A.L.C.S PREVIEW: Baltimore Orioles (102-60) vs. Oakland Athletics (101-62) 
The Orioles suffered the offseason loss of Ben McDonald to Montreal, but more than compensated with career performances from the likes of Rick Lummis, Billy Koch and MVP Candidate J.D Drew. The rotation is average, so if the Orioles advance, it will be because of their hitting. More tha anything, they need the middle of the order to come through in what is shaping up as a high-scoring affair
After coming out of nowhere in 2003 before losing the division on the final day of the season to Texas, the A's proved in 2004 that they weren't just a one-year wonder. The offseason signing of Catcher Ben Patrick has turned into one of the best signings in RML history, while other smaller moves have paid off. They have a solid cast of veteran sluggers such as Chavez and Daubach and perhaps the best pitcher in this series with Tim Hudson. But there isn't a lot of depth pitching wise, making it imperative that Hudson and the big sluggers come through --------------------------- BALTIMORE IN SIX ----------------------------- N.L.C.S PREVIEW: New York Mets (101-61) vs. Atlanta Braves (98-64) 
After being roundly criticized for assembling "the worst team money can buy" in 2003, GM Ben Moffit deserves credit for sticking with the same veterans and giving them one more kick at the can. Without a doubt, the Mets were built to win now with an $88 million payroll and millions in debt this may very well be it. But for the time being, the Mets have a deep roster (pitching and hitting wise) that can challenge for the World Series. Look for this to go seven games, with three very interesting matchups between John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez 
Despite entering this series with the worst record among playoff-bound teams, something about this Braves team reminds me of the one that won the World Series two years ago under similar circumstances. The difference is that the Creature belives this version is even stronger. They face a stiff challenge from the Mets, but there may not be a better middle order (Stenson-Glaus-Jones), a better leadoff man (Furcal) or a better big game pitcher (Pedro Martinez) in baseball. This team is a force to be reckoned with. -------------------------- ATLANTA IN SEVEN ---------------------------
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