Message #1139888

[PC]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Ken-Rosenthal-postseason-prognosticating-after-first-four-games-are-played-picking-division-and-world-series-winners-100612

NATIONALS VS. CARDINALS

So, what can we expect to see in this series, a 400-foot infield fly?

Actually, the matchup is fascinating: The Cardinals are an experienced postseason team with an inexperienced manager, Mike Matheny. The Nationals are just the opposite, an inexperienced postseason team with an experienced manager, Davey Johnson.

It’s possible the Nats will turn into the 2010 Reds and experience stage fright. But the more realistic question is whether the Cardinals are turning into some kind of indestructible playoff force. We saw it again in the wild-card game when they fell behind the Braves, 2-0 on the road. Nothing fazes St. Louis, and yes, such poise matters.

The rotations are more even than you might think. The Nationals led the NL with a 3.40 rotation ERA, but now they are without Stephen Strasburg. The Cardinals finished third at 3.62, and they again feature Chris Carpenter, who has made three starts since returning from nerve irritation in his right shoulder.

The bullpens are not as close statistically — the Nats rate a considerable edge — but the Cardinals’ Lance Berkman thinks the St. Louis bullpen has evolved into a strength, and much hinges on whether Nationals setup man Tyler Clippard returns to form. I prefer the Cardinals’ offense, simply because of the way their hitters grind at-bats. But the Nationals are explosive and score in a variety of ways.

I don’t see this being quick, whatever happens.

Cardinals in 5.