The MLB postseason is finally here. The Chicago White Sox snuck into the playoffs after defeating the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night to earn the last playoff spot.
The Tampa Bay Rays are making their first postseason appearance after a spectacular 97-65 season. The AL East winners were anchored by first basemen Carlos Pena, who led the team with 31 home runs and 102 RBIs.
Brewers vs. Phillies
The NL wildcard champion Milwaukee Brewers, led by ace pitcher C.C. Sabathia, will play back-to-back NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies led by homerun king first baseman Ryan Howard. The Brewers are making their first postseason appearance since 1982, and the Phillies are hoping for some redemption after being swept out of the playoffs last season by eventual NL champion Colorado Rockies.
Sabathia, last year’s AL Cy Young winner, will lead the Brewers in four games and prove that three days of rest between starts is plenty.
Dodgers vs. Cubs
The NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers and slugger Manny Ramirez will face back-to-back NL Central champion Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers acquired Ramirez from the Red Sox, and he has anchored their offense to get into the playoffs. The Cubs will need ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano to pitch well and for closer Kerry Wood to be ready if the Cubs want to break the 100-year championship draught and win the World Series.
Ramirez will prove wearing No. 99 isn’t so bad as the Dodgers continue their hot streak and stun the Cubs in four games.
Red Sox vs. Angels
The AL wildcard champion Boston Red Sox will play the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in what may be the best first-round match up. The Red Sox will be without pitcher Curt Schilling, now-Dodger Ramirez and third basemen Mike Lowell, who is out with an injury.
The Angels are stacked with talent and closer Francisco Rodriguez is having a CY Young year with 62 saves. The Halos will beat the Red Sox in five games to advance.
White Sox vs. Rays
The final series involves the AL East champion Rays against the White Sox. Chicago has won three consecutive games to reach the postseason, but the Rays’ pitching is deep and they are almost unbeatable at home. Rookie third baseman sensation Evan Longoria and the Rays will knock out a tired Chicago team in four games.
