MLB Playoffs: NLDS Preview

The 2010 NLDS features the Philadelphia Phillies who have won the past 4 NL East championships and have been to the World Series the past 2 seasons. The other 3 teams haven't made a postseason apperance since 2005. Let's see how the teams matchup.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are back in the postseason for the 4th straight season and are looking to go to their 3rd straight World Series. The Reds are making their first playoff appearance since winning the NL Central in 1995. Unfortunately for the Reds, the Phillies have 3 #1 starters leading their pitching staff. Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels are as good as it gets. Halladay will be amped to pitch in the playoffs after spending many miserable years in Toronto. Oswalt has been great since joining the team, going 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA. OFfensively, the Phillies are led by Ryan Howard whose power numbers are down slightly this season. The Reds led the NL in homeruns this season. Joey Votto had a breakout season and hit 37 homers. If the Reds can hit some homeruns and get some decent pitching from Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, and Johnny Cueto, then they could make this series interesting. I don't see that happening though.

Prediction: Phillies win in 4 games

Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants

So if you don't know me, I am a huge Braves fan. I watched them on TBS when I was a little kid and they are the reason I am in love with baseball. The last playoff game that the Braves were in has haunted me for the past 5 years. I watched every minute of the 5 hour 50 minute game against the Astros and tears came to my eyes when Chris Burke hit the walk-off homerun against Joey Divine. I remember that game like it was yesterday and I hope these playoffs can ease the pain of the 2005 playoffs.

The 2010 Braves won 91 games and led the NL East most of the season, until a late season run by the Phillies. The Braves are without their clubhouse leader Chipper Jones in these playoffs. Omar Infante and Martin Prado filled in nicely for Chipper, as both hit over .300 for the season. Prado was injured in late September and is out for the entire postseason. The strong point of this team is pitching, just like it was when the team won 14 straight division titles in the 90s and 2000s. Tim Hudson had a brilliant season, winning 17 games with a 2.83 ERA. Tommy Hanson posted a 3.33 ERA in only his second season. The bullpen was magnificent this season and Billy Wagner saved 37 games.

The San Francisco Giants won the NL West and are making their first playoff appearance since 2003. They led the NL in ERA with a 3.36 ERA. Tim Lincecum had a subpar season for his standards, but still won 16 games. Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez posted lower ERAs than Lincecum and combined to win 26 games. Their bullpen was great and they have a great closer in Brian Wilson, who led all of baseball with 48 saves. The problem with the Giants is their mediocre offense. Their 697 runs scored is the lowest of any playoff team. They were led by rookie of the year candidate Buster Posey, who hit .305 with 18 homeruns in just 108 games. Aubrey Huff hit 26 homers and Juan Uribe, who swings harder than anyone in baseball, hit 24 homers. If the Giants can score runs, then they matchup well with anyone. If their pitching falters, then it could be a long series for the Giants.

Prediction: Braves win in 4 games