AND SO IT BEGINS.....

by Jack Cobra, Cobra Brigade

After a long season it's finally time to see which players will build their reputations upon post-season success and which players will fade away when the light is shining the brightest. All of the teams have worked extremely hard to get to the post-season, but only four teams will make it out of the first round. Every team is hoping they'll be on the mound celebrating at the end of the playoffs, so who's dream will come true. Here are my predictions for the division series:

ALDS - Angels vs. Red Sox - It would be easy to pick the Red Sox because of their potent offense and home field advantage but I'm going with the Angels here. Why? Because I think their aggressive style of play will prove to be more than the Red Sox can handle. This will probably be the best match-up of the first round - Angels in 5

ALDS - Yankees vs. Indians - The Yankees come into this match-up as the hottest team in baseball since May....I don't think they'll stop just yet. Cleveland was pushed through the regular season on the pitching arms of C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona and I think it's time for those guys to wear out - Yankees in 4

NLDS - Rockies vs. Phillies - I'm calling this the 'Caffeine Series' because both teams play as if they are on as caffeine high after ending the regular season with improbable runs to the playoffs. The Phillies have more experience on their team and I think that will prove to be the difference here - Phillies in 3

NLDS - Cubs vs. Diamondbacks - The D-Backs had the best record in the National League but will be making an early exit from the playoffs. The Cubs look like a team on a mission and if they can get some more first inning magic out of Alfonso Soriano this should be a relatively quick series - Cubs in 4