NLDS Preview

As Cliff Lee mows down the Rays, we move to the National League Division Series...

Phillies vs Reds
This matchup pits two of the best offensive attacks in baseball against each other. By now we all know the usual suspects in Philly - Utley, Werth, Howard, Victorino and Rollins. Over in Cincy the young Reds are led by presumptive NL MVP Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and veteran Scott Rolen.
Game one starter Edinson Volquez pitched well against the Phillies in two starts this season. Further, the Reds hammered Volquez' opponent, Roy Halladay, in their only meeting against him this summer.
The key for the Reds is to get the game turned over to their bullpen with a lead. Cincinnati has a tremendous late game weapon in Aroldis Chapman that neutralize Utley and Howard in critical situations. Reds closer Coco Cordero has also had a good year and is a dependable stopper.
However, there's one major problem with the aforementioned.
Getting a lead on the Phils is going to be nearly impossible. The Phillies sport the greatest three-man rotation since the 1990's Braves with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. The 2010 Phillies are built to dismantle the opposition with strikeout pitchers and a firecracker offense.
I love the future for the Cincinnati Reds; I really do. They have several offensive stars and the most exciting young pitcher in the game with Volquez. I hate to say it, but wait till next year Reds fans.
Phillies in 4.

Giants vs Braves
I love this matchup. This series has the makings of a true classic, something the divisional round usually lacks. These teams are practically mirror images. Both have excellent pitching, sometimes spotty defense and pedestrian offensive games. Both bullpens are well-above average units, anchored by excellent closers in Brian Wilson and Billy Wagner.
It's hard to define a pivot point in this series. We know the pitchers on both sides must step up and deliver the performances we've come to expect. I like Bobby Cox' decision to go with groundballer Derek Lowe in game one. Lowe has a history of postseason success that bodes well for Atlanta's chances in that first game at Pac Bell. (or whatever it's called now)
For the Giants, Tim Lincecum has been on fire over the last month and Matt Cain has been steady all year. I look for some must-see TV in that first game between Lowe and Lincecum.
To decide who might win this series, I had to look at the 25-man rosters of both teams. I just think the Giants are a little deeper. That, combined with the home-field advantage, will spell the end for the Bravos. Make no mistake, this series could go either way and I think it's a near-lock to go the full five games. I expect the teams to split the first two and the two at Turner field before a Game 1 rematch in the clincher where Tiny Tim and Brian Wilson put the Giants in the NLCS.
Giants in 5.