Predictions in sports are usually useless because they are usually incorrect.  But that doesn't stop people like me from indulging in them.  First off, they're pure fun.  Secondly, they reflect your knowledge base about sports, your attention to their nuances, and, of course, reveal your biases -- even when you're feigning (or sincerely striving for) objectivity.  Keep these things in mind while reading my 2008 MLB Playoff predictions.  Also keep in mind that the last time I publicly predicted how the playoffs would unfold, I got every Division Series pick wrong.  So, if you're a gambler, go elsewhere :)

DIVISIONAL SERIES

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies -- PREDICTED WINNER: PHILADELPHIA.  Their lineup is stacked, they've got a solid #1 pitcher in Cole Hamels, and a lights-out closer in Brad Lidge (that is, unless the earlier version of himself, the one that gave up the bomb to Albert Pujols in the 2005 NLDS, re-emerges).  Milwaukee's offense is one-dimensional, their bullpen is fractured, and CC Sabathia is running on fumes.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs -- PREDICTED WINNER: CHICAGO.  Easily the class of the National League, the Cubs have good speed, defense, and hitting.  Oh, and let's not forget their solid starting rotation and bullpen.  They are pretty solid all-around.  Sure they are jinx-prone, but the Dodgers have only won one playoff game since the 1988 World Series.  They've got Manny Ramirez now, but he can't make the rest of that lineup hit well.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox -- PREDICTED WINNER: TAMPA BAY.  I can't believe I just typed that.  This is the series that worries me the most because the White Sox could end up being like the Colorado Rockies last year or the St. Louis Cardinals of 2006.  But they must be exhausted, and their lineup is not very dynamic -- three-run homers or nothing.  Tampa Bay might not have playoff experience, but all year they've defied the odds.  They should continue to do so against Vazquez and the rest of the White Sox staff.

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim -- PREDICTED WINNER: LOS ANGELES.  Sure, the Red Sox are the defending champs.  But they lost Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, and whole host of other players.  The Angels have the best team in baseball, and though they've have postseason troubles with the Sox in years past, they seemed pretty solid against them in the regular season.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs -- PREDICTED WINNER: PHILADELPHIA.  The curses-upon-curses will sadly, and once again, pile on the Cubs.  It won't be as dramatic as in years past, but they'll go down in six games.  See, I told you my biases would come out.  I am a St. Louis Cardinals fan!

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angles Angels of Anaheim -- PREDICTED WINNER: LOS ANGELES.  Tampa Bay's youth and inexperience will finally catch up with them.  It's been a good run.  But the steady, Scioscia-led Angels will bring the pain, though it will take the Angels seven games to defeat them.

WORLD SERIES

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim -- PREDICTED WINNER: LOS ANGELES.  The addition of Texeira, the dominance of K-Rod, the hunger of Vladimir Guerrero, and stellar starting pitching of the Angels will prevail against the Phillies, who lost home field advantage by losing the All-Star Game in the 15th inning.  The Angels will win it in five games in yet another dull World Series.

Now, in a week, when all these predictions are wrong, I can't wait to get tons of I-told-you-sos in the coment box.