Playoff preview: (1) Bob vs. (6) Chris

Records: Bob 17-6, Chris 13-10-1
Line: Bob -3.5
Season series: Bob 2-0 (Week 7: 13-6, Week 17: 14-5)
Career playoff records: Bob 3-2, Chris 3-1
All-time head-to-head: Bob 6-2
Playoffs head-to-head: Never met
Last playoff appearance: Bob 2009, Chris 2008


Pitching
Both teams have solid, consistent pitching that is unlikely to implode like their semifinal opponents' arms did. Neither team, however, really has a bona fide stud that is a complete-game threat. One interesting thing to watch is that Bob has the relief pitchers to take saves AND holds, something that is seldom done against Chris.
Advantage: Bob

Hitting
Chris' hitting is absolutely on fire. Can it stay that way for four weeks in a row? It's unlikely, and Bob's power hitters should do enough to give him most of the categories. Chris really needs to catch a couple breaks, such as a nagging injury or some rest for playoff players.
Advantage: Bob

Managing
Bob has won three straight playoff games, Chris two straight. Both teams have made smart moves the entire postseason, clearly planning ahead. Both managers have championship-game experience. Hard to give an edge, but Bob has won a title, so we'll give it to him.
Advantage: Bob

Prediction
Bob, fielding the best team in league history, will not be stopped by a sixth seed. He wins 13-7.