New York Yankees (103-59)
The insane batting line up that includes Mark Teixeira (League leading 39 Home Runs and 122 Runs batted In) Alex Rodriguez who missed a month of playing time hit 30 homers, barely knocked in 100 runs, the intangible Derek Jeter, a rejuvenated Johnny Damon and a fat and lucky Nick Swisher. They have 7 guys with over 20 home runs; they murder the ball and I can't say any other team can compete with them for power.
Aside from the big lefty C.C. Sebathia and his 19 wins and 3.37 Earned Run Average the rest of the pitching staff is adequate for a team that scores as many runs as the Yankees do. Their bullpen is solid mainly do to Mariano Rivera and his 44 saves.
The Yanks will win if they play relaxed and perform average.
Boston Red Sox (95-67)
With a very fast lead off hitter (70 Stolen Bases) with a .301 Batting Average in Jacoby Ellsbury the team should be bale to create runs with great bat handlers like Dustin Padroia and Kevin Yukilis (.305 BA). Their two biggest power threats Jason Bay and David Ortiz have both gone through big slumps this seasons but seem to be hitting as well as they can heading into the playoffs.
When the Red Sox starting pitching is on they are the are dominant and better than any other in the American League. John Lester has struck out 225 batters and a solid 3.41 ERA to back up his 15 wins while Josh Beckett had a very good total of 17 wins. The Bullpen has been phenomenal and got another good year from their closer Johnathan Papelbon (38 Saves)
This team can win the Al Pennant but they will have to get hot and stay focussed.
Minnesota Twins (87-76)
The team that does all the small things and does them soundly. The Twins are the hottest team going into the palyoffs which could possibly get them into the secnd round of the playoffs. Led by catcher, MVP candidate and batting champ Joe Mauer (.366 28HR 96RBI)the Twins offense can be very consistent and able to keep adding 1 run at a time. They do have some power with Morneau who hit 30HR and Cuddyer with his team leading 32 big flies unfortunately Justin Morneau is injured so more pressure mounts on Justin Kubel and his 103 RBI, 28 HRs and .300 BA. On the bases they are very sound and can steal a base or two when needed.
Starting pitching has not been the Twins strong suite this season with only two players making over 30 starts but they do have a 15 game winner in Scott Baker. Luckily for Minnesota if they have the lead in the ninth they will win because of their excellent closer Joe Nathan who saved 47 games.
For The Twins to win they will need to be perfect; a tall order.
Los Angeles Angels (97-65)
The best of the west again are the Angels and doing like they always do it, with aggressive hitting and running getting from first to third, stretching singles to doubles. They lead with Chone Figgins who gets on base and scores mostly do to Kendry Morales (34HR and 108RBI)and Bobby Abreu (103 RBI). Vladimir Guerrero has returned but he still swings at everything and whether he'll be effective in the playoffs has yet to be seen.
The Angels pitching good; it has been for ever since they won the World series 7 years back in 2002. Jared Weaver has 16 wins and has been the most consistent guy in the rotation with a 3.75 E.R.A.. Joe Saunders also has 16 wins while Brian Lackey who's been their best in the past had an average season but was also injured. A late season acquisition in Scott Kazmir can make their starting pitching very good if he is healthy. Their bullpen took a big hit when they lost the single season saves leader (Francisco Rodriguez) to free agency but they replaced him with a very reliable Brian Fuentes.
For the Angels to go forward they have to defy history and play very aggressively.
The Red Sox will face off against the Angels again and more than likely the Red Sox will win the series again.
I don't see the Twins winning a single game against the mighty Yankees who may give up 6 runs a game but will score 10.
So once again we have the Yankees and the Red Sox and at this point it's not as easy as the Boston team choking on the curse handed to them for generations. If Swisher misplays balls or Damon has trouble with that throw from left or Teixeira can't beat a ground ball, if A-Rod has his typical ineffective post season the series will go to the Sox. If New York tee's off on Boston's inconsistent pitching of late, the Sox will not be able to catch up, not this year.
I predict the Yankees winning the American league
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