Autumn Moon: MLB Playoffs Preview

Two hours from now, the San Diego Padres will either complete a season of ups and downs or complete a season of Homer Simpson-style muck ups.

Meanwhile, the Mets are sitting at home watching the playoffs, the Indians are back in the saddle, and the Red Sox and Yankees are in the postseason...again.

And of course, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California are playing like the World Championship team of yesteryear.

But what happens when the spotlight is on them and them alone? Here's a preview of the unscriptable October.

American League Division Series

Los Angeles Angels vs. Boston Red Sox

It's the East vs. the West. While Boston was fighting the Yanks for the East, and the Indians were beating the Tigers with the tribal stick, the Angels were winning games and playing under the radar.

Now they are in the same spotlight along with the AL East Champions.

Vladimir Guerrero will need to step up another notch if he intends on taming the hot Sox. As for Boston: let Big Papi do his thing, and you will be heading back to the ALCS. Simply put, the Los Angeles/Anaheim, California Angels are now an obstacle in Boston's quest to become World Champions again. Sorry Cali, but there are way too many power hitters on Boston for them to be stopped.

Prediction: Boston in 4

New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians

After finding out that the Indians and Yankees will be playing in the ALDS, how many people went out and rented Major League? This time, the Indians look dangerous, and the Yankees stopped teasing and started pleasing. A-Rod looks better than ever, and Joe Torre looks like a genius.

The pitching matchup will be interesting, mainly because of the possibility that this could be the series that goes to five games. With Grady Sizemore pulling out all the stops to lead his team to victory, the Indians have an opportunity to beat the Yankees and win the series—a position that Mike Hargrove used to have the team in many moons ago.

C.C. Sabathia will help them do it. Depending on Jeter's health, the Yankees will make it a slugfest. Until then, expect the Indians to lock horns with the Red Sox in the ALCS.

Prediction: Cleveland in 5

 
National League Division Series

Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

This series is intriguing just because the Cubs are playing like a team possessed. The Diamondbacks were lucky that the Rockies didn't flat out sweep them and win the division. Despite their talent, they struggled against Colorado, and squeaked into the postseason by default.

As for the Cubs: Chicago is bringing a city to its feet in a time when the windy city doesn't have much to cheer about. Lou Piniella has this team playing like winners, which is why I'm picking them to win this series in royal fashion. Like the Wisconsin Badgers, Arizona's luck has to run out sooner or later. Against a revived Cubs team, the clock strikes midnight.

Prediction: Chicago in 4

SD/Colorado vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies completed their climb back to the top with a division-clinching win over the Washington Nationals. The Phillies earned their spot in the postseason by capitalizing on the collapse of the New York Mets.

Though they still don't know their opponent, the Phillies are taking both teams seriously...and they should. The Padres have something to prove to themselves and to the rest of the league, while Colorado is showing that their new found glory isn't a fluke. Whoever wins the playoff today better get ready for a fight—because as everyone well knows, the fans of Philadelphia can be downright vicious.

Prediction: Phillies in 4(if Padres)/Rockies in 4

 
San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies

This game has massive implications for both teams. The Padres would like something to cheer about after the downfall that concluded yesterday with a loss to Milwaukee.

As for the Rockies, they have a chance to get back into the postseason for the first time in a decade. Colorado has won 13 of their last 14 games, and is truly the hottest team in the National League right now. For the Rocks, anything short of the postseason would be an insult.

The Padres are good...but they won't beat the Red Hot Rockies.

Prediction: Rockies clinch Wild Card

Enjoy the postseason. See ya on Halloween.