2018 League Championship Series preview

Now, we are down to baseball's answer to the Final Four.

The National League Championship Series begins Friday in Los Angeles, while Boston hosts the ALCS on Saturday. Let's take a look and see who goes to the World Series.

Milwaukee vs. Los Angeles: The Dodgers have reached the NLCS for the 3rd straight year. having split the last two with the Chicago Cubs. Milwaukee hasn't gotten this far since entering the NL, and, as noted when we discussed the Division Series a week ago, they haven't reached the World Series since they were in the AL in 1982 (lost to St. Louis).

The pitching favors the Dodgers, and the only question in terms of the roster is whether or not they will activate infielder Chase Utley, in his final season, ten years after he won his first ring with Philadelphia. They could certainly use the veteran presence on the bench even if he doesn't play. Utley was left off the NLDS roster, and, as it turned out, LA didn't need him then, but having that extra bat off the bench in a slightly longer series will help.

Milwaukee has a bit of an identity problem. Aside from Ryan Braun, if you asked Joe Average to name someone on the Brewers, the first name they could think of is radio announcer Bob Uecker. That's the problem with being in the midwest and playing in a division with the Cubs, Reds, & Cardinals. Their no-name pitching staff has gotten them this far, but no further.

Pick-Los Angeles in 6.

Houston vs. Boston: The defending champions have had time to sit back and assess Boston's four game series win over the Yankees. There's nary an easy out, really, on either team offensively. Locally, fan interest will be split due to the Astros being the parent to the NY-Penn League champion Tri-City Valleycats. There've always been Red Sox fans in the home district.

Houston's pitching rotation figures to be already set, since they needed just three games to dispatch Cleveland. Justin Verlander will start Game 1 Saturday night, likely vs. Chris Sale, who had a hold coming out of the bullpen last night vs. the Yankees. Boston's bullpen, including closer Craig Kimbrel, has been shaky. Kimbrel nearly blew the save last night, giving up 2 runs with the bases loaded in the 9th.

All I can say is, get ready for a World Series rematch.

Pick-Houston in 7.

Of course, I could be wrong.