N.L.C.S PREVIEW: San Francisco (109-53) vs. Montreal (98-64) 
OUTLOOK: These are two teams that had exceptionally strong years, leading their divisions for most of the season. After a disapointing 2004 season, the Giants were not expecting their rotation to be their strength but it has been phenomenal, posting a league-low e.r.a of 3.18. The strength of the Giants staff lies in their depth, but they certainly have a big-game stud in Denny Neagle. He may very well win the CY Young. The offence is also quite strong, with 844 runs scored and strong leaders such as Scott Rolen. Likewise the Expos success was borne out of its balanced attack. Offseason free-agent signee Joe Kunkel has definitely had a big role in that, but no less should be made out of the contribution of Vladimir Guererro, who is in his walk year. One strength of the Expos is the expereince of their starters such as Kevin Brown, most of whom are in their late thirties. There really is not much seperating these two teams offensively, but the Giants simply take the cake pitching-wise. Furthermore, the Expos bullpen has struggled in 2005, which could become a factor with the injury to closer Yorkis Perez. GIANTS IN SIX 
KEY MATCHUPS:
1) Ace Pitchers-
(SF) Denny Neagle 21-8, 2.82 vs. (MON) Kevin Brown 14-10, 3.01
2) Offensive Catalyst-
(SF) Scott Rolen .268 40 113 vs. (MON) Joe Kunkel .338 32 121
A.L.C.S PREVIEW: Texas (116-46) vs. Boston (92-70) 
OUTLOOK: Words cannot describe how immaculate the Texas Rangers season turned out to be. They proved everybody wrong and beat a Seattle club that, frankly, looked unbeatable. The shame of it all is that it will quickly go for naught if the World Series trophy fails to be brought home to Arlington. There is no reason that shouldn't happen. With an absolute dynamite ace in Hideki White and an equally adept Greg Maddux, they are set pitching wise. The offence is also deep and talented with proven run producers like Edgardo Alfonzo and Lance Berkman. The Red Sox similarly were not expected to contend in 2005, but Brent Ingram made a series of trade, first for Bryant Burton and then for Pete Tucci that catapulted his team into the playoffs. This is the BoSox first RML playoff appearance. Boston is in tough against texas however and their first-go-round may not last long. RANGERS IN FIVE 
KEY MATCHUPS:
1) Ace Pitchers-
(TEX) Hideki White 28-1, 2.05 vs. (BOS) Bryant Burton 16-6, 2.70
2) Second Bananas-
(TEX) Greg Maddux 14-5, 2.98 vs. (BOS) Kyle Peterson 19-6, 2.49 |
