I thought we might as well have a thread where we make playoff predictions.  Here are mine:

ALDS:

Yankees over Tigers

Rays over Rangers

NLDS:

Phillies over Cards

D-Backs over Brew Crew

ALCS:

Yankees over Rays

NLCS:

Phillies over D-Backs

World Series:

Phillies over Yankees

I don't really have much else to say about this.

I always say that the essence of my work relies fundamentally on two basic principles: objectivity and observation, or "the two obs" as I call them. My work relies on my ability to remain absolutely, purely objective, detached. I have mastered the fine art of detachment. And while it comes at some cost, this supreme objectivity is what makes me, I dare say, the greatest observer the world has ever known.

My dad and I went on a scouting mission a month ago, the target: Kyle Christensen of the Northwest League Vancouver Canadians.  

Here is the MiLB page on Christensen

He is listed at 6'3", 225.  That is a good build for a pitcher, although you would perhaps like a couple extra inches.  He is 21, but soon to be 22, so he is still pretty young. 

The word on Kyle Christensen is that the A's were really high on him when they drafted him out of HS in 2006, but that he had a serious shoulder problem that shelved him for a while.  But he is back now, and we got to watch him. 

The attached video is taken during his warm-ups prior to the game.  He seems to have a fluid, controlled delivery with good balance.  I don't see any mechanical flaws, but to be honest, I don't know very much about that at all.  My dad didn't note any either, and he is a little league coach. 

This was only a rehab outing for Christensen, so he only pitched the first inning.  We noted that he seemed to command his fastball well and kept it down.  It sat at 88-91 during this abbreviated start.  He didn't have good command of his breaking ball and had trouble throwing it for a strike.  His changeup, however, was good.  He commanded it and it exhibited good fade.  His arm speed did not belie this off-speed pitch.

The defense behind Christensen was shaky and allowed an infield hit.  But he kept his composure and got out of the inning without giving up a run. 

In summary, I would say Kyle Christensen seems like a solid pitcher, although his stuff will probably never be loud and in your face.  If he can stay healthy, I can imagine him making it as a middle reliever one day. 

Here is the video we shot of Kyle Christensen during warm-ups

This was a fantasy trade I completed last night.  As usual, I'm having some buyer's remorse, so I wanted to get some community feedback.  I have a rebuilding team with tons of young talent, too many draft picks to use for the upcoming draft, and a nearly full minor league roster. 

The way I see it, Perez and Holland both have huge upside, and although Stras' is higher, I hedge my bets a little in that I essentially have two chances instead of one.  And Strasburg's value may never be higher.

I trade Strasburg and an inconsequential draft pick (something like 100th overall) for Martin Perez and Derek Holland.

You all know wunderkind Strasburg, but here are some numbers for Perez and Holland.

Perez:

Sally league: 93.2IP 105K 33BB 2.31 ERA 1.58GO/AO

Texas league: 21IP 14K 5BB 5.57 ERA 1.25 GO/AO

Holland

AL: 138.1IP 107K 47BB 6.12 ERA

There aren't a lot of videos out there of Tommy Hanson, so I was happy to see this one on the Braves website:

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200811053656761

Interesting stuff.  Sheehan said in that recent post by Gondee that Hanson seems like he is shortarming the ball due to fatique.  I don't think it's just that - his delivery just seems very unorthodox.  I've been higher on him that I was earlier this season, but now I'm concerned with his delivery.  It looks like there is a lot whip action, creating a lot of arm stress.  I think he'll be injured a lot and probably have elbow problems.

from the AJC:

"The Braves revealed last week that Morton has been pitching with pain in his shoulder blade. He has received multiple cortisone shots, but they are bringing him less and less relief."

http://www.ajc.com/fulton/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/09/11/charlie_morton_braves.html

not too surprising given how this season has turned out.  frankly, i don't think he should have been pitching with that much pain to begin with, especially given the lack of any kind of consequences for this season.  it's nice to get some major league innings but not if it could be damaging to a young, promsing arm.