If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 13

By John in Red Sox ⋅ July 4, 2011 at 9:00pm ⋅ Post a comment

Phillies vs Yankees: Week 13's prediction for the World Series

It’s almost time for the All Star Game, and plenty of races are still tight. Boston has dropped some ground to the Yankees, and the Indians, Cardinals and Angels are all interjecting themselves back into their divisions in real dogfights. The Wildcard spots are locked up fairly securely considering how other races are going, and the Phillies and their rotation are still running the show. So Phillies aside, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, July 4 at 9:00pm:

National League

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs #3 St. Louis Cardinals

The Phillies, Cliff Lee’s recent outing not included, are absolutely dominant. Their rotation can go DEEP into games and their bats aren’t too shabby either. And while it remains to be seen how Albert Pujols will respond after returning from injury, the Phillies should be considered the overwhelming favorites over the Cardinals.

#2 San Francisco Giants vs #W Atlanta Braves

Tim Lincecum and former no-name Ryan Vogelsong join Brian Wilson in anchoring a power Giants rotation, which has more punching powers than Atlanta‘s. It’ll be tough, but as long as San Fran can get some good swings in each game, they should come out on top.

American League

#1 New York Yankees vs #3 Los Angeles Angels

All of a sudden, the Yankees somehow have a pretty good overall rotation. Couple that with the home run power, and they can’t lose that easily. When you consider that Los Angeles is barely over .500 (44-41), even after winning eight of ten, then the Yankees look that much better.

#2 Cleveland Indians vs #W Boston Red Sox

Cleveland is back in the lead of their division by half a game, but their troubles still have them struggling to maintain a run at the playoffs. The Red Sox are even harder to figure out right now, but with Ortiz back, they showed that they can have offensive bursts against iffy teams. As long as Lackey and Jenks are barred from the park, Boston’s pitching should do well enough to hold Cleveland at bay.

What Might Change Next Week:

It’ll still be close, but Texas should be able to pick up a game on L.A.
Both St. Louis and Milwaukee host both Arizona and Cincinnati. Whoever hiccups first will be in 2nd in the division next week.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, MLB Playoffs, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals