Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers -- The Rangers, as a franchise have never won a playoff series, losing multiple during the Yankees dynasty of the 90s. Their first win will not happen this year. The playoffs is all about pitching, and even with Cliff Lee, the Rangers pitching is subpar to the Rays. But not by much. This series will go the distance. The Rangers may be the most fun team to watch, given their "Claw and Reindeer games," but the Rays are the better team. The Rays finished with the best record in the AL, with the Yankees only finishing a game behind them. The AL East was, by far, the best division in baseball. The Rays and Yankees finished with the 2nd and 3rd best records, and the Red Sox and Blue Jays were 2 of the best 5 teams to not make the playoffs. The Orioles, after signing Buck Showalter, were one of the best teams in baseball. The Rays finished on top of all of them, and will best the Rangers in 5.
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins -- The Twins get what they wished for, a rematch and chance at vengeance against the Yankees. The Yankees have struggled through September, but still finished with the 2nd best record in the AL. The Twins were not far behind, but as I was saying the AL East was the best division, the AL Central was one of the worst. The Twins were able to play the lowly Royals and Indians, which inflated their record. They are dominant at home, and have played better without Justin Morneau than they have with him. He will miss the entire postseason due to effects from his concussion. Like I said though, pitching wins playoff games, and throwing CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte in 4 of the 5 games (if necessary) will be the difference maker. They won't need 4 or 5 games though, as the Yanks will sweep.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds -- The Reds are not supposed to be here. This was the Cardinals year to dominate, and whoever had money on the Reds to win it all, could become very, very rich. The Cardinals faltered, as the Reds went on to dominate all season. It is too bad they have to play the Phillies in the first round. The Phillies have what seems to be a perfect playoff team this year. Pitching is superb and their lineup is dominant. They turned it up a gear in September and their phans are hoping they stay hot through October. There is no reason their hot streak should cool down. The Reds just have to be hotter, and their pitching and hitting has that potential, especially with Aroldis Chapman throwing 100+. It just won't happen for them as the Phillies will win in four.
San Fransisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves -- This is probably the most intriguing series to watch. The Giants struggled early, but stayed with the Padres, and eventually overtook them in the end. Tim Lincecum is the personification of their season, playing his best towards the stretch. Their hitting was absent for most of their season, but Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval (skadooosh) powered them into the postseason. The Braves played their hearts out this year for the final year of Bobby Cox's managerial career. It really is a feel good story that he was able to make the playoffs in his final year. These teams are very evenly matched up: good pitching, not so good hitting. The Giants have a slight, very slight, edge in pitching, so they'll take it in five. (I hope this one goes five as it will probably be the most entertaining.
Notes about Derek Jeter:
His career is not done, the Yankees season is not done, and he WILL be a Yankee for his entire career. I have been reading way too many freakouts this season about Jeter and the Yankees not playing well. Last I checked, the Yanks finished a game behind Tampa and easily made the playoffs. Derek Jeter struggled through the "year of the pitcher," as did many. I see no reason why he would not be able to rebound next season given how hard working he is. The Yankees are the team that no one wants to play in October given their history. Let things play out before being drama queens and freaking out that everything is going wrong. Until the Yanks lose a playoff series, or Jeter stunningly signs with another team, I will keep hope alive that they will repeat as champions, and Jeter will resign with the Yanks. He is "Captain Clutch" and thrives under the pressure of October, so why should I bet against him, or the Yanks?
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