Cause we’ve got our picks for the 2009 Post-season

SCOTT JACOBS

The Yankees are back after a one year hiatus.  The Twins are flying high after an incredible romp through the last 21 games of the season.  The Angels have failed (miserably) in the last three post-seasons, getting slugged out by the Red Sox.  Those two teams get to tango again.

In the National League, the champs are back… to defend their crown.  Philadelphia comes into the playoffs playing mediocre baseball lately, but maybe that’s because they went virtually unchallenged within the division most of the year.  Colorado is back after a one year hiatus.  All the Rockies do, is win Wild Cards.  But hey, it worked well for the Marlins. The Cardinals have cooled off a bit lately but they have a great 1-2 punch, and a pair of sluggers as good as any in the game.  The Dodgers raced out ahead of everyone to start the year, but came back to reality.  Still, the NL playoffs will go through Chavez Revine, so long as the Dodgers can stay in the mix.

So that’s the field for you for the 2009 playoffs.

Now that we’ve got our elite eight, here’s our picks.Twins OVER Yankees in four
I know crazy right?  I’m telling you, Minnesota has destiny on it’s side, and the Yankees have been playing meaningless games for a while now.  While the Yankees have tons more talent, and the homefield advantage on their side, the Twins have that “it” factor going right now.  And the best team doesn’t always win in the playoffs.  The hotter team usually does.  Minnesota’s won 17 out of 21.  The Metrodome lives to see another series.

Angels OVER Red Sox in five
Fourth times a charm?  For the Angels, yes.  Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!  You can only be dominated by a team for so many years before you finally break through.  The Angels don’t have the best record, but they have a great rotation, and a chip on their shoulder as they play for Nick Adenhart.  There will be an angel in the outfield for Los Angeles of Anaheim.  They move on.

Phillies OVER Rockies in three
Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and J.A. Happ form the best trifecta in the N.L.  The no name Rockies can’t match up.  Two years ago the Rockies came out of nowhere to win the N.L.  There will be no repeat in 2009 as the Phils march on in a rather uneventful three game sweep.

Cardinals OVER Dodgers in five
The best matchup in the first round also gives us the most intriguing managerial matchup, as Tony LaRussa squares off round for round with Joe Torre. The Dodgers have been totally mediocre the second half of the season, while the Cards have found their mojo and their chess mate with Pujols and Matt Holliday.  The Cardinals have a great 1-2 punch in Carpenter and Wainwright.  Pitching wins you championships.  The Cards win in a thrilling five game set.

Beyond the Divisional round:

AL Champion:  Twins
NL Champion: Cardinals

World Series Champion: Twins

It makes no sense I know, but Minnesota is about to shock the world, and when they open up Target Field next year, they’ll be the ones everyone will be targeting as they raise a champinship banner no one saw coming.

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