Sports Illustrated: No Playoffs for Phillies

Predicting what's going to happen in a 162 game baseball season is nearly impossible, but basically every major sports publication takes a stab at it this time of year. Sports Illustrated is the latest to make their predictions, and there are a few eyebrow raisers.

The Phillies were picked to finish in second in the NL East, 5 games behind the Mets and 1 game ahead of the Braves. The Phils also were picked to finish 2 games behind the Diamondbacks for the Wild Card, meaning they would be sitting out the postseason.

The rest of the National League goes the way most expect it to, with the Rockies and Cubs winning their divisions. In the playoffs, SI believes the Cubs will make it all the way to the World Series. Seems reasonable, although the Mets are the better team on paper.

The Yankees are the surprise pick to have the best record in baseball, and win their division, forcing the Red Sox to be the Wild Card team. Has SI looked at the Yankees pitchers lately? If you thought the Phillies had bad pitching, take one look at the Yankees staff and be glad we don't have to rely on two old, decrepit pitchers like Mike Mussina and Andy Pettite. SI sees the rest of the AL shaping up much like most experts do, with the Tigers and Angels winning their divisions. They picked the Tigers to not only win the AL, but the World Series. With that lineup, the Tigers should be the prohibitive favorite.

Take all of these predictions with a grain of salt, but most "experts" predict the Phillies will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. The Phils have mostly been picked second or third in their division with everyone having qualms about their pitching staff. I am not sure how those same people can be so confident that the Mets aging starters and lousy corner outfielders will get the job done, but we won't have to wait long to find out.

Only 6 more days 'til the Phillies season starts!