Cincinnati finished up their season at an impressive mark of 91-71. They now enter the playoffs as the third seed, with Philadelphia and San Francisco both having better records than them. They're set to take on the Phillies, and it's time to break down each series.
ALDS (best of 5):
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers: This might be the best series that the playoffs will have to offer. Game one features an incredible matchup between Cliff Lee and David Price. Both teams have elite offenses, can run, and play outstanding defense. The Rays have the experience and a deeper rotation, but I love the Rangers lineup. If Josh Hamilton is healthy, Texas is the clear favorites, I think. I also like the fact that the Rangers' bullpen is so deep. So I'm going with the upset, and I'll take Texas over Tampa in 5.
Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees: I know the Phillies are on a roll, and the Rays won the division, but I can't shake the feeling that New York is still the team to beat in the playoffs. If Andy Pettitte is healthy and ready to go, the Yanks will be tough to beat with their rotation. But without him, I don't think they have a clear guy behind CC Sabathia. Minnesota is without Justin Morneau, and their lack of an ace in October could hurt them. I like the Yankees in 4.
NLDS (best of 5):
San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves: It has been a tremendous run for both of these teams, and it's nice to see Bobby Cox back in the postseason. But I think the Giants lineup is much deeper, and Lincecum and Cain are both awfully tough to beat, especially out in their home ballpark. Atlanta is banged up, and I'm not sure how ace Tim Hudson will hold up after slumping down the stretch. I'll take the Giants in the sweep.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds: Oh, the Phillies haven't already won this series? It seems like everyone in the national media has just looked past this series, and advanced Philadelphia to the next round. Not so fast. The Reds beat Roy Halladay once this year, pounding out 13 hits off of him, and they've beaten Roy Oswalt twice this year as well. I like the Reds bullpen and defense better than Philadelphia's. I also think Cincinnati's lineup matches up well against the bunch of fastball throwing pitchers that the Phillies will use. Cincinnati proved the doubters wrong all year, and there's an air of destiny to this team. Can they do it one more time? Cincinnati in 4.
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