Texas-Tampa -- taking the Rays because of their pitching and the Rangers in the last 2 months of the season have been incredibly average. They were lucky just to make it.
AZ - Brewers -- DBacks top 2 starters had to pitch this past weekend to get them into the playoffs so they're going with a rookie in Game 1 and then Gallen in 2 and Kelly in 3. Brewers offensively aren't worldbeaters so I have a sense that there could be a lot of unders here and their bullpen isn't the greatest. Gonna say Brewers but I'm not totally sold on it.
Marlins-Phillies -- one would think that the Phillies can ride the homefield advantage to a quick 2-game sweep and move on to Atlanta but they've had troubles with the 2 Marlins starters that they'll see in Games 1 & 2. I'll pick the Phillies but I think it'll go the full 3 games.
Jays-Twins -- full disclosure, I'm a Twins fan. This 18-game playoff losing streak is equivalent to all the times that Temple would play Penn State and I'd kid my dad (a Temple alum but PSU season ticket holder) that it was like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Well, Charlie Brown finally kicked the football in 2014 and I think he'll get to kick it again this week. Pitching here is pretty even with the Twins having a slightly better bullpen. Be prepared for a lot of backward K's as not only did the Twins lead the league in strikeouts but they also led the league in strikeouts looking and it's INCREDIBLY frustrating to see good hitters stare at beautiful pitches for strike 3. Anyway, gonna ride my team and hope for the best.
