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Two weeks ago, I was predicting the Rockies would not lose another game this season. I wasn't this confident out of loyalty to Colorado - actually, I'm an Atlanta Braves fan. It's just that the Rockies seemed so dominant at the end of the regular season and into the first two rounds of the playoffs. Well, so much for predictions.

Seeing these two teams, the Red Sox and the Rockies, play head to head here in October, it seems pretty clear to me that the Red Sox are the superior team. At least so far, the Red Sox starting pitching has been better, although Ubaldo did a fine job for the Rockies last night. The Sox bats have clearly dominated but just as importantly, the Red Sox just seem to have that air of confidence and experience that says "We belong here." Not so with the Rockies. Their unexpectedly sub par hitting, defense and base running lead this writer to ask, is this the best the National League has to offer?

What happened to the Mets? The Phillies? Dare I ask, the Braves? Maybe no one could beat the Red Sox this October, but I really have to wonder if another team might be able to put up more of a fight. Of course, it has to be said that each of these other teams certainly had their chance during the regular season. The Mets' end of season meltdown, in particular, will certainly be talked about for seasons to come.

Looking at this year's National League regular season finish and post season results, it seems reasonable to give a slight edge to the West Divsion over the rest of the league. Overall, however, there were five teams, from the West and East, that finished the regular season within a game of each other. Three of these advanced to the post season. Are any of these teams really that much better than any of the others? That's hard to say. But for a few end of season come aparts, any of those other four teams could be playing the Sox right now.

So I have to ask, did the stars that aligned to propel Colorado into the spotlight suddenly fall from the sky? Are they really the best team in the National League? If so, what does that say about the parity between the leagues? I've heard it said that the American League is better than the National League. I always cringe when I hear it. But looking at the interleague play results and the outcome of this year's World Series so far, it's hard to disagree.

So, here's my updated prediction. Colorado peaked just at the right time to make it into the playoffs, but the peak is over. Boston, who was dominant all year long, remains dominant and will win the series in 5 games. National League fans, let's hope that next year's dominant team can finish the job and give the American League Champions and run for their money.

Learn more about this author, Paul Williams.
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