A quick look at the 2007 American League and National League Divisional Series.
Yankees vs. Indians
The Yankees have been knocked out in the Division Series the last two seasons. Don't expect a three-peat. While the Indians have a slight edge in starting pitching, the Yankees are better offensively, have more postseason experience and have the better manager. Furthermore, they finally have a set-up man in Joba Chamberlain, who can bridge the gap from the rotation to Rivera.
It won't be easy, but I expect the Yankees will win in five games, and set up another Boston-New York ALCS. Oh boy.
Red Sox vs. Angels
With Garry Matthews on the shelf due to injuries and Vlad Guerrero still hurting, the Angels will need to rely on their pitching to beat the Red Sox. But with John Lackey's poor record at Fenway, don't expect the Angels to win Game 1. Boston has the better offense, the better defense, and a deeper bullpen. They will win the Series in four games.
Phillies vs. Rockies
This should be a high-scoring series, with the two best offenses in the National League playing five games in the most hitter-friendly parks in all of baseball. I think these two are very evenly matched, so I just flipped a coin and it came up for the Phillies, who will in it in five games.
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks
I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't know enough about the Diamondbacks, who actually won the most games in the National League this year. But looking over the pitching and hitting rosters, it's hard not to like the Cubs in this series. First game starters Brandon Webb and Carlos Zambrano are evenly matched, but after that, the edge goes to the Cubs, who've got the tough Ted Lilly starting Game 2. That, and a better lineup, should lead the Cubbies to a series victory in five games.
