2008 Woodie Awards
Yanks, Red Sox, and the Darkhorses
Josh "Jewce" Cohen
Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: Sports
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It's October. We're finally here. After six long months, multiple trips to the disabled list and heart wrenching losses, (sorry Mets fans) it is once again time to crown the champion of the baseball world. What makes this year so intriguing are the old and new faces that comprise the bracket. We have the perennial favorites in the Yankees and Red Sox, who I believe will meet in the ALCS. There are also a few fresh faces such as the Rockies and the Phillies, two teams who haven't been in the playoffs since I was in elementary school. And of course there are the Cubbies, who hope to erase the memories of Steve Bartman and reach the pinnacle of the baseball world, something they haven't done since 1908. In fact, the only playoff team from last year who is still alive is the Yankees. Hard as it is to believe, there are seven new teams to this year's playoffs. In a league that is often scrutinized for its payroll disparities, 15 different teams have made it to the playoffs in the last two years, a measure of parity and diversity that is unique only to the sport of baseball. So without further ado, here are my breakdowns and predictions for the League Championship Series, starting with the National League.
Colorado vs. Philadelphia
Two weeks ago, it would have been sheer madness to suggest that either of these teams would qualify for the posteason. But of course, as Chris Berman would say, "that's why they play the game." Seven games back with 17 to play, the Phillies went 13-4 down the stretch while the Mets lost 12 of their last 17. The Rockies are baseball's hottest team entering the playoffs, having won 14 of their last 15, including a one-game playoff against the National League's best pitcher, Jake Peavy, to earn their first ever trip to the postseason. In the last two years, the Tigers and the White Sox have shown that the hottest teams go the furthest in the postseason. This is a matchup that features three of the National League's best in Matt Holliday, Ryan Howard, and Jimmy Rollins. In the end, I believe that the Phillies bats will be too much for the Rockies' pitching staff to handle. Between Jimmy Rollins, Howard, Chase Utley and Aaron Rowand, there is too much experience on the side of the Philadelphia. While I am greatly encouraged by the recent play of Colorado, I don't think fate is on their side. Philadelphia wins in four games.
Colorado vs. Philadelphia
Two weeks ago, it would have been sheer madness to suggest that either of these teams would qualify for the posteason. But of course, as Chris Berman would say, "that's why they play the game." Seven games back with 17 to play, the Phillies went 13-4 down the stretch while the Mets lost 12 of their last 17. The Rockies are baseball's hottest team entering the playoffs, having won 14 of their last 15, including a one-game playoff against the National League's best pitcher, Jake Peavy, to earn their first ever trip to the postseason. In the last two years, the Tigers and the White Sox have shown that the hottest teams go the furthest in the postseason. This is a matchup that features three of the National League's best in Matt Holliday, Ryan Howard, and Jimmy Rollins. In the end, I believe that the Phillies bats will be too much for the Rockies' pitching staff to handle. Between Jimmy Rollins, Howard, Chase Utley and Aaron Rowand, there is too much experience on the side of the Philadelphia. While I am greatly encouraged by the recent play of Colorado, I don't think fate is on their side. Philadelphia wins in four games.
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