The 2009 MLB Playoffs sure pose some interesting scenarios.  A potential Boston vs New York ALCS, an all-L.A. world series, who can cool off the red hot Twins, the wisdom and leadership of Joe Torre vs Tony LaRussa, the thin air of Colorado, and pitching.  P-I-T-C-H-I-N-G…  Whoever has it is going to keep advancing, whoever does not get it can start priming the snowmobiles now.

Twins vs Yankees

Depending on how long the Twins were out partying or not CC Sabathia should dominate Game 1.  The Twins trot out their rookie Brian Duensing as the lamb in this one.  However, the unpredictable AJ Burnett and the predictable Andy Petitte are pitching games 2 and 3 for the Yanks.  If the wrong Burnett shows up and Petitte throws his normal game, the Yanks could be in a 2-1 hole.

The Twins are just hot enough to start a descent, in this case, a season-ending fall.  The Yankees know that Jeter is a gamer in the postseason and A-Rod struggles.  Mark Teixera will make a difference and Nick Swisher will have one of those unlikely big games in leading the Yanks to the ALCS.

Yankees over Twins: 3 -1

Rockies vs Phillies

Pitching is really going to push the Phillies in the playoffs.  Cliff Lee gets the call for game one.  Cole Hamels gets game two.  That should be enough for a 2-0 Phillies lead.  They haven’t even announced a starter for game three yet but it won’t be Jamie Moyer.  The offense has been sluggish at times, but Jimmy Rollins is a big-game guy and Ryan Howard is always a threat.  Shane Victorino also knows how to turn it up in the postseason.

Yay Rockies!  You made it to the dance again!  Unfortunately for Colorado, Jorge De La Rosa (16 wins) isn’t active for the series due to injury.  This puts all of the pressure on Ubaldo Jimenez.  If Jimenez gets two starts and Colorado can grind out another win somewhere, they could stun the Phillies.  Don’t hold your breath.  Jimenez will walk a few guys in game one.

Phillies over Rockies: 3-1

Cardinals vs Dodgers

This series will be more of a chess match between the two best managers in baseball, Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa.  Unfortunately, LaRussa has a lethal queen (Pujols) and not many other pieces on offense.  With Clayton Kershaw limping down the stretch and Vicente Padilla’s unpredictability, the pitching edge would have to go to St. Louis.  However, I am not so sure that the Cards can muster enough offense to win.  Look for many close and low-scoring games in this series.  Manny Ramirez might play a role in games one and two, but I look for the Cards to handle him with care if they get burned once.

St. Louis over LA Dodgers: 3-2

Red Sox vs Angels

Perhaps the toughest series to break down, the pitching favors Boston and the offense favors the Angels.  However, the Angels pitching is capable of throwing shutouts and the Red Sox offense can score 13 runs in a game.  Josh Beckett has a reputation for throwing his best stuff in postseason competition.  If the series goes 5 games, Beckett gets two starts.  If Lester or Buchholz can squeeze a win, I think Boston will prevail.

This will also serve as Kendry Morales’ national stardom party.  I expect Morales to hit like crazy throughout the series.  I just don’t feel he will get much help. 

Boston over LA: 3-2 in a coin flip

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