At the start of the playoffs, I commented on how the Red Sox, Yankees, or Twins were superior to anyone they would face in the World Series, as their pitching staffs would make the difference. Well, after watching the first round, I will stick with my statement.

The Astros do have excellent starting pitchers, but they don't have one Schilling or Santana who could win 3 games in a 7 game series. Their bullpen is Brad Lidge and pray. Sure Wheeler and Springer have looked good since September, but are these guys you want pitching in tight situations in the post-season?

Question: Has there ever been a starting staff worse than the Cards, who ended up pitching in the World Series? Marquis, Williams, Suppan, and a struggling Matt Morris is not what usually puts you in the World Series. Last year the Cubs and Marlins had staffs that scared the AL teams. Different year.

I know there has been a lot of ripping on the Yankees starters, but as a 5 man rotation, I would probably take them over all but 5 or 6 staffs in baseball. They also have the one set-up man, Tom Gordon, who might be as good as the other teams closer.

Red Sox versus Yankees is this year's real Championship. The only two things that will keep these teams from winning the World Series in 6 or less games is an injury to a major pitcher or if they have to go 7, while the Astros sweeps it's opponent. I would still go with the AL, but this would give the NL a chance, as it's pitchers would be rested.

The extra millions in payroll are a huge factor in post-season, as depth will win out, unless you have a Beckett-like pitching performance to save you. Houston and St. Louis don't have that weapon.