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I just think that Cleveland is this year's Oakland (catches fire, burns out in playoffs). Also, don't know if they have the experience (they might feel happy just getting there). As for the Yanks not being a factor, I still would take their lineup over any in the majors, depending on who is DH'ing and playing OF. I mean, Sheffield, A-Rod, Matsui, Giambi (who's been on a tear after the all-star game), Playoff Jeter (totally different than regular season Jeter). Remember, they were a couple of fluke hits away from the series last year. Plus, their defense seems to be stiffening, which makes their pitching better.
But as for the NL, there is something scarier than Houston's pitching, and that's Houston's hitting. Sure, Clemens might only give up 1 run, but chances are that 1 run will be more than Houston puts up. And I think they still have the rule where the wild card can't play someone in their division round 1, so St. Louis wouldn't have to face Houston in the short series. The Braves are always able to somehow get into the playoffs (I think Ted Turner made some sort of demonic pact) where they quickly choke/flame out/underachieve. And unless Bonds somehow wills the Giants out of the West, that division's representative is gonna get swept.
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