And then there were four.

Despite posting a 3-1 record in the divisional series picks and obliterating a certain Cliff Chartrand in the process, this is not an easy article to write.

After a 14-year abscence from the postseason my beloved Philadelphia Phillies should have been on a milk carton instead of a baseball diamond. After Shane Victorino grounded out to second base for the final out, the phone rang.

I was fully expecting the caller to be someone I haven't heard from in years. They were just going to taunt me as if that was neccessary because I was feeling bad enough.

Instead, it was Cliff Chartrand and his 25% winning percentage calling to console me on the loss. I felt an obligation to entertain so I went on a vitriolic tirade against the San Diego Padres and Trevor Hoffman.

Enough moping about the Phillies, let's discuss the NLCS and ALCS matchups.

CLEVELAND INDIANS vs. BOSTON RED SOX

How they got here- The Cleveland Indians pulled what many consider to be the most shocking of postseason feats, defeating the New York Yankees.

It's quite an accomplishment but it's reduced a good bit when one realizes the Yankees haven't been to the ALCS since 2004. 

The Indians set the tone early at Jacobs Field winning game one by a score of 12-3 and following it up with a classic victory in game two. After dropping game three, the Indians won game 4 in the Bronx and took the series 3-1.

The Boston Red Sox breezed through the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Josh Beckett continued his mastery of postseason baseball with a complete game shutout in game 1, while  Manny Ramirez was the game two star as he hit a three-run, game-winning home run that is probably just now reaching the ground.

Curt Schilling breezed through game three with a 9-1 victory.

Season series- Red Sox 5-2

Thoughts on this series- Both of these teams have what it takes to win in October; outstanding starting pitching along with strong bullpens.

Personally I love how the inexperienced Indians had no problems fading the mystique of the Yankees. The Red Sox were equally impressive in dislodging an injury riddled Angels team.

In the end, the Indians clutch bats and more reliable relief pitching will win this series.

The pick- Indians in six.

COLORADO ROCKIES vs. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

How they got here- The Colorado Rockies have won 17 of their last 18 games including a three game sweep over the Phillies in the NLDS.

While the Rockies have a reputation for not having strong pitching, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Jeff Francis has been outstanding this season and youngsters Franklin Morales and Ubaldo Jiminez appear to have bright futures.

The Arizona Diamondbacks need Rodney Dangerfield because they don't get any respect.

Prior to the Cubs series about the only thing you heard was that they were outscored in the regular season and would surely be watching the NLCS from their living room.

Instead the Diamondbacks swept the Cubs with ease and will face division foe Colorado in the NLCS.

These two teams tied for last place in the NL West last season with 76-86 records.

Season series- Rockies 9-6

Thoughts on this series-  Both teams are riding a huge wave of momentum.

In the end, things tend to even out over time in the game of baseball, and in my opinion this is where Colorado's admirable run ends.

The Rockies played well enough to win against the Phillies, but they weren't great. The Phillies helped them out by not being aggressive on the basepaths against a weakthrowing catcher, and by constantly making outs on three ball counts when the Rockies were on the ropes.

The Rockies will have to hit much better because I don't see the Diamondbacks being as generous. I love the Diamondbacks ability to win close games and think it will make the difference here.

The pick-Diamondbacks in five.

Chartrand once again picked the exact opposite teams from me, going with the Rockies in six and the Red Sox in seven.

It should be a fun couple weeks of baseball to watch.