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by Digger

MLB's League Championship Series begins Thursday night in Citizens Bank Park. All four remaining Playoff teams are riding high.

Tampa Bay has proven they're for real.
Boston's hanging tough chasing another World Series parade.
Dodgers' newest members leading the way in LA.
Recent near misses energize Phillies players.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Boston Red Sox (95-67) vs Tampa Bay Rays (97-65)

Boston: World Series Champs continue their title defense. Angels proved to be no match once again. 3B Mike Lowell is out. Sox can survive but will miss his clutch bat and stellar D. Sox pitching was up to task vs Angels. Boston must start driving home runners in scoring position if they're to prevail vs Rays. Manny's replacement, Jason Bay, is on fire. Rotation matchups will be very important. Sox are ready.

Tampa Bay: How many times does this team have to prove themselves? Rays have conquered every hurdle. They're focused and take advantage of most opportunities. Hitters are getting the job done. Pitchers were good against Chicago but they must have career games against Boston to knock off the champs. Manager Maddon has these guys clicking. Everyone chips in when the game is on the line. Rays can cap off a tremendous season with a trip to the World Series.

Outlook: Tampa won 10 of 18 regular season matchups. Quite a few were slugfests. Boston owns the pitching advantage. Championship pitchers are used to big game play. Bullpen, led by Papelbon (41 Saves), is rolling along. Both starting lineups will be considered even heading into this series. Both teams produce runs in key situations.
ALCS isn't lacking any drama. These teams will go toe to toe. Boston tops Rays in 6.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Los Angeles Dodgers (84-78) vs Philadelphia Phillies (92-70)

Los Angeles: Dodgers are in a zone. They made beating the NL's best (Cubs) look too easy. All key moves Torre makes seem to pay off. Manny Ramirez' late season arrival energized an entire lineup. Veteran starting rotation must stay ahead of an aggressive Phillies lineup. Ground balls in hitter friendly Citizens Bank Park will be needed. Everything is working.. offense, defense, pitchers, manager. Look out Phillies.

Philadelphia: Phillies won their first Playoff series since 1993. Feared lineup of Howard, Utley, Rollins, Burrell & Co. smashed 214 homers. Starting pitchers looked good vs Milwaukee. However, Dodger hitters aren't nearly as reckless as Brewers K artists. Aggressive baserunning will be key vs LA starters. Phils must keep pressure at all times to disrupt LA's rythm.

Outlook: Dodgers are rolling. Starting pitching advantage is too big. Manny too hot. Torre too smart. LA in 5.