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Battlin’ in October
A few can’t-miss playoff matchups
By Mike Kennedy
There would be no better story than to see the Brewers end their 26-year playoff slump with a series against the defending champions.
What a great weekend of baseball, right? Well now that the playoffs are all set and the Brewers are in the playoffs for the first time in 26 years, I would like to offer a list of the best matchups that could appear in baseball’s prime month: October (that now stretches into November).
Pitcher vs. Pitcher
Scott Kazmir vs. Francisco Liriano
So it’s not the first exciting matchup you would think of, but do just that, think. Liriano was the next Roger Clemens before having Tommy John surgery and sitting out for the entire 2007 campaign. Now he is back, and if the Twins take on the Rays, going up against Kazmir would be one helluva game to watch. Despite both teams playing under a dome with nearly half the crowd of any other playoff-bound team, this matchup could be one for the ages. Twins win 3-2.
CC Sabathia vs. Cole Hamels
The last time Hamels took on the Crew he got a solid win, going 6 1/3 innings with only two earned runs and just four strikeouts. CC has never had an outing against the Phillies, but a game with these two on the mound would definitely be one to watch and admire. Two powerful lefties taking on two teams that fair well against lefties could be the result of either a strikeout battle, or a homerun battle. Brewers win 5-4.
Matt Garza vs. Paul Byrd
I know what you’re thinking, why Paul Byrd? Well if this matchup does happen, the Red Sox had better hope it’s at Fenway so they at least have a chance. The Rays are an incredible 8-1 against the Sox at Tropicana this season, and it shows. Not only will this entire series be joyful to watch, seeing Red Sox Nation crumble as they lose to the Rays who were in dead last place just a year ago would also be quite enjoyable. Rays take it at the ‘Trop,’ 6-3. Sox take it at Fenway, 3-1.
Team vs. Team (World Series)
Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs
A Windy City World Series? No way…well, it’s possible. If the Ozzie Guillen can hold his temper long enough to actually manage, the ‘Southside Stunners’ might have a chance to meet the Cubbies in the World Series. That could extend the 100-plus-year drought the Cubs are still experiencing; Thank you again, Steve Bartman. Sox win it in six games; Orlando Cabrera gets MVP.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Philadelphia Phillies
This would be a great series to watch, even though no one would. Therefore, Angels win it in just five games, Torii Hunter wins MVP with six homers and 13 RBI.
Boston Red Sox vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Wouldn’t this matchup be a dandy? I think this would be the best possible outcome for not only Major League Baseball but for fans all over the country. There would be no better story than to see the Brewers end their 26-year playoff slump with a series against the defending champions. The Red Sox are way too stacked in the pitching department to lose the series and seem to always have an answer with their bats. Red Sox Nation wins back-to-back titles in a tight seven-game series. Dustin Pedroia hits walk-off single in game seven to earn MVP honors.
Hitter vs. Pitcher
Francisco Rodriguez vs. M&M (Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer)
I can picture it now: bottom of the ninth inning. Twins are down 6-4 in game six of the American League Championship. Two outs and Denard Span on first base. Up next will be Mauer followed by Morneau. The two men are leading the league in batting average and runs batted in, trying to score three runs against the best closer in MLB history. After closing out games one, two and four, K-Rod blows the save and the Twins’ M&M force a game seven.
Manager vs. Manager
Lou Piniella vs. Joe Torre
Someone please check on me to make sure I’m alive if the Dodgers win this series. I think I would laugh to death seeing Pinella’s face after they lose to the Dodgers. This battle would be one of complete opposites. Pinella and his crazy antics up against Torre and his emotionless managing would be one great series to watch. However, Cubs win it in five games.
That’s it, that’s all for playoff matchups. Here’s one more prediction: Angels win the World Series. Quote me on it.
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