The MLB baseball playoffs are upon us and it looks like it is going to be a doozy. The match ups are looking like they are going to be really exciting, and the teams are a good mix of up and comers and old favorites. Trying to predict the playoffs is a hairy proposition, but I am going to give it a go right here. Here are my 2009 MLB first round playoff picks and predictions:

Minnesota Twins Vs. New York Yankees

This series on paper looks like a mismatch for the Yankees, but the Twins are certainly no pushover. They have a good even mix of talent, and they are fully capable of knocking off the mighty Yankees. The truth is, I do not think that will happen however. The Yankees are loaded with weapons at every turn, and experience will be the primary bullet they will use to take this series. Expect the Twins to put up a fight, but the New York Yankees will move on.

Winner - New York Yankees

Boston Red Sox Versus LA Angels

This series is going to be all about who gets the timely pitching, and who can keep their cool. The Red Sox have been there before, but the Los Angeles Angels have a slight nod in talent level in my view. I expect this to be a very close series that just might go the full five games. In the end, I think we will see yet another rematch between the Yankees and Red Sox for the ALCS.

Winner - Boston Red Sox

Colorado Rockies Versus the Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are set to defend their crown, and they have the horses to do it. The Rockies are, however, perhaps the hottest team in baseball. The Rockies are no joke, and could easily send the Phillies home early. In spite of this momentum, I expect the Philadelphia Phillies to rout this series in three. The Rockies will be back next year stronger than ever though, and the story might be different.

Winner - Philadelphia Phillies

St. Louis Cardinals Versus the LA Dodgers

This is the only series that I see the underdog taking the series. It is hard to imagine any team with Albert Pujols being an underdog, but the Cardinals are against the Dodgers. This series will be exciting, but the Cardinals will win it in the full five games. They simply will overpower the Dodgers young pitching. Look at the Cardinals starting pitcher’s records. It looks like it’s own Cy Young race. This will be the series of the first round by far.

Winner - St. Louis Cardinals