The MLB Postseason continues tonight after a questionably long break since the previous series…Fortunately that break has allowed me to calm down since the whole Instant Replay fiasco.
In the year of the pitcher, the excitement has all boiled down to Game 1 between the Phillies and Giants. Roy Halladay v. Tim Lincecum. I am not doubting that these two pitchers will pitch very well in Game 1, but I have to imagine that these two pitchers will not be able to replicate the amazing performances they had in the previous series. Halladay pitched a No Hitter (virtually a perfect game, if not for 1 walk) and Lincecum pitched a 2 Hitter. Impressive both of them. But you simply cannot expect that with this type of pressure and immense hype for the game that both pitchers will last 9 innings, outdueling one for the other in a 1-0 game. If it happens, then by all means enjoy the baseball and I will eat my words. But I have a hunch that at least one of them will be gone by the 6th inning (maybe 7).
Since this does begin new series, I will honor the day with some predictions: Like I said in my first post, the Phillies simply must be considered as the front runner until someone makes a legitimate move for the World Series. The Giants will not be that team. As for the Rangers and Yankees, as much as it hurts me to believe that the Evil Empire will go all the way, the Rangers are too young to really progress anywhere deep into October.
Phillies in 5. Yankees in 6. World Series Rematch.