It only took 162 games to nail down the American League playoff picture, but now the stage is set for what promises to be a competitive fall. While the teams vying for the AL pennant this October are not big surprises, the chance for upset victories and drama is definitely there. The Chicago White Sox, the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Boston Red Sox are all good teams, but no one is an obvious favorite going into the playoffs. In the end, the pennant will come down to which team has the October magic on its side.
New York Yankees (95-67) vs. Los Angeles Angels (95-67)
In a rematch of the 2002 AL Division Series, 2005's match-up will feature two very different teams from those of three years ago. The Angels are no longer the "Cinderella" team playing David to New York's Goliath. Instead, they enter the postseason with the same exact record as the Yankees and with a payroll ranking in the top five in Major League Baseball.
When it comes to hitting, the Yankees have a clear advantage. With a lineup that boasts Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Hideki Matsui, Jason Giambi and (an albeit slightly injured) Derek Jeter, the Angels' pitching staff will have its work cut out for it.
On the other hand, the Angels will have to work arduously to scrap up some runs considering their entire lineup seems to be banged up one way or another. Don't be surprised to see Vladimir Guerrero get pitched around or intentionally walked a la Barry Bonds in 2002. Garret Anderson, Los Angeles' other reliable offensive star, has been riddled with a stiff lower back and several other injuries the entire season as well.
However, the Angels are a very speedy team, especially with Chone Figgins in the lead-off spot. They led the league with 154 stolen bases this season and knowing a Mike Scioscia-run team, they won't stop running in October.
Even with these offensive threats, if the Angels win, it will be because of their pitching. While the Yankees rotation is starting to settle down with Randy Johnson, Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small leading the way, the Angels starting rotation is not too shabby. They have a one-two punch with Bartolo Colon, the league's only 20-game winner with a respectable 3.48 ERA, and John Lackey, who has been steady with a 3.44 ERA.
The Angels have the advantage in the bullpen, with Scott Shields and Francisco Rodriguez finishing up games. But New York has one thing that no other team in the majors has: Mariano Rivera. When it comes to the postseason, is there anyone better? If Los Angeles can score runs early in the game and keep Rivera off the mound, then they have a good chance to win the series.
Prediction: Los Angeles over New York in five.
Boston Red Sox (95-67) vs. Chicago White Sox (99-63)
Had these teams played each other in the playoffs last year, the sports media would undoubtedly have obsessed on the fact that neither team had won a World Series since 1917 (White Sox) and 1918 (Red Sox), that both these teams are cursed, and on and on. Fortunately, the Red Sox ended all the ridiculous "curse" talk and now we can concentrate on how the teams actually play instead of their histories.
These two teams are opposites when it comes to their strengths. The White Sox have a statistically great pitching staff and a weak offensive lineup, while the Red Sox are dangerous at the plate and struggle on the mound.
Chicago's starting rotation consists of Jon Garland, Mark Buehrle, Freddy Garcia, Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez. Together, the starting rotation has a 3.76 ERA, second in the American League.
The Red Sox...well let's just say the Red Sox are praying that Curt Schilling returns to last season's playoff form. In fact, they're praying that anyone in their starting rotation and bullpen steps up and keeps them from having a pitching meltdown. The Red Sox need Schilling to be the Schilling that excels in pressure situations and can completely take over a game because frankly, Red Sox Nation is lacking confidence in its starting rotation right now.
What could possibly be in worse shape than the Red Sox starting rotation? Take a look at their bullpen. The Red Sox closers claim a grotesque 5.19 ERA, the worst in the league. Boston fans are crossing their fingers when it comes to rookies John Papelbon (now being hailed as a savior by Sox fans everywhere) and hard-throwing Craig Hansen, and hoping that they can pull a K-Rod and shut down the opposition.
When it comes to hitting, the Sox from Beantown have a clear advantage. Is there one person on the White Sox lineup that produces true fear? Scott Podsednik and Paul Konerko have had great seasons, but they are no David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. The White Sox play small ball and use their spectacular speed to produce runs whereas the Red Sox go the Moneyball approach by taking pitches, hitting homeruns and not taking any chances on the bases.
When it comes down to it, the question remains as to whether the White Sox have enough to face the star-studded Red Sox. Chicago has a great rotation, but upon closer inspection, it's clear that none of the White Sox pitchers are hard-throwing. It is traditionally in the playoffs where the softer-throwing pitchers get exposed and the guys who can zing it right past you shine. Chicago hurler Jose Contreras, the Game 1 starter, doesn't exactly have a great track record against the Red Sox (he has a 1-4 record and a 13.50 ERA facing Boston). And when it comes down to it, Boston now knows what it takes to win a championship and Chicago doesn't.
Prediction: Boston over Chicago in four.
