Breaking Down the American League Division Series

Fresh off an exhilarating, 12-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central one game playoff, the Minnesota Twins have punched their ticket into the postseason. The American League is now set, and here are my thoughts on the two ALDS showdowns:

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees

So the Twins have just completed one of the most unlikely September runs in recent memory, rallying from seven games back to steal the AL Central from the Tigers, and what do they get as a reward? They get to face the mighty New York Yankees. Following today's thrilling win over Detroit, there is a state of absolute euphoria in Twinsville, but that celebration will be short-lived as Ron Gardenhire's team has to hop on a plane immediately for a game in the Bronx tomorrow.

The Yankees, meanwhile, are well-rested. Ace CC Sabathia takes the hill in Game 1, and the murderer's row of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixiera, and Hideki Matsui will be ready to light up the scoreboard. It would be a stunner if the Yankees don't win this series.

That isn't to say the Twins won't put up a fight. The Minnesota lineup, save for the superhuman Joe Mauer, may lack the firepower of the Bronx Bombers, but there are plenty of unsung heroes that can sneak up on the Yankees, including Orlando Cabrera, Nick Punto, Delmon Young, and Jason Kubel. The Twins pitching is no joke either. Brian Duensing and Scott Baker are more than capable of limiting the damage against the powerful New York lineup, and the Twins bullpen, led by closer Joe Nathan, is stout.

But when all is said and done, the Yankees will be too much for the Twins to handle. The raucous environment of the Metrodome will propel the Twins to victory in Game 3, but look for the Fighting Pinstripes to pop the champagne in Game 4.

PREDICTION: New York in 4

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels

Mike Scioscia's team has all the makings of a World Series winner. Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, and Bobby Abreu headline the intimidating offense, while John Lackey, Joe Saunders, and late season acquisition Scott Kazmir top the efficient Angels pitching staff. The regular season was once again smooth sailing for the Angels, who easily held off the Texas Rangers to win the AL West. All is well in Anaheim. Then why do I get the feeling that it's going to be more October doom and gloom for the Angels?

Well, because they're playing the Red Sox that's why. The Angels have not been able to solve the postseason riddle known as the Boston Red Sox, being eliminated by the Sox in the past two seasons. And while Terry Francona's team has sputtered into October, I still think they have what it takes to advance to the ALCS. David Ortiz, Jason Bay, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek, and Dustin Pedroia will all be rejuvenated by the energy of October baseball. Josh Beckett and Jon Lester will dominate, and if the unpredictable Hideki Okajima and Billy Wagner can hold leads, Jonathan Papelbon will shut the door in the ninth.

This will be an outstanding series that will go the distance. In the end, though, the Angels will once again see their season end at the hands of the Red Sox. I see Red Sox-Yankees on the horizon.

PREDICTION: Boston in 5