MLB's Divisional Series' Overview

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers

The Phillies got lucky in this series. The Brewers, who had been playing playoff baseball for the last month of the season, ran out of gas. CC Sabathia did his normal playoff shamble of a performance. His lack of an "ace" outing was not because of his fourth start on three-days rest; it's more of a lack playoff poise, which has been demonstrated his whole career.

The Brewers' bats were not alive. The Phillies' pitching staff did the right thing take the bat out of Prince Fielder's hands and see if the rest of the team could beat you. Obviously that did not happen.

L.A. Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

What more do you have to say then CHOKE? That is what the Cubs did and will do until some magical day when they get over the hump. My biggest concern with their decisions in the series was, where was Reed Johnson? Fukudome looked like a fresh-eyed rookie in the first two games , barely swinging the bat.

Why not Johnson? At least he would give the pitchers of the Dodgers a new look at the plate, unlike Fukudome, who just swings and misses like most of the team. Only hot spot for the Cubs was Mark De Rosa. He actually showed up and played like he cared to win.

Boston Red Sox's vs. LA Angels

The Angels where heavily favored because they had 100 wins in the regular season, but that is just it the REGULAR season. The Red Sox are a playoff oiled machine, regardless of who is on the bump or in the field. Dustin Pedroia had a horrible series at the plate, J.D. Drew is not healthy, Josh Beckett is not even close to his big-game status, Mike Lowell is out for the playoffs, and the Angels still could not beat them.

They are saying that the loss of Lowell (2007 World Series MVP) will hurt them, but I beg to differ. Now you can add a player with more speed and allow the Sox's to run more and set up better for there hitters with Mark Kotsay in the lineup.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Soxs

You have to give them credit from the start, because the Rays did not fold like every EXPERT predicted them to at the end of the season. Beating the White Sox in four games is a good feeling for this team going into the series with the other Sox.

The White Sox, like the Brewers, ran out of gas come playoff time. Also, their veteran hitters Thome and Griffey stunk the joint up in the playoffs. I think it is about time for BOTH to hang up the cleats, especially Griffey.

Predictions for League Championship Series

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox's

I have to say I am happy for the Rays' organization to get this far, but I think the train comes to an end in this series. The Red Sox, who are far more experienced in the big-game situation will pull a tough series out.

Both starting lineups are nothing to shake a stick at. Both have speed, power, and great hitters with the likes of Longoria, Upton, and Crawford for the Rays, and Pedroia, Ellsbury, Youkilis, and Ortiz for the Sox's.

Both have great bullpens, until crunch time.

This is where the edge goes to the Sox. Papelbon is by far the best closer in baseball, no matter what record K-Rod set this year. The only advantage I see for the Rays is their starting pitching.

With Beckett questionable for the Sox, the edge is to the Rays. Hopefully, Tampa Bay's starting pitching can limit the Boston bats and keep Papelbon in the bullpen, doing his dances.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. L.A. Dodgers

This series ultimately comes down to two players, Ryan Howard and Manny Ramirez. The player with the better numbers will make his team move on. As seen in the NLDS vs. Chicago, if Manny is Manny, the Dodgers win because everyone else in the lineup excels.

If Ryan Howard has an MVP-type series, with the help of Burrell, Utley, and Rollins, then the Phillies will move on. The pitching is about the same, starter wise, but the middle relievers for the Dodgers, I must admit, seem superior.

If the Dodgers get to the eighth inning with the lead, the game is over. Broxton and Saito are probably the new Rivera and Wettland from the Yankee haydays.

World Series Perdiction

Boston Red Sox vs. LA Dodgers: MLB's dream matchup of 2008.