First round of the playoffs

So the big question now is who would I rather the Angels play in the first round of the playoffs. My choice is squarely the Redsox. Why?

First, I think the Rays match up too well with the Angels. The Angels' strength are the Rays' strengths. That kind of matchup is always dangerous. Yes the Redsox are a very very good team, but in ways that can be a bit different from the Angels.

Second, I think the Angels are really pumped to get at the Redsox. There is a big element of payback there, and having whooped them 8 to 1 in games during the season, the Angels are coming in with confidence. With the Rays, there is no element of payback. In fact, there is a bit too much mutual respect in my opinion...well deserved mind you, but not likely to produce the kind of intense competition that the Redsox will engender.

Finally, I think the Redsox are simply the better team as compared to the Rays, and therefore I want to face them in a shorter series.