The Dodgers, Angels, Cubs, White Sox, Phillies, Rays, Brewers and Red Sox are in the eight teams invited to the exclusive October party in Major League Baseball.
It’s nice to be at the October fiesta, but all the teams have one thing on their mind: a World Series Championship.
In the National League the L.A. Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies are matched up against the Milwaukee Brewers.
In the American League the L.A. Angels face the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays go up against the Chicago White Sox
All of the 2008 October teams have a legitimate chance of bringing home the hardware.
The Dodgers are 1-12 in the playoffs since their win in 1988. But this year former foes became friends when Manny Ramirez joined Joe Torre’s staff and brought some swagger back to L.A.
2008 marks the 100-year anniversary of a Cubs championship. Is this the year the curse of Sam’s Billy Goat will be ended? Let’s just be honest, the Cubs are due.
The N.L. East champion Phillies arguably has the most talent on their team. They have four contenders to win the M.V.P. award, and after being swept in the first round in 2007 they are looking for a little redemption.
The Brewers clinched their first playoff birth since 1982. With C.C. Sabathia on the hill and Ryan Braun playing like he is, no one should overlook the Brewers.
The Angels have arguably the best coach of the last eight seasons in Mike Scioscia. They have not been great in the playoffs since their Championship in 2002, but they are certainly the heavy favorite to win it this year.
The White Sox had to play 163 games this year. With the momentum from a dramatic win over the Twins, they could be trouble for the Rays in the first round.
The Rays are in their first postseason as a franchise. Though they are a young team, they may not be young enough to not realize the magnitude of October baseball.
The Red Sox are the defending champs, but the injury bug has bitten them. However, most say experience is the best teacher, and they have plenty of that to go around.
October should be a fun month for the sport of baseball. It is up in the air, so let’s wait and see what team can jump the highest and grab the Commissioner’s Trophy.
