Some people are addict to things like heroin or gambling; luckily, I am not.  However, I do have a pathological need to try to predict things; here are my picks for the first round of the MLB Playoffs which are starting tomorrow.

Reds over Philadelphia in 4 Games: Many people are picking this Philly team to win it all and with good reason. They have a great 1-2-3 in Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels. That being said, I think their line up is extremely overrated and has been anemic at times this season. Overall, I think the Reds have a better line up especially if Bruce can protect Votto who was the best hitter in the NL this season. Furthermore, Volquez looks like he is coming back to form after his stint in on the DL and I think Aroldis Chapman is going to be the breakout star of this post-season and get some key outs with his 105mph fastball out of the bullpen.

Series MVP: Aroldis Chapman (unofficial MVP since they don’t give em out in the DS)

San Francisco over Atlanta in 4: I was there was a way that I could root for Jason Heyward and against Bobby Cox, but alas that is impossibility. I would call it a draw in terms of offense for both of these teams, but I like the Giants big 3 of Lincecum, Cain, and Sanchez to come through especially with the home field.

Series MVP Tim Lincecum

 Rays over Rangers in 4: The Rangers need Josh Hamilton to be 100 percent to win this series and as the Sox have seen all year, broken ribs are not something that is easy to come back from. Hence, I don’t think the Rangers will put up big offensive numbers against a great top to bottom pitching staff of the Rays. Furthermore, the Rays run all the time and the Rangers are pretty terrible at throwing people out on the base paths so I think the Rays will be able to manufacture enough runs to win this.

Series MVP: Carl Crawford (He could make a lot more $$$ this off-season with a big post season and he will run all over the Rangers)

Twins over Yankees in 5: Aside from Sabethia, the Yankees pitching has not shown me much the past few months. New York has a much better line up than the Twins especially since Justin Morneau is out with a concussion. That being said, home field will be a big factor in this series. It seems like the Yankees team is much better built for the confines of Yankee Stadium. Look for that extra 25 to 30 feet out in left field in Target Field vs Yankee Stadium to be a factor in taking away some home runs.

Series MVP will be Delmon Young. (Finally leaves his past troubles behind him)