Sports editor tries to predict baseball playoffs

Admittedly, I'm a baseball junkie, and always have been. I'm even geeky enough to admit I've played fantasy baseball for more than 15 years now — call it a labor of love. The baseball playoffs begin today, so I thought I'd throw on my prognosticator's hat again, rusty and dusty as it may be.

DIVISION SERIES

? Red Sox over the Angels in five games — Josh Beckett is in top form, and throwing him twice in a five game series bodes well for the Sox.

? Yankees over Indians in three games — I love Sabathia and Carmona at the top of the Indian's rotation, but alas, and sadly, big money usually wins out.

? Diamondbacks over Cubs in five games — The D-backs are young and athletic, and don't know they're not supposed to be here (the high-payroll Mets are), and Webb should beat Zambrano twice.

? Rockies over Phillies in four games — The improbable Rockies have come this far, why stop now? I like their masher lineup against mediocre Phillies pitching.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

? Red Sox over the Yankees in six — Someone once said rooting for the Yankees is like rooting for Microsoft. I couldn't agree more.

? Diamondbacks over the Phillies in seven — The Diamondbacks have the best record in the National League this year, yet thanks to the national media, nobody outside Phoenix has any clue.

WORLD SERIES

? Diamondbacks over Red Sox — I was lucky enough to be at games six and seven when Arizona beat the Yankees in the 2001 World Series. Call it a soft spot in my heart, but I'm pulling for the D-backs.

These picks were made by Eric Plummer, sports editor of the Daily Bee, and he willfully acknowledges that his history of sports predictions has left plenty to be desired.