Division Series Preview

I am glowing with euphoric joy and excitement right now, as my beloved San Francisco Giants are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2003. When Brian Wilson struck out Will Venable to clinch the National League West championship for the Giants yesterday, I went crazy in my college dorm room, jumping up and down, screaming at the top of my lungs in a moment of sheer ecstasy. So, as the Giants get ready to take on the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, I gleefully admit that I am wholly incapable of being impartial when it comes to this series. So, with the exception of Giants-Braves (Gooooooooo Giants!!!!!), here is my impartial take on the rest of the baseball division series:

TWINS VS. YANKEES

The Yankees have always had the Twins' number in the postseason, but this year carries a slightly different vibe. First of all, Minnesota has home-field advantage this time around, and Twins fans always bring the noise come October. Secondly, and most importantly, New York has major concerns in the pitching department. If the Bronx Bombers are to beat the Twins yet again, it is imperative that CC Sabathia, Andy Pettite, and A.J. Burnett be in top form. Furthermore, Mariano Rivera, who has been struggling mightily, must return to his dominant ways. Offensively, the Yankees need not worry. As always, they have a spectacular lineup from top to bottom.

As for the Twins, it is all about Joe Mauer. As Mauer goes, so goes Minnesota. Mauer is going to need some help from his teammates, however, if the Twins are to advance to the ALCS. Guys like Orlando Hudson and Jim Thome need to have huge series. It is crucial for the Twins to set the tone in Game 1 behind Francisco Liriano. Target Field will be rocking in its inaugural playoff game, and the Twins need to capitalize on that home energy.

PREDICTION: This will be a fantastic series: Yankees in 5.

RAYS VS. RANGERS

At this juncture, the Tampa Bay Rays should be considered the favorites to win the American League. Joe Maddon's team has it all. A dominant ace (David Price)? Check. A stellar offense (Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena)? Check. One of the best managers in the game (Joe Maddon)? Check. So I anticipate that the Rays will advance to play the Yankees in what would be an epic American League Championship Series. HOWEVER, do not overlook the Texas Rangers. The Rangers will push the Rays to a full five games, and they do have what it takes to advance.

With all due respect to Bud Black and the San Diego Padres, Ron Washington's team was the biggest surprise in baseball this season, With Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, and Bengie Molina, the Rangers certainly have the offensive punch to match that of the Rays. And as far as pitching is concerned, it all boils down to Cliff Lee. Cliff Lee needs to win Game 1 for Texas if they want to pull off the upset.

PREDICTION: I like the Rays in 5, but this series will be far tighter than many people anticipate.

PHILLIES VS. REDS

As a Giants fan, I will always have a special place in my heart for the great Dusty Baker. Baker did a magnificent job as manager of the Giants for ten seasons, and to this day, he is one of the best managers in the game. In addition to being a great manager, Baker is a class act, one of the nicest guys in the game. However, despite my admiration for Baker, I would be genuinely shocked if the Reds are able to beat the Phillies in a Best-of-5 series.

Don't get me wrong: The Reds are a terrific team, led by NL MVP-frontrunner Joey Votto. And Cincinnati will put up a spirited fight against Philadelphia. The Phillies, though, are the better team. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and company will be too much for the Reds to handle.

PREDICTION: Phillies in 3.

All of the aforementioned three series are bound to be immensely compelling and intriguing. But they are merely warm-up acts for Giants-Braves. Words cannot express how jacked up with excitement I am about my Giants. Not that I'm biased or anything.