FEATURED BASEBALL PREDICTIONS – Mark’s 2012 MLB Playoff Bracket
We had a lot of luck in series betting this season. My forum in the VIP area finished up an incredible 30 units by picking series winners. I tend to do pretty well with playoff bracket picks because of my series predictions experience with Z Code during the regular season. We reek of an obvious Yankees bias, but sometimes that’s not the worst thing in the world. After all, the Z Code membership area was one of the only major sports prediction publications to have the New Jersey Devils in the Stanley Cup Finals. Through Z Code, we successfully predicted the Devils to the Stanley Cup, the Heat winning the NBA Championship, and the Giants winning the Super Bowl. The World Series is next!
Cincinnati Reds (-130) Vs San Francisco Giants
Not much impresses me about the San Francisco Giants’ roster They’re a lineup dominated by their (possible) MVP catcher. Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval are certainly good MLB hitters, but are they really enough to overcome a playoff pitching rotation? I suspect on brisk bayside nights that the Reds pitching rotation will be too much for the Giants. The Reds lineup is deeper, their pitching is a little better, and the Giants rotation seemed to burnout a little down the stretch. I love the Reds here for both value and superior talent.
Cincy in four.
Oakland Athletics (+140) Vs Detroit Tigers
The Athletics are the hottest team in baseball right now and it’s hard to be against them. They’re overachieving, but as with every October, they’re peaking at the right time. hey have a dynamic rotation, power arms in the bullpen, and a lineup that is hot. The Tigers have big holes in the back of their rotation, and I think the A’s can squeak this one out. There is incredible value to be had here on the underdog Athletics.
Athletics in five
New York Yankees Vs Baltimore Orioles
Despite the struggles of the Rangers, their pitching advantage would have made them a more difficult opponent for the New York Yankees. The Orioles did the Yankees a major favor. The Yankees lack a deep rotation and past CC Sabathia there aren’t many arms to fear. Still, New York’s lineup is the best in the postseason and the Orioles don’t really have any big arms themselves. If New York stays hot, they win this series convincingly.
Yankees in three.
Washington Nationals Vs St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are a very dangerous team. They’ve got nothing to lose and have experience climbing out of the Wild Card to win a World Series. Their pitching is deep and experienced. Still, the Washington Nationals had an amazing season. Their lineup is the deepest in the National League and their young arms can carry them this postseason. The Nats are motivated, and they could pull this one out.
Nationals in Five
ALCS, NLCS Picks and Predictions
New York Yankees Vs Oakland Athletics
I think the Yankees’ relatively weak arms match up well with the weak lineup of the Athletics. While pitching wins championships, the Yankees lineup can carry them past an Athletics team full of inconsistency. Look for the A’s to go cold under the pressure of the ALCS. The Yankees will not be phased. Aura, Mystique, Championships.
Yankees in six
Cincinnati Reds Vs Washington Nationals
The Reds are the more complete team. Their ace isn’t deactivated due to innings limits, their lineup is deeper, and the Nats coasted through the second half. I look for Cincy pitching to carry them to the World Series.
Reds in Five
WORLD SERIES PREDICTION:
New York Yankees Vs Cincinnati Reds
The Yankees rotation is dramatically weaker than that of the Reds. The lineups are equally dependent on superstars and could go cold at any moment. In the end, the Yankees have been there and the Reds have not. As the weaker team but probably not an underdog, and likely with little Las Vegas value, I like the Yankees to win the World Series this year.
Yankees in Six
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