Speedsters Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino shared great success against the Brewers this year. In the four games they each played against Milwaukee, Rollins and Victorino combined for 14 hits, eight runs, three doubles, two home runs, eight RBI, seven walks, and respective batting averages of .538 and .500.
In addition, Chase Utley hit the Brewers at a .476 clip. If Charlie Manuel puts Victorino in the two hole, Brewers pitchers could have a tough one, two, and three on their hands.
In addition, Hamels, Myers, and Moyer combined to go 3-1 against the Brew Crew this year. All this and I haven’t even mentioned Brad Lidge, a lock for reliever of the year. The Phillies' bullpen, next to the Angels, is the strongest in the playoffs. If there are any close-scoring games in this series, it presents a huge advantage for the Phils.
The only way the Brewers contend in this series is if Gallardo gives them a chance to win Game One. If the Crew can steal game one from Hamels and the Phils, they have a fighting chance with Sabathia going in Game Two and probably Game Five if they can last that long.
The Brew Crew will need a huge series from their big bats, Ryan Braun, and Prince Fielder. If not, this series will be over in a hurry.
Prediction: Phillies in four
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
10/1 - LA Dodgers at Chicago Cubs - 6:30 PM
10/2 - LA Dodgers at Chicago Cubs - 9:30 PM
10/4 - Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers - 10:00 PM
10/5 - Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers - TBD
10/7 – LA Dodgers at Chicago Cubs – TBD
The Cubs are back in the playoffs! Let it soak in for a moment. Can the Cubs secure a Divisional Series win, or dare I say their first World Series in 100 long years? They definitely have the team to do it and are the favorites to come out on top in the National League.
Their 97-64 record was good for second in the majors, and their 55-26 record in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field was second to only the Rays and Red Sox.
Grasp this: The Los Angeles Dodgers have won ONE postseason game, ONE in the past 19 years! In contrast, the Cubs have won seven. Not great, but surely better than one! I know, I know, the Cubs are cursed, but I really think they have the strongest team heading into the postseason.
In seven games this season, the Cubs won five of those contests against the Dodgers, slightly outscoring them 19-18. After looking at the numbers, it looks to be a close series, but I’m not buying into it.
The Cubs are firing on all cylinders right now, have no injuries, are well rested, and have home-field advantage. They scored the second most runs in the majors (855), were second in .OBP (.358), and had the fifth-highest team batting average (.278).
Contrast that with the Dodgers (700/.333/.264), good for 24th, 14th, and 14th, respectively, in the Senior Circuit.
Surprisingly, the Dodgers had the best ERA in the National League (3.68), while the Cubs sat in a close third (3.87). In the games played against each other this year, the two teams battled very closely. Team batting, home runs, and RBI were each separated by very slim margins (.238 to .235, 6 HR to 4 HR, and 80 RBI to 78 RBI), all in favor of the Cubbies.
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