2010 MLB Playoff Preview
By Tim Ryan
Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds
Announcers: Brian Anderson & Joe Simpson (The Royals outfielder and Jessica Simpson’s dad? Sounds like a party)
Valuable On-field Presence: David Aldridge
Outlook: The Phillies had an unbelievable finish to the season and look like they’ll plow through the NL like a hooker on Horny Goat Weed. Having said that, I think the Reds will surprise some people. They won’t win the series, but they’ll be feisty. With the Phillies as such heavy favorites, it will be downright hysterical if Doc get shelled in Game 1. Dare to dream? Yes, yes I do.
Prediction: Phillies in 5.
Atlanta Braves vs San Francisco Giants
Announcers: Dick Stockton’s smoking head & Bob Brenly
Valuable On-field Presence: Tom Verducci
Outlook: This one’s pretty easy. The Braves have been a mess for a good month now and the Giants have Timmy’s arm, Pat Burrell’s courage and Bruce Bochy’s mustache. But since I see the Giants getting through this series with ease, don’t be surprised when you’re witnessing a classic October gem from Derek Lowe, followed by pure balls from Tim Hudson, followed by Bobby Cox circling the bases on wings of whiskey when Atlanta closes out the series at Turner Field.
Prediction: Giants in 3.
NLCS: Giants over Phillies in 6
ALCS: Twins over Rangers in 5
World Series: Twins over Giants in 6
Remember last year’s unofficial postseason anthem? To this day, any time this song comes on I’m immediately taken back to last October, a booze-filled, chain smoking marathon filled with lots of Rain Man pacing:
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Jason McIntyre’s picks, just for posterity:
Yankees over Twins in 4
Rays over Rangers in 5
Phillies over Reds in 4
Giants over Braves in 4
Yankees over Rays in 6
Phillies over Giants in 6
Yankees over Phillies in 6