Monday, August 10, 2009

Predicting how the Yankees Playoffs May Play Out

The Yankees completed a four-game sweep of the Boston Redsox last night. That got me thinking....if the playoffs were played starting tonight....how would the Yankees fair?

First of all...here would be the playoff matchups.

1. NYY
vs.
3. DET

2. LAA
vs.
4. BOS

So...lets say the Yankees play the Tigers. Here's what the pitching matchups would be:

GAME 1: CC Sabathia vs. Justin Verlander

This matchup was played out earlier in the year at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees won that game 2-1. Still, Verlander and CC are both aces, but I'd call this even. I'm going to give the Yankees the win on this one.

GAME 2: A.J. Burnett vs. Edwin Jackson

This is another great matchup of aces. Jackson pitched against the Yankees twice this season, losing one and getting a no-decision in the other. Through the two games combined Jackson pitched 13 Innings giving up 9 Hits and 2 Runs. Burnett faced the Tigers once (I was there) pitching 6 innings giving up 3 runs on 6 hits in a No-decision. He was not all that great. I'm going to give Jackson the win in this one.

GAME 3: Jarrod Washburn vs. Andy Pettite

I'm giving Pettite the start in case the Yankees want Joba to get extra rest. Washburn has had a great year, but he is struggling of late. Pettite has had a rough year but is amazing of late. Still, I will give the win to Pettite due to his proven post-season track record.

Game 4: Rick Porcello vs. Joba Chamberlain

Both pitchers are young phenoms that will one day probably (hopefully) be game one starters. I'll give the Yankees and Joba the win, though.

*Based on records as of this day I have the Angels beating the Redsox*

Game 1: CC Sabathia vs. John Lackey

I'll give Lackey the win, beware Lackey, he is playing for a contract.

Game 2: A.J. Burnett vs. Jered Weaver

I'm a big Jered Weaver supporter, as I believe he is one of the best in the game. I think that Weaver loses this game, however, as A.J. Burnett pitches a solid game.

Game 3: Joe Saunders (healthy) vs. Andy Pettite

I don't care how much Joe Saunders struggles, or battles with injuries, I still think he is a great pitcher. I can see Pettite struggling against LA, with his career ERA vs. LA is 4.70.

Game 4: Ervin Santana vs. Joba Chamberlain (or possibly CC Sabathia)

Whichever one of CC or Joba pitches...will be firing. They won't let themselves lose this game.

Past that game the series repeats itself pitchers wise, which makes it too difficult to predict.

I will leave you with this stat, though: The Yankees 4 main starters (CC, A.J., Joba, Pettite) have a combined 4.50 ERA vs. the Redsox, Angels, and Tigers.

8 comments:

P-Cat said...

Still, the Yankees are a different team than the one that lost a lot of games early on. I think we can win against against any of those teams right now. Good post.

Brandon said...

Thanks I hope your right

Schruender said...

I know this is looking way too far ahead, but the Red Sox have owned the Angels in the playoffs. I think they've won like 13 of 14 during the post season against them.

Brandon said...

Thanks for reading Schruender and I do know that and agree. I based the Angels over Redsox prediction purely over current record. I did not want to come off as biased. I do believe that if they played each other the sox would win.

shavetown.com said...

Thank you Schruender...

I mean shit pal, if you base it on record then the Yanks will win the world series...AND my 18-0 Patriots would have rolled through the Giants.

That's why they play the games...and when they play the games, The Sox ALWAYS beat the Angels in the playoffs. To quote Ron Burgendy..."It's Science"

Raj C. said...

Angels fan checking in.

I watch the Angels on a daily basis and think that its unfair to comapre this lineup with ones in the past. Yes, the Red Sox have completely dominated them in the playoffs, but, and I think many would agree, our current line up is nothing like those that have have looked so futile.
I would also go as far to say that if I'm in the Angles locker room, I'm not worried about the Sox's as much as I am about the Yanks and their All-Universe lineup.

For the first time in a long time, I'm excited for the playoffs.

shavetown.com said...

You should be worried about Beckett and Lester in a best of 3 though..

Brandon said...

Once again just stating here that that wasn't my prediction it was just based purely on records. I do agree that the Angels lineup is much improved....but still i gotta take the Redsox here cause of the Angels shaky pitching.

Thanks for reading....keep up the comments guys