MLB Postseason Preview

NLDS:
St Louis Cardinals vs. LA Dodgers
In each of the major sports, there is something people say wins championships: goaltending in hockey, defense in basketball and football. In baseball, its pitching. The Cardinals have it, and the Dodgers don't. Of all the pitchers who have started a game for the Dodgers this year, only Randy Wolf has more than one more win than loss. On the other side, the Cardinals have three 15 game winners, two of which have an ERA under 3. Add to that some of the struggles the Dodgers have had at the plate lately, and I have to give this one to the Cards.
Pick: Cardinals win 3-0

Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies will not repeat this year. In fact, I don't think they make it out of the first round. The Rockies simply look like a better team. And putting together a team that hit the 7th most HRs this season against a Phillies pitching staff that gave up the third most HRs this season spells disaster for the former champs.
Pick: Rockies win 3-1

ALDS:
Boston Red Sox vs LA Angels
The Red Sox have owned the Angels in the playoffs. In their last three postseason matchups, the Sox are 9-1 against the Angels. On paper, though, this looks like the most evenly matched pairing this year, as both teams have remarkably similar numbers in pitching and hitting. This series, then, will come down to intangiables. I have to give it to the Sox, as they've been here before, they've won before, and I think they'll win again.
Pick: Red Sox win 3-2

Minnestoa Twins vs NY Yankees
If recent trends continue, the AL side of the postseason is set up perfectly for the Yankees. Under manager Ron Gardenhire, the Twins are 3-23 against the Yanks, including 0-7 this season. If the Red Sox domination of the Angels continues, the Yanks can sweep Minnesota, and have momentum behind them going into the ALCS. In my opinion, having Jose Molina catch AJ Burnett is the right move. Once the postseason starts, pitching becomes much more important than hitting, and having Burnett at the top of his game is more important than having Jorge Posada in the lineup.
Pick: Yankees win 3-0