Quote:
Originally posted by DRau
Luis Gonzales out of the post-season - Are the D'backs screwed? They faultered a bit at the end of the season, almost losing the title to the Giants....
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I don't think "screwed" is the word for it . . . although with Schilling looking like ass his last couple starts, they can't be considered serious contenders for the title, IMO.
That said, I think they'll beat the Cards in short-series ball - neither team plays much offense, with both absolutely punting the 3-5 spots in the rotation (Simontacchi isn't that good kids) as well as multiple line-up spots.
Rolen needs to be absolutely gigantic for the Cards to come out of the series - remember, Miguel Bautista was nasty in the postseason last year, and most likely will get a start against someone weak for the Cards . . .
Neither of those teams beats the Braves, though - the DBacks are severely handicapped at the plate and the Cards don't throw the ball well enough. Bullpens can win (or lose) playoff games - just ask the Yankees (or the 89 A's) - and the Braves have the nastiest bullpen I can ever remember.
Overall - I'd predict the winner of the Oakland/NYY matchup wins the series (assuming it gets there), but that almost invariably means neither will win the first-round series.
I'll be rooting for the A's in the AL (old Bash Brothers nostalgia, since the Sox are gone), and the Giants in the NL (since my best bud is a huge G's fan, although I hate Barry - Ewing Theory potential?).
RC, who predicted pre-season that the Mets finish last in the NL East . . . look up the thread