Now that my Twins have made the postseason like I knew would happen (don't pay attention to the incorrect picks, please) it's time to break down the postseason.

Go ahead and write these down and then jump on BoDog and make your millions. I'll take 10 percent.of the cut.

NLDS
Colorado Rockies (92-70) vs. Philadelphia Philles(93-69)
Analysis: The Rockies have this stupid 'Rocktober' slogan going. That alone makes me want to pick against them. But, alas, I will try to be unbiased. The choice to throw Cliff Lee instead of Cole Hamels in Game 1 for the Phillies was a good one. Just because Hamels was dominant in last year's postseason doesn't mean it will be an indicator of this year's success. Lee has been better all year. In the end, it won'y matter. The Phillies' lineup is better top to bottom, and so is the starting pitching. Colorado's bullpen has settled nicely and Philly's is a train wreck, but it won't be the difference-maker. I expect the Phillies to win a pair of games at home and cruise.
Prediction: Phillies in three.

St. Louis Cardinals (91-71) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (95-67)
Analysis: The Cardinals had the division won for so long that I'm worried about their ability to take it out of cruise control. The Dodgers were in the same boat until the last few days of the regular season, so let's call it even. The St. Louis pitching is clearly superior. Los Angeles has a better lineup, but the Pujols-Holliday middle of the order is lethal. I hoped St. Louis would play Colorado so it could cruise through round one, but this one will be a nail-biter.
Prediction: St. Louis in five.

ALDS
Minnesota Twins (87-76) vs. New York Yankees (103-59)
Analysis: Minnesota's pitching is awful and its second-best hitter is done for the year. But these were the same weaknesses the Twins had going against them in September, and they stormed back to win the division. Can the Twinkies stay rolling? Eh, probably not. The Yankees are rested and waiting for Minnesota to arrive in the Big Apple. There's no way Minnesota wins Game 1, and after that it's quite an uphill climb. But I think it will be closer than others expect.
Prediction: Yankees in five.

Boston Red Sox (95-67) vs. Anaheim Angels (97-65)
Analysis: Something just feels a little bit off with the BoSox. The lineup doesn't have that intimidating presence like the Man-Ram/Papi in his prime days, and I'm still worried about the rotation. The Angels, meanwhile, seem to be a team in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Talent-wise, Boston is probably better. But give me the Rally Monkey.
Prediction: Angels in five.

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