2011 National League Divisional Series
Saint Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Cardinals still don't know how they got into the playoffs, but they're here now, and they're ready to enjoy it. This promises to be a mercurial series. The Cardinals' Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman will face Philadelphia's red-hot pitchers Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels, who combined for 50 of the 102 wins the Phillies piled up during the regular season.
Nothing will stop Philadelphia from cruising to the World Series. With the talent they put together in 2011, and the playoff experience they have gained in recent years, standouts like Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, and Chase Utley will simply demolish the Saint Louis Cardinals. Don't feel bad, Tony LaRussa. You already have enough accomplishments to make the Hall of Fame.
Predicted winner: Philadelphia Phillies (3-1).
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Not a thrilling series, but a close one to watch. The Arizona Diamondbacks will rely on the arms of 21-game winner pitcher Ian Kennedy and the efficient relief of J.J. Putz, plus the timely bats of Justin Upton, Chris Young, and Ryan Roberts.
The Milwaukee Brewers, on the other hand, will reply with Prince Fielder (38 HR, 120 RBI, .299) and Ryan Braun (33, 111 RBI, .333) and the surprising arms of Yovani Gallardo (17-10), Zack Greinke (16-6), and veteran Randy Wolf (13-10). Fielder, who said he was happy for Braun when the outfielder signed a $105 million extension last spring, wants to rise his free agency stock. Expect him to be this year's "Mr. October", and then "Mr. Winter" at the bank.
Predicted winner: Milwaukee Brewers (3-2).
2011 National League Championship Series
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Experience pays off, and the Philadelphia Phillies have tons of it. Although it would've been nice to see a young team from a small-market city like Milwaukee make it back to World Series after almost 30 years, the playoffs are not the best time for sympathy. This could be a one-sided series, with the Phillies' pitching staff securing their path to the 2011 World Series, their third in the last four years.
The Brewers will compete and will surely give Philadelphia a headache in each game, but their throwers will finally crumble. Prince Fielder's heroics won't be enough.
Predicted winner: Philadelphia Phillies (4-2).
2011 World Series
Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees
Predicting this far is a risky business, but speculating on writing about sports is as luring as it gets. The Philadelphia Phillies should recover the glory they achieved in the 2008 World Series, when they beat the Tampa Bay Rays in five games. Their likely rival will be the New York Yankees, which would make this World Series a rematch from the 2009 Classic... with a different ending.
Predicted winner: Philadelphia Phillies (4-2).
For the American League playoff predictions, you may visit 2011 Major League Baseball Playoff Predictions: American League.
Sources:
Major League Baseball (accessed September 29, 2011).
ESPN Baseball (accessed September 29, 2011).
Baseball Almanac (accessed September 29, 2011).
Roberto Porta - My penchant for writing began at an early age. At 8, I already entertained my older siblings with full adventure, action, and other ...
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