Playoff Time Part 2

As promised here is a look at American League half of the Postseason outlook. Arguably the most intriguing match-up is the Red Sox and the Angels, but that begins tomorrow night so we begin with the Twins and Yankees.

Two teams with complete opposite paths to the Division Series. The Yankees are big spenders who were the first team to wrap up a playoff spot and have a murderous line-up one through nine. Minnesota is your typical small market team who does not spend, relying rather on scouts and a bountiful system of young talent and prospects. With former MVP Justin Morneau out, the onus is on batting champion Joe Mauer and Morneau's replacement Michael Cuddyer, who is coming off a career year, to step up if the Twins are to have any chance. New York has better top of the rotation starters, better offense and have been able to rest. All signs point to them sweeping this series, but if Jason Kubel can get hot along with Mauer and Cuddyer, the Twins might just have a chance. Not to mention the Sabathia and A-Rod choke jobs of previous Octobers. Pick: Yankees in 4.

The Angels and Red Sox are set to meet for the third consecutive Postseason and fourth time in six years. Some say the Sox have their number, some say the Angels don't match up well, I say it's just a coincidence. The Red Sox have two great pitchers going the first two games and arguably so to do the Angels. The Angels might struggle with previous failures, but the Sox certainly do not rest on past success. Jon Lester and Josh Beckett have done well in previous trips to the Playoffs, each winning rings with Boston, but that does not mean they'll be looking beyond a dangerous Angels offense that can run and hit for both power and average. The same is true for the Red Sox offense which has AL stolen base leader Jacoby Ellsbury at the top and four guys with 20 or more home runs. The biggest question is whether Boston can get the starting pitching it needs to give its offense a chance to win. Throughout the season the offense struggled, but when Victor Martinez was acquired at the deadline it seemed to fire up this team. The Angels bats will be a true indication of whether this will be a quick series or a long one. If Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu get going early, the Red Sox could be in trouble. On the other hand, if Lester and Beckett silence them and Jonathan Papelbon repeats his previous success, the Sox should take care of the Angels no problem. Watch for Abreu to have a huge impact offensive if the Angels win. Pick: Red Sox in 5.