Baseball Playoff Picks (Updated)
The Red Sox and the Mets will be in the world series
While several teams appear ready to make a significant run into the postseason, including the Angels, Tigers and Braves, the Red Sox will win the World Series.
World Series: Boston Red Sox def. New York Mets, 4-2.
American League Championship Series: Boston Red Sox def. Detroit Tigers, 4-3.
National League Championship Series: New York Mets defeat Atlanta Braves, 4-2.
Initially, the Tigers and the Dodgers looked destined for the Fall Classic, but some trade deadline acquisitions and moves made things a little clearer in each league.
First off, everyone on the continent is already booking the Red Sox tickets to the World Series after picking up closer Eric Gagne in exchange for starter Kason Gabbard and minor leaguers David Murphy and Engel Beltre. Trade rumors surrounded Gabbard and starter Jon Lester for the better part of a month before the Sox took action on deadline day, hanging onto Lester and dealing Gabbard. Gagne cements the Red Sox bullpen, already the best in baseball with all-stars Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon, with another setup man and part-time closer when Terry Francona wants to spare Papelbon. With the return of Curt Schilling to the rotation and the steadiness and toughness of youngsters Daisuke Matsuzaka and Josh Beckett, the Sox are primed for a significant postseason run.
In the National League, the Braves beefed up by signing closer Octavio Dotel to setup Bob Wickman and perhaps move into the closer role if Wickman succumbs to injury. The biggest acquisition of the year, however, is Mark Teixeira from the Texas Rangers. Teixeira will add to the powerful Braves lineup that includes Kelly Johnson, Edgar Renteria, Andruw Jones (off year, but still dangerous), Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. But while the Atlanta bats are something to fear, the pitching staff is something short of World Series caliber. John Smoltz and Tim Hudson are top notch, but beyond that there is something to be desired. So the New York Mets are the favorites in the NL. Jose Reyes, David Wright, Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green and Moises Alou are battle tested at the dish, and the pitching staff is even better. Tom Glavine recently notched his 300th win and is as reliable as ever. John Maine is having a career year (although he has struggled since the all-star break) and El Duque is back on track, barring injury, of course. Throw in Oliver Perez and you've got yourself a staff good enough for the Big Show.
Conclusion: Red Sox and the Mets in late October.
Read other articles by Rob Greenfield.
