LFR Sports

Angel Hurler Lackey Wins World Series MVP

National League ball rules this post season despite a team from the junior circuit hoisting the World Series trophy yet again.

In the meantime, here's how The T handicaps the 2005 playoffs:

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Cardinals over Padres

Don't dare discredit the San Diego Padres. Despite winning only 82 games, the mediocre Pads will not go down easy. Nevertheless, the Cards are built on proven veterans still in the prime of their careers. The Padres might be scrappy with guys like Dave Roberts, but the Cardinals are vastly better in every category except the bullpen. San Diego's advantage, though, will never present itself. CARDINALS IN FOUR.

Astros over Braves

The Bay Area surely knows the Tim Hudson curse. It will be interesting to see whether the former Oakland Athletic can shed his abysmal postseason rep. If this series were played a month and a half ago the Braves would have had a better chance. A few of Atlanta's excellent rookies have cooled down possibly because of the longer season and scouting departments have begun to figure out how to pitch to rookie RF Jeff Francoeur. Houston's Big Three of Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte are a bit overrated. Nonetheless, they will neutralize Atlanta's only chance in this series--Andruw Jones. ASTROS IN FIVE.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Angels over Yankees
The world needs proof that God exists. An exciting five game victory over the demonized Yanks should do the trick. New York has the offense and the stopper in the bullpen, but piecemeal starting rotations only go so far in October. Bartolo Colon may have been struggling in September, but the winner of Game 7 in the 2002 World Series--John Lackey--has been steady all summer. Along with Colon, Jarrod Washburn or Erwin Santana and Mike Scioscia's brand of National League baseball the multi-city Angels will advance . ANGELS IN FIVE.

White Sox over Red Sox
This is still the silly, fun-loving and powerful Red Sox, but there's is absolutely zero moxie in the pitching staff. Even though, lyrical baseball writers fail to write about them, the White Sox are this year's Red Sox. Except after being title-less since 1917 the South Side curse will continue after dethroning the champs. The White Sox can beat you numerous ways: With pitching, the long ball and even small ball. WHITE SOX IN FIVE.