I know I promised you some simulated game results to go along with my post-game analysis, but as I booted up MLB Power Pros 2008 and started to rearrange the final team rosters, it quickly became apparent to me that I would be much better served just waiting until we had World Series teams so I’d only have to do two (for those of you playing at home, I only managed to set up the Red Sox before I gave up).
So how did the teams do? How well are my predictions faring so far?
The first game of the playoffs yesterday was the match between the Phillies and the Brewers. It turned out about how I expected it to since the Phils had their stud, Cole Hamels, out against a relative no-name in Yovani Gallardo. The only unexpected result was that Brad Lidge, the man who has never blown a save this season, almost managed to blow the Game 1 save. Philadelphia comes out lucky with a 3-1 win and gets to go face C.C. Sabathia with a one-game buffer just in case he trounces them.
Our next match was the Cubs vs. Dodgers yesterday evening. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Cubs as they look to erase their 100 year curse, but tonight was definitely not the night for that. Ryan Dempster, with his ridiculous glove fanning movements, came close to walking almost every player on the Dodgers lineups with seven walks. It was a very specific set that ended it for Chicago though, as James Loney hit a grand slam off of Dempster to erase the 2-0 lead the Cubs used to have. Final score: 7-2.
Finally we have the Red Sox/Angels match-up. The fated best team in baseball bent on revenge against an injury-riddled team looking to extend a dynasty. It looked to be a fine game for LA until the sixth inning when Jason Bay, Manny’s replacement, knocked in a two run blast that changed the score to 2-1. John Lester would come out in the bottom of the 6th to whiff all three Angels batters and put a nice little bang at the end of the sixth. Red Sox would put in a few more to win it 4-1.
What’s to come tonight?
Sabathia pitches against the Phils! Can the Phils avoid a loss against the most dominant pitcher in the NL?
Dice-K takes on the Angels. He’s undefeated on the road. Those Halos better watch out.
Zambrano steps up to try and get the Cubs back in it. He’s the ace, he’s got the pressure of 100 years weighing him down. Can he do it?
Tampa Bay finally goes out tonight to show the White Sox who is the boss. Will the Rays start posting their first postseason victories or will the pressure be so much they get knocked out?
Tune in tomorrow for more (there will also be a Game Overview post, so be sure to read that too!)