Kari Brackett, sports editor

Here I go again. I always try to be so philosophical with my predictions, and I fall flat on my face. Not this time.

In the National League, I’m gonna go with the Mets. Actually I hate the team, but it has speed and it has the best pitching staff. I have to go with the Red Sox in the American League. The squad also has strong hurlers and the ability to get on base. Yes, the World Series will be a re-match of 1986, but the outcome will be different. Gotta go with the Red Sox in seven games.

Dave Elsesser, sports writer

First, the American League, where ALL the good young talent in baseball is. Boston and Oakland (thanks a lot Chicago—Lee Smith, Dennis Eckersley, Tony LaRussa). Both teams have two great starters in Clemens-Hurst and Stewart-Welch, but Eckersley is the better stopper. Don’t look for Dave Henderson to go unconscious again, but count on Oakland.

In the National League, it’s nice to see two teams without Zamboni machines to clean up their yards, anyway. The Dodgers (keep the paper open and hear me out) had to play a tougher NL West schedule, and proved there was life after Mariano Duncan. World Series? Luis Polonia goes to Disneyland—A’s are Swingin‘ again.

Tom Clegg, assistant sports editor

What a boring year. Where’s the automatic tarp machines to chase Vince Coleman? Where’s the Metrodome and its original fans—Hey, I know, let’s wave something white; no one’s done that before.

Let’s see, Kirk Gibson and Orel Hershiser on the Dodgers. That’s like putting Hulk Hogan and Michael Jackson on the same tag team. Gibson and Hershiser are good, but the Mets have a lot of good players. New York in five games.

In the AL, Boston will easily dispose of Oakland. I don’t know why, but who picked Minnesota last year?

Wade Boggs will be attacked by the Kissing Bandit in the World Series, get sued for palimony and lead Boston to the World Series title as MVP. Right.

Jeff Kirik, editor

Please, somebody, beat the Mets. I don’t think I could handle another winter of Gary Carter Wheaties commercials.

The Dodgers look like they couldn’t stop New York unless they pitch only Hershiser and Tudor. That won’t happen and neither will a California World Series. Look for the Mets’ pitching staff to overwhelm the Dodgers in five.

The AL playoff is one of the best-looking matchups since the Yankees played George Brett several times in the 70’s. Look for Bruce Hurst and Roger Clemens to carry the Bosox past the A’s. Then watch Mike Greenwell show the Mets how sweet a swing can be.

Sox in seven. Greenwell MVP.