The Magic 8-Ball Picks the Divisional Series

Well folks, the playoffs are upon us...sort of. They are upon everyone except for Minnesota and Detroit who have to a play a playoff to make the err....playoffs, but they'll settle that tonight, which means that we need to get caught up on where we stand and what to expect from those lucky enough to advance into the post season.

However, I wanted to make things a little more interesting here, so I brought in a trusted friend to help me preview the first round; My Magic 8-Ball!

ALDS - Boston Red Sox v/s Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

BOS - 95-67, 872 RS, 736 RA

LAA - 97-65, 883 RS, 761 RA

ME - "Will the Red Sox continue to dominate the Angels?"

Magic 8-Ball - "YES"

While history says the Angels are just 1-12 against the Red Sox since Dave Henderson served notice to Donnie Moore, we need to remember that these are two totally different teams than in years past. These Boston Red Sox lack an identity at this time, at times dominating opponents, and at times falling asleep at the wheel. Meanwhile, these Angels are built upon the same model as in years past, but the break-out of Kendry Morales has made them a much more potent offensive club.

For Boston to win, they'll have to keep Macier Izturis and Chone Figgins off the basepaths, as Red Sox catchers have thrown out just 16 of 167 attempted base stealers, putting up a percentage of 9.6 percent for the season. Essentially speaking, Sox pitchers and catchers allowed their fair share of hits and walks to turn into doubles. So much for money-ball huh Billy Beane?! The Red Sox will also need to get consistent production out of the core of its line-up, specifically David Ortiz and Jason Bay, who have yet to be on the same page this season.

For Anaheim to come out ahead, they'll have to be dominant on the mound, specifically in the bullpen, which has been a sore spot this season compared to years past when it was an anchor. The addition of Scott Kazmir will hurt Boston, as he's dominated them in the past and seems to be reborn since his trade to the West Coast. He could be the deciding factor in this series, depending on where they start him.

Frag's Take - Sox in five. Yes, it's a homer pick, but this series is going to be a lot of work for whichever team wins.

ALDS - New York Yankees v/s winner of Twins/Tigers Play-off

NYY - 103-59, 915 RS, 753 RA

DET - 86-76, 738 RS, 739 RA

MIN - 86-76, 811 RS, 760 RA

ME - "Do the Twins have a chance of beating the Yankees?"

Magic 8-Ball - "No Way!"

ME - "What about the Tigers?"

Magic 8-Ball - "Ask Again Later"

Talk about playing for a booby prize huh? On paper, neither of these teams match-up well with New York, but then again, there isn't a team in baseball that has the offense that the Yankees bring to the field. Add to the fact that New York can choose the fate of the opposing team by forcing them to play in New York tomorrow night if they choose, and it doesn't look good for either opponent.

For the Yankees to win, its simple, they just have to do what they've done throughout the second half of the season. That means that A-Rod will need to continue to perform at a MVP level. Still, they also need their pitching staff to step up. C.C. Sabathia has struggled immensely in the post season, A.J. Burnett, well he's been A.J. "inconsistent" Burnett all season, and Joba Chamberlain is likely heading to the pen for the series. If Sabathia and Burnett struggle, that puts a lot of pressure on Andy Pettitte to put aside his own aches and pains and carry the team, which could be scary.

For Detroit to win, they'll need to have Justin Verlander come back immediately and be prepared to start tomorrow night if they advance. New York is going to try and catch him tired, so he'll need to push that away and lead them to a game one win. Miguel Cabrera will also have to concentrate on the game instead of his recent issues and carry this team offensively because let's face it, there aren't many option other than him to do so. How does this team even make a playoff with a negative run differential?

Minnesota could pose a problem for New York. Their pitching staff is efficient if not spectacular. Sure, the Twins are without Justin Morneau's bat, which will be sorely missed, but Jason Kubel is heating up and Delmon Young is finally getting comfortable in Minnesota. They'll need their staff to keep them in the game enough for their young offense to take over, especially when you have the likely league MVP and batting champ in the line-up.

Frag's Take - Yankees in four. Just too much to hold down.

NLDS - Philadelphia Phillies v/s Colorado Rockies

PHI - 93-69, 820 RS, 709 RA

COL - 92-70, 804 RS, 715 RA

ME - "Does Colorado have the magic again?"

Magic 8-Ball - "Maybe"

Well, that was a definitive answer! Of course this is a rematch of the NLDS match-up in 2007 when Colorado steamrolled their way to the World Series before losing to Boston. Both of these teams are very different squads though, and this series is going to come down to which team brings their A-Game to the pitching mound, especially considering the two ballparks this series will be played in.

For Philly to win they'll need to set the tone early, dominating out of the gate with Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee, who has struggled in the last month of the season. Offensively, this team will score runs, but in the post season, they'll need Jimmy Rollins to step up and become a force, setting the table for Utley, Howard, and Ibanez. Oh, and we can't forget to mention that this team really needs a closer to come forward and take the reins, whether it be Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, or whoever.

Colorado has momentum going in their favor, and if they want to keep it going, Ubaldo Jimenez will need to put his youth aside and continue to become the ace he was during the regular season. Amazingly, this team manages to hit and score runs in spite of not having Matt Holliday and having Garrett Atkins fall to pieces. Troy Tulowitski has been a force in the second half, and he needs to continue to be if they want to outscore the Philly offense.

Frag's Take - Phillies in 3. Having a one-two punch like Hamels and Lee out of the gate is a tough combo to overcome in a short series.

NLDS - Los Angeles Dodgers v/s St. Louis Cardinals

LAD - 95-67, 780 RS, 611 RA

STL - 91-71, 730 RS, 640 RA

ME - "Are the Dodgers the team to beat in the NL?"

Magic 8-Ball - "Absolutely!"

Now this is the best series of the first round. Both teams have phenomenal pitching staffs. Both teams bring with them excellent, exciting line-ups. Both teams have certifiable stars, and in Manny's case, perhaps clinically certifiable. Both team also come into the series with high expectations as to how far they're going to take their run.

For Los Angeles, the key is a young pitching staff continuing to play beyond its years, with Clayton Kershaw being the anchor. This staff cannot leave itself to Randy Wolf. Aside from that, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier will need to continue to rake, complementing Ramirez who is always stellar in the playoffs. Their only worry is just how much Chad Billingsley has in the tank this year.

The Cardinals have fewer question marks, with Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainright being legitimate top of the rotation starters and must continue to be so. Ryan Franklin needs to slow his regression as the closer and regain his first half form. The additions of Matt Holliday and Mark DeRosa have stabilized a once shaky offense, but having Ryan Ludwick and the combination of Colby Rasmus and Rick Ankiel thumping would be a big boon.

Frag' Take - Cardinals in five. Dodgers have the team, but the pitching staff lacks a legitimate, seasoned stopper when the chips are on the table.