LCS SELECTIONS

I've had a couple of days to not consider the New York media's declarations that the Phillies - Yankees matchup is inevitable and have come to the following conclusions.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

New York vs. Texas. In my view this matchup is similar in a lot of ways to the Texas - Tampa Bay matchup, but in reverse. This time Texas is the team that may not hit as much as the Yankees but will do all the little things that will pester the hell out of the Yankees. Like the Rays, if the Rangers can get on base they will disrupt the Yankees defense by running, taking extra bases and just being all around pests. Not to mention that they have the ability to knock it out of the park on occassion. It is very likely that the Rangers will be able to get on base against the Yankees pitching the question will be whether or not they will be playing from in front or trying to catch up to New York's hitters. Tampa Bay's mediocre lineup was overmatched by Texas' better pitchers but I can't see that happening too often with New York. 

Selection: New York. I think the biggest question in this series will be whether or not the Yankee pitching can hold down the Ranger offense enough to win. My bet is they will and that New York's clutch hitting takes it.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

San Francisco vs. Philadelphia. Pitching, pitching and more pitching. That's what this series is supposed to be, so there will probably be three or more games with double digit scores on both sides. That being said, I think this series turns on the bullpens of both teams. Regardless of whether they are high or low scoring games they should be somewhat close and that is where the bullpens come in. San Francisco's pen has been solid all year, however, Philadelphia's pen has the experience of big games. Offensively, San Francisco would have a tough time staying with the Phillies sluggers but they seem to play the old Earl Weaver way; pitching, defense and three run homers. They seem to score in bunches but not as consistently as Philadelphia.

Selection: Philadelphia. As long as they stay hungry Philadelphia has the more experienced, talented team and although I hate to admit it I see a Philadelphia - New York rematch for the World Series.