ALCS and NLCS Previews
October 12, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Playoffs, Stats and Analysis
With the ALDS and the NLDS in the books, it’s time to preview both the ALCS and the NLCS. In the ALCS, the New York Yankees take on the Los Angeles Angels. In the NLCS, the Los Angeles Dodgers will battle with the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.
The ALCS should be extremely exciting. Both teams have very powerful lineups with a lot of star power. In fact, the Yankees and Angels ranked one and two in all of Major League Baseball in runs scored.
What will decide the ALCS? It will most likely come down to starting pitching. And though the Yankees probably have the best starter (C.C. Sabathia), the Angels have more depth and they have a number of pitchers throwing very well. With that said, I predict the Angels to win the ALCS.
In the NLCS, the Phillies and their powerful bats will try to topple the pitching of the Dodgers. No team gave up less runs this year than the Dodgers, while the Phillies led the National League in runs.
Who will win? I just think that the Phillies have too many dangerous bats to ignore. Their weakness in pitching — both starters and the bullpen — is worrisome, but I predict Philadelphia to win the NLCS.
The Phillies are predicted to advance to the World Series again (Image: Zuma Press)
