This year’s postseason features some familiar faces, young teams with something to prove, and other that weren’t expected to be here at the beginning of the year.
So let’s get you set by taking a look at the first of the Divisional Series. Check back as I prepare preview for all the series over the next couple days. And leave you comments on who you think will move on the ALCS and NLCS or why you think I’m full of crap.
This truly is David versus Goliath. The Yankees boast a powerful line-up with Jeter, Texiera, Rodriguez and Cano, while the Twins get by with with a balanced offensive attack anchored by perennial MVP candidate, Joe Mauer and sound defense and pitching.
The Yankees won the season series 5-2, and despite the Twins having the best home record in the AL (53-28), took three out of four at Target Field.
For the Twins to have any chance of knocking out the Yanks, their pitchers are going to have to neutralize the Bronx Bombers bats. According to Manager Ron Gardenhire, the Twins will start Francisco Liriano, Carl Pavano, and Brian Duensing in the first three games respectively. Interestingly, Nick Blackburn, who recorded the Twins’ only two wins against the Yankees, won’t start until Game Four, if necessary.
It will be interesting to see if the Yankees can remedy some of the consistency issues they’ve experienced throughout the year. C.C. Sabathia has been named the Game 1 starter, and it will likely be veteran Andy Petitte and youngster Phil Hughes (not necessarily in that order) for the next two. Hughes’ start could be the pivotal one.
The Yankee pitchers will have the good fortune in not having to face Justin Morneau, who has been ruled out for the entire postseason due to the aftereffects of a concussion sustained in early July. The positive is that the Twins have proved they can be successful without him, but they would certainly love to have his bat in the lineup.
In the absence of Morneau, the Twins will have to continue to rely on Joe Mauer to lead the way. Hopefully following in his wake Delmon Young, Michael Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel will continue their strong performances at the plate to match that of Rodriguez, Cano and Texiera.
Offensive X-factors: For the Yankees, of course it is the postseason, and therefore Derek Jeter will likely do something special. While veteran slugger Jim Thome has been a revelation for the Twins in the latter half of the season, and certainly has the potential to shift the tide of a game with one swing.
As is often the case, this series will likely come down to which team gets the better pitching performance. Will New York’s high priced, experienced hurlers pitch like they are capable? Or will the Twins pitching and defense be able to minimize a powerful lineup? I’ll be rooting for the Twins, but…
If I had to bet: Yankees in 5
