Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
BRAVES (90-72, 1ST EAST) vs. ASTROS (89-73, 2ND CENTRAL)
SEASON SERIES: Braves 5-1.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Braves won their 14th consecutive division title with youth (18 rookies), Scotch tape (nine starters and three closers) and an MVP-caliber season from centerfielder Andruw Jones. The Astros went 74-43 after a 15-30 start. Credit the starting pitching that led the NL with a 3.46 ERA and fewest runs allowed.
ROTATION: Braves - RHP Tim Hudson (14-9, 3.52), RHP John Smoltz (14-7, 3.06), RHP Jorge Sosa (13-3, 2.55). Astros - LHP Andy Pettitte (17-9, 2.39), RHP Roger Clemens (13-8, 1.87), RHP Roy Oswalt (20-12, 2.94).
WHO'S HOT: Braves - Rookie rightfielder Jeff Francoeur's 13 assists, all since July 7, were second in the league. Astros - Pettitte won his last seven decisions and did not lose since Aug. 16, a stretch of 11 starts in which he had a 1.63 ERA.
WHO'S NOT: Braves - Jones had a team-record 51 home runs but batted .118 (6-for-51) with one home run and three RBIs in his last 15 games. Astros - Clemens had a career-best 1.87 ERA but was 2-2 with a 4.33 ERA in his last five starts.
HOW THE BRAVES WIN: Overwhelming force. Atlanta outscored the Astros 42-13 during the season. Houston was 36-45 on the road, tied with the Padres for worst among playoff teams.
HOW THE ASTROS WIN: The starting pitching holds strong and the middle of the order, particularly Lance Berkman and Jason Lane who batted a combined .294 in September/October with 17 home runs and 42 RBIs, stays hot.
MARC TOPKIN'S PREDICTION: Braves in five.
DAMIAN CRISTODERO'S PREDICTION: Astros in five.