On to The Next Round

Mom must be happy now up in heaven. Here's another chance for the first-ever Freeway Series in World Series history. This is the penultimate dream for Southern California fans, like my brother, his family and few other folks I know, to have the greatest spotlight in baseball shine along the Santa Ana Freeway.

This San Fernando Valley native cannot wait. But, how could this be achieved? Well...

NEW YORK (AL) vs. LOS ANGELES (AL): For the Freeway Series to finally happen, the Angels must figure out how to take advantage of a regular season record of 5-5 against their next opponent - the Yankees. They have won at each other's house, which also equalizes on any advantage either team may have. The Halos are a swashbuckling bunch while the Yanks rely on pure power. Even pitching is matched well, though one would argue on the side of the Yankees starters over the Angels. I would pick Brian Fuentes to close over Mariano Rivera, however.

For the Angels to get any footing in this series, they must win either one of the first two games in the Bronx. For the Yankees, a win in Anaheim will help. I expect this series to go six games, however I will root for the Angels.

LOS ANGELES (NL) vs. PHILADELPHIA: The Dodgers have the home field advantage in this LCS. This means many things, but it could also be a determent. Last year, all the pressure in the world fell on the shoulders of the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers exploited this situation in the NLDS and took advantage of a Cubs team that crumbled under pressure. Are the Dodgers feeling the same pressure? They certainly don't seem like it, however they will again face the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies in another NLCS.

Given the home field advantage, the Dodgers need to take control of the Phils during Games 1 and 2 at Chavez Ravine. The key to the rest of the series is whether the Dodgers can win at Citizens Bank Park during the middle three games. The Phillies took one loss at home in the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies, so it is doable. This series looks like a six-gamer sending the Dodgers to a possible Freeway Series.

The NLCS starts Thursday, while the junior circuit begins on Friday. If we can move these series up another day or two...c'mon, baseball in November?!?