Update 10/26/10: Check out my World Series preview.
Update 10/14/10: This update comes as the 2010 MLB playoffs have dwindled down to four teams. The ALCS begins Friday night in Texas while the NLCS starts Saturday in Philadelphia. I only predicted two of the teams to make it this far, but I like my chances of getting the World Series matchup correct. Sound off in the comments section to let me know your thoughts.
American League
Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees
Despite opening on the road, the pressure is on the Yankees in the first two games of the ALCS. They will send CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes to the mound and won’t have to face Texas ace Cliff Lee. If the Rangers can take even one of these games, I like their chances to win the series. Why? Because Lee will start Game Three, and after stifling Tampa Bay twice, his career playoff numbers are 6-0 with a 1.44 ERA. In Game Four, Tommy Hunter opposes AJ Burnett and his 5.26 ERA.
While the Yankees do have the advantage in the opening games, it might not be as great as you think. Neither CJ Wilson nor Colby Lewis gave up a run in their starts against Tampa. They are more than capable of at least limiting the potent New York lineup. You know I prefer the other New York baseball team, so take this prediction with a grain of salt: Rangers in six.
National League
Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Francisco Giants
In Philadelphia’s sweep of the Reds, their pitching was absolutely dominant. Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels each threw complete games, and the staff pitched to an even 1.00 ERA. The Giants can match the Phillies arm for arm. Their staff is pitching to a 1.66 ERA in the postseason. We’ve got Halladay vs. Tim Lincecum in Game One. Does it get any better than that?
But when you look at the lineups, the Phils clearly have the edge. The Giants put a ton of pressure on their pitching staff as is; it’s only going to be tougher against Philadelphia’s top-tier starters. Guys like Buster Posey, Aubrey Huff, and Juan Uribe have exceeded expectations, but they don’t strike fear in the opposition like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Jayson Werth.
I don’t expect much of a drop-off in the quality of pitching we saw in the Division Series, but the Phillies have more room for error given their multitude of sluggers. I predicted these two teams would meet before the playoffs started and I’m not changing my prediction. Phillies in six.
The Sportswriting of Andrew Kahn 
Why buy the hype, hype is overstated predictions. The Braves are just bringing results and not by just a couple games. They are ranked 2nd in spring training of the NL teams. Sure they are just getting lucky. You might as well not but the hype, but I am because they aren't showing weaknesses and thats what spring training expoits. Go Braves World Series bound. 🙂
David, thanks for the comment. However, I think citing a spring training W-L record is pointless. The #2 team among AL clubs? Cleveland. Heck, KC is ahead of the Yanks, Red Sox, and most of the AL Central. Do you see them making the World Series?Spring training is used to evaluate talent and get guys into regular season form, not to win games. Maybe the Braves will prove me wrong. It certainly wouldn't shock me if they came in 2nd in the East, but I don't see them reaching the postseason.