American League
New York YankeesHitting - If the Playoffs were about out-slugging the other team, than the Yankees wouldn't lose a game. One through nine, they are dangerous to say the least. With the additions of Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui, they are even more formidable than they already were.
Even though Alex Rodriguez had a lackluster season, Derek Jeter and Johnny Demon picked up the slack offensively. Sorry, it's the Red Sox fan coming out in me.
Not too mention Robinson Cano is making fans in the Bronx forget about Alfonso Soriano, and he doesn't strike out nearly as often.
Pitching - While general manager George Steinbrenner has been more than willing to open up his wallet, he hasn't spent as much money on pitching as hitting in recent years.
This is a spot where the Yankees are vulnerable. Gone are the years when Roger Clemens threw a shutout in Game 1 and was followed by arguably one of the toughest Game 2 starters in postseason history, Andy Pettite.
Instead it will be up to Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina and Randy Johnson, who gets worse with age, to take the mound in games one through three for the Yanks.
And until you get to Mariano Rivera, the bullpen is about as unpredictable as they come. Kyle Farnsworth + 8th inning + Playoffs = Disaster.
Player to watch - Alex Rodriguez (3B)
It's time. It is time for one of the game's best players to take that next step towards greatness and deliver when it matters most, the postseason. Peyton Manning, are you taking notes?
With one swing of the bat, A-Rod has the power to finally become accepted by an entire city and truly become a New York Yankee in every sense of the name. No more boo-birds. Just a rise in batting average, homeruns, RBI's and, most importantly, confidence.
Outlook - This is the best Yankee team I have seen since they had a rotation that consisted of Clemens, Pettite, Mussina and David Wells. However, it is the offense that will carry these guys deep into October. Look for Bobby Abreu to continue his recent power surge and Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield to conrtibute in some way, even though they have both just recently returned from injury. Bottom line, is this team is explosive.
Detroit TigersHitting - Leadoff man Curtis Granderson is the spark plug for the Tigers' lineup. His speed and ability to get on base allows Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez a chance to hit with runners on more often than not. Of course, whenever Ivan Rodriguez is involved in the Playoffs in any way, it has usually been a positive. His sheer emotion and desire to win rubs off on the rest of the team.
Pitching - Justin Verlander could quite possibly been the biggest surprise rookie this season. His fastball, sometimes clocked at 100 mph, has great late movement. Add that to a curveball and an average change, and you have all the makings of an ace somewhere down the line.
In the bullpen, Joel Zumaya, who has also hit 100 mph on occasion, is the closer in waiting. Detroit is able to use Zumaya in the 8th and has the luxury of handing the ball over to Jones to close out the game.
Player to watch - Nate Robertson (SP)
There are a number of players to choose from on a team which has exceeded everyone's expectations this year, but none of them fits the bill more then Robertson.
Why?
It will be up to Robertson to set the tone of the series for the Tigers.
If he comes out, gets lit up in Comerica and yanked in about the third inning, then it could be a very short series. On the other hand, if he can pitch deep into the game, it shows the rest of baseball that the Tigers are for real.
Outlook - In order to get past the first round, the Tigers better look at themselves in a mirror - and quick. This was the feel-good story of the year, and it appears from the players' body language that they are just happy to be a part of it.
That's not going to cut it with manager Jim Leyland. This man expects to win in October and the attitude will change fast.
Every year there is a spoiler team and this year it just so happened to be the Kansas City Royals. They assured the Tigers of a first round date with the most potent lineup in baseball, the New York Yankees.
Detroit better hope Kenny Rogers, who has historically fared well in the postseason, and the rest of the rotation can silence the Bronx Bombers, or they will just have to settle for being the 'feel-good story' of the regular season.
Minnesota TwinsHitting - I can't believe I am about to say this, but the Twins actually have an offense this season. Justin Morneau became the first Minnesota player since Kent Hrbek to hit over 30 homeruns in a season. And his counterpart, Joe Mauer, led the league in average, hitting a .347 clip. And finally, Michael Cuddyer is starting to live up to the hype. His move to the outfield really energized the team and helped solidify their lineup.
Pitching - Without Francisco Liriano the Twins really don't have a reliable No. 2 starter. Boof Bonser is the most likely candidate to fill that role. Bonser has compiled a 7-6 record over 17 starts. Veteran Brad Radke will be pitching for the last time, as he announced his retirement early this season, and will hold down the No. 3 spot.
Also, the Twins have the best bullpen in the Playoffs. Closer Joe Nathan, set-up man Jesse Crain, Juan Rincon and lefty specialist Denny Reyes give Minnesota a lights-out pen.
Player to watch - Tori Hunter (OF)
Whether he makes a gravity defying leap over the wall to rob a homerun or comes through in a bases-loaded situation, Hunter is an exciting and potentially a game- or series-changing player. His combination of pure athleticism, power and experience is key to the Twins this postseason. The only thing that has slowed down Hunter in the past is injuries. Of course, when you fly into walls at 100 mph, you are likely to spend your fair share of time on the DL. Just ask Ken Griffey Jr.
However, Hunter is flat out solid and everyone stepping into the batter's box knows not to hit the ball in his direction.
Outlook - Unless Minnesota can get consistent pitching from Radke and Bonser, their trip could be very short lived. However, if Bonser can duplicate what right hander John Lackey did for the Los Angeles of Anahiem in 2002, Minnesota could be a very tough out. -á
Oakland AthleticsHitting - Granted, Frank Thomas has had a great season for the Athletics, but name another player in Oakland's lineup that scares you.
Nick Swisher is about as sporadic as they come. He can blast a 400 ft. shot over the right field wall or strike out to Shawn Estes on three pitches. Point is, other than Swisher, the A's are going to have their work cut out scoring runs. However, as a firm believer in "moneyball," a phrase coined by general manager Billy Beane, they will still be able to work the count, get on base and manufacture some runs.
Pitching - Besides San Diego, Oakland has the deepest starting rotation in the Playoffs. From top to bottom, any of the four - Barry Zito, Rich Harden, Danny Haren and Esteban Loiaza - can shut down the opposing team.
It will be an intriguing series between the A's and Tigers, but Oakland's experience will be a huge factor in the outcome. This one will go down to the wire. Athletics 3-2.
Player to watch - Barry Zito (SP)
Outlook - When Detroit decided to fold up like a wet blanket over the weekend and secede the Central Division to the Twins, it could not have been more a devastating blow to the A's. Until then, I thought they had possibly the easiest road to the World Series.
But they don't call them Chokeland for nothing. The Yankees and Red Sox can both attest to that label.
It goes something like this:
Oakland takes the first two games of a series, and the other team gets upset and wins three or four in a row, depending on the format.
Sadly, it is true. But this Oakland team appears to be different. Or do they?-á
American League PredictionALDS - Minnesota over Oakland 3-2; New York over Detroit 3-1.ALCS - Minnesota over New York 4-3.-á
Coming tommorow: The NL and World Series winner.
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