Bloggleheads

 
By: Bob Sacamano
 
Picking the Yankees? Hardly a bold prediction. I don’t think there is a bold prediction in this series aside from predicting it to be over in four or five. Most people seem to believe this series will go the distance (unlike your first time). I am definitely in that majority.
 
The Yankees will have their hands full with the Angels, we all know that. I think this entire series is going to come down to the bullpens. The Yankees bullpen has been great, and many expect it to continue to be great. On the other hand, the Angel bullpen has been mediocre at best (like your first time), and doesn’t have a great outlook moving forward (although I’m sure you got sooo much better).
 
Starting Pitching: Push
Yankees are top-heavy, Angels have depth.
 
Bullpen: Yankees
Joba, Hughes, Mariano could turn these into 6-inning games
 
Lineup: Push
Yankees can just bludgeon teams to death, but the Angels’ lineup is fast, smart and full of .300 hitters.
 
Get ready for it, folks. The Angels are going to run all over Johnny Damon’s horrible excuse for a man’s arm every chance they get. Taking second on should-be singles to left, going first-to-third with regularity. It’s going to be ugly. I’ve always said Damon looks like he’s throwing with the wrong arm, and the more and more I see him throw, the more I want him to put a glove on his left hand and throw with his right arm. I bet he’s got a canon.
 
How to: Throw like Johnny Damon
Step 1 – Pick up a relatively small object that fits in your hand
Step 2 – Put the object in your other hand (non-throwing arm)
Step 3 – Take a 5-minute break
Step 4 – Throw it as far as you can
Step 5 – Impress your friends with your spot-on Damon impression
 
To win this series, the Yankees will have to play defense and get the game to their bullpen with the lead. It’s going to be tight, every game will be close (another bold one, I know). Bloggleheads will be with you throughout the playoffs for well, not the greatest insight, but insight nonetheless.
 
Is it NLCS predictions you want? Here’s my prediction: It doesn’t matter; the AL is winning the World Series.
 
Giddy-up.