Baseball's second season

Alas, neither my beloved Brewers nor the local heroes were able to fight their way into the baseball playoffs. Still, we have some fine matchups ahead. Time for a Dilettante preview.

Cubs vs. Diamondbacks - You have to give the Diamondbacks credit for their season; they have been highly successful even though their team is young and prone to mistakes. They have one outstanding starter in Brandon Webb, an excellent bullpen and some good young hitters. But that won't be enough to beat the Cubs, I think. We've done a lot of Cub bashing around here, but an objective look at the team reveals a squad that matches up very well in this series. I think the key is Ted Lilly; if he can win Game 2, the Cubs will win this matchup quickly, most likely in Chicago. Cubs in 4.

Rockies vs. Phillies - I haven't been able to see the Rockies very much, but when I have I've been impressed. Troy Tulowitzki may end up stealing Rookie of the Year away from Ryan Braun of the Brewers and Matt Holliday is one of the best players in the majors, even though I don't think he actually touched home when he scored the winning run on Monday night. His reward for lazy umpiring is a visit to Philadelphia. Can the Phillies ride their formidable lineup into the World Series, despite having Kyle Lohse in their rotation? Maybe. As a former crafty lefty (wiffle ball division), I admire Cole Hamels and the ancient Jamie Moyer a lot. Phillies in 5.

Yankees v. Indians - I have seen the Indians a fair amount this season, including twice at the Metrodome. They are a fine team with balance and two really good pitchers in C.C. Sabathia and the nasty Fausto Carmona. The Yankees fear no one, of course, and they appear to have their starting pitching squared away at precisely the right time. Their lineup, the best that money can buy, is second to none. But they'll have to win at least once in Jacobs Field. The guess here is that they won't. Indians in 5.

Angels v. Red Sox - Another matchup among members of the baseball plutocracy. The Angels come into this series beat up, without Gary Matthews Jr. The Red Sox have shelved Tim Wakefield. Which hurts more? Losing Matthews, I think. And Josh Beckett has already proven he can take the ball in the big game. Red Sox in 4.

We'll revisit this matter in about a week or so, eh?