Less than 48 hours before the start of the Major League Baseball playoffs, the TBS crew held a conference call on Monday afternoon to discuss their thoughts on the postseason.
Of the three former players on the announcing crew, two (John Smoltz and Ron Darling) have the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series.
“I think that Philadelphia is going to make it through,” Darling said. “I sense that Minnesota or Texas is going to get through this year. The Yankees and Rays have great front-line pitching and question marks after that. I think they are more vulnerable this year so Minnesota or Texas can get through but whoever plays Philadelphia is going to lose.”
Cal Ripken, staying true to his American League roots, predicted Tampa Bay over the Phillies.
“I’ll take the same two teams (as Smoltz) but reverse it … Tampa over Philadelphia,” Ripken said.
Below are the television and ESPN radio announcers for the division series:
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds:
Television: Brian Anderson, Joe Simpson & David Aldridge
Radio: Jon Sciambi & Dave Campbell
Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants:
Television: Dick Stockton, Bob Brenly & Tom Verducci
Radio: Chris Berman (Game 1-2)/Dave O’Brien (Game 3-5) & Rick Sutcliffe
Tampa Bay Rangers vs. Texas Rangers:
Television: Don Orsillo, Buck Martinez & Marc Fein
Radio: Dan Shulman & Bobby Valentine
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins:
Television: Ernie Johnson, Jr., John Smoltz, Ron Darling & Craig Sager
Radio: Jon Miller and Orel Hershiser