Chapter 49.3: Second Season

Ok, some quick predictions because I don't have much time:

Mets vs. Dodgers: Mets win series 3-1.
Padres vs. Cardinals: Padres win 3-0.

Twins vs. A's: Twins win 3-0.
Yankees vs. Tigers: Yankees win 3-1.

I think the Mets bullpen will be the star of the early round and probably of the first two rounds. The Dodgers have some fire power and experienced pitching, but I expect to see the Mets bats come alive, as they did against the lowly Nationals. The Dodgers are better than Frank Robinson's team was, but I still think the Mets have what it takes. Look for Guillermo Mota to star.

The Cardinals have been so bad lately, they might lose three straight to the Royals right now. Jake Peavy should take game one against Chris Carpenter, and from there the Cards have virtually nothing to scare a solid, if not spectacular San Diego squad.

In the AL, the A's only shot is to defeat Johan Santana, and he hasn't lost at the Metrodome since he was in diapers. Frank Thomas will hit a couple homers, perhaps, but Moneyball once again won't go too far.

The Tigers pitchers are all good, and if this series were being played in June, I'd take them. But the Tigers staff, except for Kenny Rogers, are basically young kids who've thrown too many innings this year. And no one is afraid of Rogers. And the Tigers don't hit sinker ballers well. Wang will overcome any jitters and set the tone for the rest of that series.