The 2009 MLB playoffs have arrived

As a suffering Mets fan who thinks about what could have been, the 2009 MLB season could-- and probably should-- be completely forgettable. But alas, the Major League Baseball fan in me can't let this season die because the playoffs are the best time of the year. After a grueling 162 game, six month season, it comes down to this- four weeks of exhilarating baseball where every game counts. Will you be watching? If you're not you should strongly reconsider for many reasons.

1. Rivalry renewed?
The Yankees and Red Sox are on a serious collision course to meet up in the ALCS. The Tigers and Angels, respectively, will have something to say about this, but assuming the Red Sox-- who have owned the Angels in postseason play this decade-- continue their domination of the Angels (9-1 in their last 3 playoff appearances), expect excitement exceeding the '03 and '04 ALCS meetings.

2. Wide-open National League.
All 4 playoff teams are within 2 games of one another with 3 left to play. Rockies could still win the NL West with a sweep of Dodgers this weekend. The teams are all pretty even. The Cardinals have the best starting pitching with 2009 NL Cy Young candidates Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter at the top of the rotation. Watch to see if the Dodgers' 37-34 second half spells doom.

3. Storylines
Phillies repeat? There haven't been back-to-back WS champions since '99-'00 Yankees.
Has AL East karma shifted towards the Yankees?
Can the Angels overcome the Red Sox (and upset the Yankees like 2002)?
Rockies return to postseason after magical 2007 run to the World Series.
Will Dodgers mediocre second half result in an early exit?
Is the Cardinals' starting pitching going to carry them through the NL playoffs?

My AL predictions: (NL to follow)

American League

ALDS

Yankees over Tigers (in 3). Even if the Twins had overtaken the Tigers, I don't think it would have mattered much. The Yankees were 25-9 against the AL Central this year, and the only way it takes 4 games to win this series is if Justin Verlander pitches an absolute gem.

Red Sox over Angels (in 5). This is a tough one to pick; will the Red Sox past success against the Angels in the postseason translate to a series victory? This will hands-down be the best Division series to watch as it might go the distance.

ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox (in 6)
You saw a tale of two halves with the Red Sox winning the first 8 meetings between the two teams before the Yankees dominated the AL going 51-20 in the second half and 9-1 against the Red Sox the rest of the way.

National League (TBD)- seeding to be decided