National League
Los Angeles Dodgers
Pitching - Before Brad Penny showed the entire world that he could blow 98-mph fastballs by anyone who could step into the box at this year's All-Star game, he had been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball through the first half of the season.
Since that time, Penny looked like he spent his entire wad on a game that should mean nothing. But, luckily for Dodger fans, Penny has regained the form he once had.
He will be joined by Greg Maddux, Derek Lowe and Hong-Chih Kuo, who round out the bottom half of the rotation. Maddux will face former Braves teammate Tom Glavine in game 2, which should be a sight to behold.
Hitting - With a good mixture of young and veteran leadership, the Dodgers have a fairly solid lineup, one through nine. Staples like Jeff Kent, J.D. Drew and Nomar Garciaparra are more than capable of coming up with timely hits.
However, the guys to keep your eyes on are Andre Ethier, Russell Martin and Marcus Kemp. Those three could be huge if the Dodgers are to pull off the shocker in the first round over the Mets.
Player to watch - Nomar Garciaparra
It was a year to remember for the one-time elite shortstop in the game, who was switched to first base in the offseason due to injuries. One thing Nomar didn't forget was how to hit the ball. If Garciaparra can get on a roll, he can single-handedly carry a team on his shoulders.
Outlook - General manager Ned Colletti has done a tremendous job of putting together a potentially championship-caliber team. If the bullpen can hold a lead at the end of the game without the services of Eric Gagne, than the Dodgers could pull off a shocker in the first round, and derail any hopes of a Subway Series.
Something tells me that they will.
San Diego Padres
Pitching - True, Jake Peavy has not had the year most though he would. This could be because of the World Baseball Classic hangover. However, he is still a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Perhaps the steal of the offseason was when San Diego stole former Princeton Tiger basketball player and 6-foot-10 Chris Young from the Texas Rangers, who have a history of bonehead moves. Remember a guy named Travis Hafner?
Hitting - Mike Cameron has had a rebound year and been there for the Padres all season. Brian Giles and Mike Piazza can put up good numbers too. This isn't a potent lineup, but it contains several contact hitters.
Player to watch - Adrian Gonzalez
Yet another player the Rangers gave up on in the development process. All Gonzalez has done is give the Padres a power threat and a guy that can hit the ball to all fields. He doesn't have to shoulder the load, but he can't take a break either. Think Mark Grace, with a little more power.
Outlook - After getting completely manhandled by St. Louis last season, the Padres would like nothing more than to get revenge.
NL Predictions:
NLDS -- Dodgers over Mets in 4; Padres over Cardinals in 4
NLCS -- Dodgers over Padres in 7
WS -- Dodgers over Twins in 7
St. Louis Cardinals
Pitching -- Jason Marquis has allowed more thanover 12 earned runs in a start twice this season., Lluckily he won't be in the rotation. However, Jeff Weaver will, and is the Game 2 starter.
That doesn't exactly instill a lot of confidence in Cardinal fans.
Jeff Suppan has an ERA over four and Anthony Reyes is a rookie, with a lot of potential, mind you. wWhich leaves us to Chris Carpenter, who is one of the most electric pitchers in the National League.
Other than Carpenter, the Cards' staff could collectively get rocked.
Hitting -- Whenever you have Albert Pujols in the lineup, you have a chance to win every game. Pujols had more walk off hits than anyone in baseball this season, including Boston's David Ortiz.
In all likely hood, for the Cardinals to go deep into the Playoffs, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds will have to protect "Phat" Albert Pujols, and deliver when given the opportunity.
It hasn't happened much so far, which means I don't expect it to begin now.
Player to watch -- Adam Wainwright (P)
The Cardinals' money man, closer Jason Isringhausen went out for the season earlier in the month, which gave 25- year- old Adam Wainwright a chance to fill the closing role.
Thus far, Wainwright has been adequate, but shaky at times. In close games, it will be up to Wainwright to hold the lead and give his team the chance to win the game.
Outlook - This team has played horrific baseball over the past month and got into the postseason by the skin of their teeth. History shows that manager Tony LaRussa has not had great success this time of year. His teams have shown a pattern of choking and under-performing.
Maybe now that St. Louis isn't actually the target in the NL, they could sneak up on some teams.
Remember it is LaRussa managing, so expect the unexpected.
New York Mets
Pitching - New York will be facing the tough task of overcoming a potentially devastating injury to their ace, Pedro Martinez. Before signing him to a gargantuan contract, tThe front office should have thought about this, particularly general manager Omar Minaya, after ignoring Martinez'his X-ray's, which showed damage done to his pitching arm, before signing him to a gargantuan contract. TBut that' is in the past, but it will most definitely have an affect on the Met's' pitching staff. In the meantime, it will be up to Tom Glavine and Orlando 'El Duque' Hernandez to live up to their recent October hype.
If the Mets have a lead late though, Billy Wagner is about as tough as they come at the end of a ball game. Another overlooked injury that is overlooked, was the one setup man Duaner Sanchez suffered in late June, whichthis forced New York to go out and get Roberto Hernandez.
Hitting - Since the Mets clinched a postseason beirth many moons ago, the lineup, mainly David Wright and Carlos Beltran, has fallen into a deep slumber, mainly David Wright and Carlos Beltran. Luckily, Carlos Delgado and a rejuvenated Jose Valentin have picked up some of the slack.
Player to watch -- Jose Reyes
Reyes is what every manager would like to have in a leadoff hitter. He is a five- tool player who possesses incredible speed on the base pads, a great eye at the plate and ais developing power. He could be huge if the Mets are to make a deep run.
Outlook - - Without Martinez, the Mets really don't have the pitching it takes to go deep into the Playoffs. His absence will put extra pressure on Glavine and Hernandez to pitch well, so they aren't left with having to win two -in -a -row with Steve Trachsel and John Maine. Looks like Willie Randolph's team might have peaked a few months too early.
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