.
2010 NL awards:
MVP: Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals)
Runner-up: Joey Votto (Cincinnati Reds)
Cy Young: Roy Halliday (Philadelphia Phillies)
Runner-up: Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals)
Manager of the Year: Dusty Baker (Cincinnati Reds)
Runner-up: Bobby Cox (Atlanta Braves)
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