If you asked me last week what I thought about the Braves' chances in the playoffs, I probably would've told you my hopes weren't that big, that I'd be surprised if we got out of the first round, and that I'd be happy if we lasted 5 games. But the closer we get to Game 1, the more my homerism takes over my train of thought and distorts it. I basically think we have a great chance to win it all now. Don't ask me why.

I think it's sort of like the phenomenon that occurs during college basketball games, when that TV camera wheels through the stands and startles the home team's fans, who suddenly realize they're on TV, so they instinctively throw up an index finger and scream, "NUMBER ONE!!!!!" And then you discover they're rooting for Savannah State, and Savannah State is trailing by 30 points.

I guess since Game 1 of our series with the Astros is almost here -- it's tomorrow, 4:05 ET on ESPN -- I'm getting that strange urge to go crazy for the Braves and scream, "NUMBER ONE!!!!!" even if I don't exactly like our chances to take the series.

It's probably out of fan obligation, not true faith, but whatever. I've picked the Braves to win it all for, like, 14 straight years. I'm not gonna end that tradition now. If you cut corners with me, emphasize the good, and ignore the bad, you, too, can somehow conclude that the Braves will win the World Series this season.

Here are my top 8 reasons the Braves will win it all this year:
8. I put money on the Astros.
7. I put money on the Padres.
6. I put money on the Cardinals.
5. I put money on the Yankees.
4. I put money on the Red Sox.
3. I put money on the White Sox.
2. I put money on the Angels of Anaheim.
1. We have three catchers on our postseason roster. Watch out.

Go Braves!