At the beginning of the year, I predicted the Texas Rangers would beat the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. I also predicted the Baltimore Orioles and Oakland Athletics would take last in their respective divisions. Today is a new day ...
AL Wild Card
Orioles at Rangers
Despite the Rangers dismal finish to the season, you are only as good as that day's starting pitcher, and the Rangers are sending Yu Darvish to the hill, and they are at home. I'm picking the Rangers to hold on, and advance to the Divisional Series against the Yankees. Rangers 6 Orioles 3.
NL Wild Card
Cardinals at Braves
I think this will be a good game, but every time I play this game in my head, I see the Cardinals rallying late. Cardinals 5 Braves 4, to advance to the Divisional Series against the Nationals.
AL Divisional Series
Athletics vs Tigers
This year, the lower seed is hosting games 1 and 2, with the higher seed hosting games 3, 4 and 5. I know Detroit has Verlander going at home in game 1. The Tigers will win Game 1, but this Oakland team will battle, and win this series.
Athletics in 5.
Yankees vs Rangers
The Rangers have looked sluggish the last 4 weeks. To blow a 5 game lead with 9 to play has to be demoralizing. The Yankees will win this series easily, I hate to say it.
Yankees in 3.
NL Divisional Series
Reds vs Giants
This is an intriguing series. With first two games in San Francisco, it changes the dynamic of the series. You know what, despite Lincecum's worst season as a pro, he steps up big. Giants take it.
Giants in 5.
Nationals vs Cardinals
A city that hasn't been to the playoffs in 79 years vs the reigning World Champions. This will be a great series. The Cardinals seem to step up when it counts the most, that being said, there will be a new champion this season. Nationals advance, despite no Strasburg.
Nationals in 5.
AL Championship Series
The highest payroll in sports vs the lowest. David vs Goliath. Every thing points to the Yankees just being too good, having too much talent. That's why I'm taking the A's.
Athletics in 7.
NL Championship Series
Jordan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper will introduce themselves on the national stage with authority. Nationals advance to their first Fall Classic.
Nationals in 6.
World Series
You'll probably need a program to follow some of these names. Fox will not be thrilled with an Oakland / Washington series, but it will be intriguing baseball. It's all about who's hot now. Two great stories. My gut? They will be raising a banner in Oakland.
Athletics in 6.
Who would have thought, the Oakland Athletics, world champions of baseball in 2012.
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