3 Major Questions as We Approach the MLB Playoffs.

With just a few weeks left of the regular season, the MLB playoffs are quickly coming into picture.  Most of the divisional races are all but finished, however there are still a few intriguing questions left unanswered. 

Will the Yankees or Red Sox be hosting their first round matchup? 

Can the Angels pitch their way past the Rangers to win the west? 

Can anyone really challenge the Phillies in the National League or World Series?

American League East: Boston Red sox

In the end, this classic divisional battle will be decided by what is sure to be less than two or three games.  Both teams have the exact same amount of home and away games left in the short remainder of the season.  The Yankees have a 10 game road trip starting September 8^th in which they play one game in Baltimore, three against the LA Angels, three in Seattle and finally three in Toronto. This will likely give Boston a chance to gain a small lead on New York before the two meet in their final series in the Bronx, which is sure to be an epic battle.

The two of these teams have drastic similarities, more so this year than any other in recent memory.  The argument used against the Yankee’s week rotation is a falsehood.  The CC/Nova combination is on par with the Beckett/Lester duo. Criticize A.J. Burnett as much as you want, but take a look at John Lackey’s 6.11 ERA.  Baseball’s most heated rivalry has a plethora of MVP candidates as well.  The Yankees have CF Curtis Granderson and 2B Robinson Cano, the Red Sox have CF Jacoby Ellsbury and 2B Dustin Pedroia.

What gives Boston the clear advantage in the race for the division title is that they play seven of their final 10 games against the American League doormat Baltimore Orioles, to which they are 8-3 so far this year.  Expect the Red Sox to be playing in Fenway in their first game of the 2011 playoffs.

American League West: Texas Rangers

On August 17^th the Los Angeles Angels were on a five game losing streak and had fallen seven games behind the Texas Rangers for the divisional lead.  Chances of overcoming the deficit and battling back to make the playoffs seemed bleak for the Angels, as the Rangers were then riding a six game winning streak.  With a few weeks left of the season the Rangers’ lead over the Angels is only three.

There has been much publicity over the dramatic decline of Rangers rookie pitcher Alexi Ogando.  After starting the season 7-0 with an ERA of 2.10 Alexi has since had a serious slump, as he’s now 12-7 with an ERA swelling to 3.68.  However, the Angel’s three-headed rotation of Weaver, Haren and Santana is also suffering some late season setbacks.  Once compared to Detroit’s Justin Verlander for the AL Cy Young, Haren has seen a decline the last five weeks. 

Ironically it was not too long after Haren’s duel with Verlander on July 31^st in which the Detroit flamethrower nearly threw a no hitter.  In three of Haren’s last five starts Weaver allowed six, seven and eight runs.  Meanwhile Dan Haren had an ERA of 4.20 in the month of August, and Ervin Santana has a similar ERA in his last four starts.

What really separates the two is that the Rangers can score at will, and the Angels have what seems to be an anemic offense at times.  Texas has scored 713 runs third in the Majors, while Los Angeles has scored only 571 runs slotting them at 16^th.  With pitching neck and neck between the two teams, the difference will undoubtedly be decided by hitting, which Texas maintains a clear advantage.  If the race for the West comes down to the wire, expect an exciting season ending series between the two teams, which will take place on the Angel’s home turf.

National League Champion: Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have all the ingredients to be in and win this year's World Series.  The three-man rotation of Halladay/Lee/Hamels is one for the ages.  Their numbers for this season are impeccable; equally impressive is their playoff portfolio.

Roy Halladay 2011 stats: 16-5, ERA 2.49, WHIP 1.06

It’s no secret that Roy Halladay threw a no-hitter in his first career postseason start.  His 2-1, ERA 2.45, WHIP 0.77 postseason stats are just the beginning in what will continue to be an illustrious career.

Cliff Lee 2011 stats: 16-7, ERA 2.47, WHIP 1.053

Cliff Lee has a sterling postseason resume, 7-2, ERA 2.13, WHIP 0.82.  His best starts came in a Philly uniform in 2009 when Lee was 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP.

Cole Hamels 2011 stats: 13-7, ERA 2.63, WHIP 0.97

One need not remind Philadelphia fans that Cole Hamels knows how to pitch in October.  Hamels was 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP when the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, which landed him the Series MVP.    

Philadelphia brings the mentioned talented pitching arms to the playoffs along with the lively young arms of Antonio Bastardo (6-1, 8 Saves, 1.69 ERA, 0.75 WHIP) and Vance Worley (10-1, 2.45 ERA, 1.14 WHIP).  The Phillies usual cast of Rollins, Utley, Howard and Victorino are joined by All-star outfielder Hunter Pence.  Philadelphia is 22-8 since adding the former Astro.  The Philadelphia Phillies will not be stopped by any NL opponent, expect them to make an appearance in the World Series for the third time in four years.