NLCS Thoughts, Predictions, etc.

[NetShrine]

Anyone have any?

[Duque]

Both have anemic offenses. Depending on whether they take Marquis on their roster, Braves may have a slight advantage in terms of rotation depth, though not much. If it comes down to the bullpen, you have to like Atlanta, especially the way Smoltz is throwing. And while Bobby Cox has a legacy of questionable postseason decisions, Bob Brenly hasn't shown he's a Sparky Anderson either.

[NetShrine]

At the end of the regular season, I saw an interview with Al Leiter, in which, he picked Arizona to win the NL Flag.

Now knowing that they can get 4 to 5 games in which Unit and Schilling can pitch, I think Al may be right.

[NetShrine]

This series that boring or is it that no one cares?

[satchel]

It's been a pretty good series so far, in that the games were close (Game 2 didn't become a blowout until the 8th inning), but really, Miguel Batista shutting down the Braves doesn't inspire any "great pitching stops great hitting" commentary. There's little tension because there's little threat in either offense.

Schilling should pitch another great one tonight (again, with Atlanta's help).

On a related note, my roommate is a Diamonbacks fan. She was complaining about Gonzalez, saying that he doesn't hit enough and always seems to strike out with runners on. I said, "you ask a lot of a guy who drove in 142 runs." She said that she doesn't pay attention to numbers, but that she feels like every time she sees him he strikes out. I told her she had bad luck because he only struck out 83 times (to 100 walks) all season. She said "is that good?" Not all fans approach the game the same way.

Of course, in the postseason, he's already racked up 6 strikeouts in 27 at bats, and knocked in only two runs.

[NetShrine]

As a Yankee fan, IF the Yanks make it to a WS this year, my biggest fear is having to face Schilling and Johnson in four or five games, and having to pitch to Lugo in the Stadium. He's the only D-back hitter that is dangerous, IMHO, outside or Durazo (sic?) as a DH in the AL parks.

[willyg]

As a Yankee fan IF (and until Rivera is in the ballgame going for that 4th win I will not feel confident) they make it to the World Series I am completely undecided as to whom I want them to face.

Atlanta has excellent (not dominant) pitchers, a very good back end of their bullpen and a good offense.

Arizona has the two dominant starts, a very average bullpen, and a decent offense.

It comes down to the complete team, vs. the dominating starters.

I am undecided.

[NetShrine]

I think tonight is huge in the NLCS. I'll go out on a limb, whomever wins tonight will go to the WS.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by NetShrine
I think tonight is huge in the NLCS. I'll go out on a limb, whomever wins tonight will go to the WS.

It's official, I'm going with Arizona for the NL Flag. FYI for those outside NJ/NJ: Local Sports radio Yankee-haters are hoping for the D-backs - - with lines like "The Braves had two cracks at NY and fell short. They can't beat the Yanks. Let someone else try."

Gee, I wonder which radio guys this would be? WFAN is pretty much a Mets station anyway, since that's whose games they broadcast.

FWIW, I'm also going with the DBacks. I think the Braves have blown too many chances so Unit and Schilling seem like a new challenge I'm hoping the Yankees get past, just like the A's and now the M's present a new challenge I'd like the Yankees to step up to.

Play ball.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by Yogi#8Fan
Gee, I wonder which radio guys this would be? WFAN is pretty much a Mets station anyway, since that's whose games they broadcast.

Yeah, it's the FAN. Only in NY. Mad Dog Russo on the station actually has a bit where he asks listeners to prove they are worthy to join his "crack staff of Yankee haters." Again, this all sounds the same as boos on the road............