American League playoff thread / discussion

[MaineDolFan]

Once the National League is settled we'll start a thread for that league as well.

For now, let's talk some AL playoffs.  Shall we?

I don't see Boston running down Tampa for the division, so I'm pretty sure we'll see the following match ups:

Chicago - Tampa

Boston - Anaheim

My opinions on this opening round are that anything can happen in a five game set but that Boston and Tampa SHOULD advance.  I don't think Chicago has anything for Tampa Bay.  I know Anahaim has Boston's number this season but...that's the regular season.  I've seen this play before, I know the ending.  Anaheim ass-pumps everyone in the regular season and folds like a tent come the playoffs.  And the folding is usually at the hands of the Red Sox.

I actually have my objective reasons and subjective opinions that swing these matchups the way I outlined, but I'll save those for another time.

I think we'll see Boston - Tampa in the ALCS...and man.  What a freakin' series that is going to be.  As huge of a Sox homer as I am, I have NO issues watching Tampa make their run.

[Brian Fein]

ass-pumps?

that's a new one.

I gotta say, all due respect to the Red Sox, but I'll be rooting for the Rays this postseason.

[MaineDolFan]

I don't blame you.  Part of me will be as well. 

[SportsChick]

Go Sox... maybe... please?

[Tenshot13]

I really hope it's a Sox/Rays ALCS...that would make such a great series....GO RAYS!

[Sunstroke]

I've been cheering for Tampa all season, despite not actually being a Rays fan. I just really like a lot of the guys on this team. Scott Kazmir, Andy Sonnanstine, Grant Balfour, BJ Upton, Dioner Navarro, etc... I think this is a solid squad from top to bottom.

[EDGECRUSHER]

I think Tampa will advance in 5 games. They are definitely more talented, but they have never experienced the playoffs before and it may be a culture shock at first. I expect them to drop the first game and then win it at home in Game 5.

As far as Anaheim goes, you pretty much have to keep betting against them versus Boston until they win. It's the safe money bet. It's getting to the point where Boston can lose 7 more starters next week and they would still win, so it's foolish to bet against them. I say Boston sweeps them, I am just not impressed with Anaheim because of their weak division, nor would I even whipe my ass with K-Rod's "record". Mariano, Brad Lidge, Papelbon and Soria were much better this season.

I think Boston beats Tampa in 5 games and then wins the World Series because the NL doesn't field professional ballclubs anymore. My only hope is that they don't sweep them so they don't challenged the 1996-2000 Yankees streak of 14 straight world series game victories. Boston just seems like more of a complete team that defies logic and keeps winning. Never go against a team that doesn't make statistical sense.

[Sunstroke]

I think Boston beats Tampa in 5 games and then wins the World Series because the NL doesn't field professional ballclubs anymore.

Some people live to be assholes...and the above quote is offered up as evidence.

[StL FinFan]

^ I was going to field that one, but I thought I'd leave it up to the professional. 

[Denver_Bronco]

I'd love to see the Phillies or Cubs win it all............

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I'd love to see the Phillies or Cubs win it all............

Man, the Cubs winning it on the 100th anniversary of the last time they won it. 

That would be something. 

[EDGECRUSHER]

I'd love to see the Phillies or Cubs win it all............

Just the Phillies. I like certainties in my life, and the Red Sox threw a wrench in that lately, so I still want the Cubs to be losers.

[MaineDolFan]

Boy, I tell you guys (and girls) something.  The Twins making the playoffs over the White Sox puts a whole new spin on things.  The Twins are a lot like the Rays and I'm not sure I like that match up for Tampa Bay.

In response to Edge saying Boston would beat Tampa in five - the only thing I can assume is that he is looking at the home splits and the format of that round.  It's 2-3-2.  If Boston could steal one in Tampa in the opening first two games winning in five would be realistic as Tampa struggles as much in Boston as Boston struggles in Tampa.  But that is a HUGE if. 

If that series goes the way the regular season did, Tampa starts the series 2-0.  Boston makes the series 3-2.  Tampa wins in seven back home.