MLB betting fans have experienced low scoring totals this entire season, as 2010 has been known as the year of the pitcher. With the American League championship series kicking off on Friday night in New York and the National League championship series is starting on Saturday, baseball betting fans are expecting more of the same as the playoffs continue. Here is a look at each of the upcoming League finals.

American League Championship Preview

Going into their first round series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Texas Rangers were predicted by many to be swept, as they had not been to the playoffs in more than a decade. Yet five games later, it was the Rangers who walked away as the victors, as they took three of the five games. What's more astounding, is that the Rangers won the series all on the road.

Now going into the American League Championship series, the Texas Rangers will be facing their second American League East team and defending World Series champion, the New York Yankees. For the Rangers, two things are against them in this series, history and the fact the Yankees are well rested. To start with the latter, the New York Yankees were able to make quick work of the Minnesota Twins and have been off since last Friday. Secondly and more importantly, in the 1990s, the Rangers went to the playoffs three times and all three times they were swept by the Yankees. 11 years later, the Rangers finally have an ace in Cliff Lee, who will be able to provide a stabilizing presence to a young team. Look for the Rangers aggressive style to allow them to move on to the World Series, Rangers in seven.

National League Championship Preview

Going into the 2010 National League playoffs, many critics felt that the Philadelphia Phillies would be facing off with divisional rival the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship. Instead however, they are facing the San Francisco Giants, who are led by the Freak, Tim Lincecum. In the history of the MLB, the Giants and Phillies have never met in the playoffs until now. Meaning to say, fans should expect an absolute dog fight between the two squads as San Francisco's big three of Lincecum, Cain and Sanchez face off against Philadelphia's big three of Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt. Prediction: Phillies in Seven.