American League: Who's going to the World Series?

[hudsonharden]

Which of these teams will represent the American League in the World Series?

[EvanAparra]

Im taking the Twins.

[hudsonharden]

I picked the A's, although I'm sure Vegas would disagree. But I think we've got a shot with Harden back and pitching well. Today:

5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5K

[Seattle1]

Looks like it's going to be the Tigers. I would like to see a Tigers vs. Phillies World Series.

:dance

:coffee (It's early and I want some coffee.)

[Hammerin Hank]

I can't see the Twins making it. Hopefully they won't have to face the Tigers in the ALCS because that's the team that owned them this year.

[KCGHOST]

The Yanks. They won't have any problem with either the A's or Twins (least that's what history says) and the Tigers can't hit with them and their pitching has weakened.

[geezer]

Tha Yankees are the strongest team to me in all the majors, period.

[riverfrontier]

I would have to say the Yankees, that historic, iconic team of fact and fable, America's very symbol of perceived pride in baseball excellence, who represent the baldness of the eagle, the wavering tendencies of the flag in the breeze, and the pomposity of, y'know, all that other stuff, should be beaten soundly by a wild-card team. Most likely the Twins. Say Johan with a hard 'J', harden up that 'o', pronounce the 'a' as you would say 'apple', accent the second syllable at double volume, take your pants off, put 'em back on again, wonder why you did, then take a shot of Redpop and Vernor's. You'll beg for the Absolut Tiger chaser. Trust me on this.

[candy curveball cummings]

The Yanks. They won't have any problem with either the A's or Twins (least that's what history says)

Did you just decide to forget 2002?

[agent-g]

The A's offense has been getting better all year, combined with their excellent pitching staff and the fact that they just got Harden back, I'm thinking the A's have a very good chance of going all the way!

[EvanAparra]

I'd like to hear a non A's fan say that before i believe it. Their offense is still not good, and if probably the worst out of all the teams making the playoffs. Unless Zito, Harden, and Haren all pitch out of their minds, they probably arent going anywhere.

[AznInvasion]

Twins will win...

[ivylover]

Be pretty sweet if The Tigers make it:gt (May root for em)

[candy curveball cummings]

I can't see the Twins making it. Hopefully they won't have to face the Tigers in the ALCS because that's the team that owned them this year.

Define "owned". I think we can agree the Twins started the season badly. They weren't playing well as a team. In the second half of the season, the Twins are 6-4 against the Tigers. How exactly is that being "owned"?

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

I like the Twins. They're young, and none of the players seem to be slowing down. The Yankees will be tough to beat, but their pitching isn't all that great. For me, it will either be the Twins or Yanks. And I say Twins because I hope they can beat Georgie and the Yanks back to The Bronx.

[Knick9]

My gut feeling is the Twins. They have pitching (Johan Santana), they have defense (Torii Hunter), and they have timely hitting (Joe Mauer). What's not to like? Plus, I don't see them losing springs in their steps at this point, unlike the other 3 clubs.

The Yankees have a loaded offense, but I'm still not sold on numerous parts of their pitching staff. Can you really rely on your set-up men to get to Rivera? Can Randy be Randy? Another question, can A-Rod play with more pressure? ;)

The Tigers are a young team filled with energy for the most part, but I think the lack of experience will show soon. I mean no disrespect, but I have doubts.

The A's are a good story. Big Frank will most likely be the comeback player of the year, while you have other guys like Kotsay and Kendall making their debuts. They have Zito and maybe Harden back to form, but will it be enough? I'm not so sure.

Yeah, the Twins are my pick.

[maximum jack]

I'm picking the Twins too. As awesome as that Yankee lineup is, they just don't have the pitching to do it this year. I'm hoping they meet with Boston West in the WS.

[hudsonharden]

If the Twins had Liriano healthy, they'd have a great chance. Other than Santana, there rotation is pretty mediocre. Silva's 10-14 with an ERA near 6.00; Radke's is 12-9 and his ERA is 4.46. I'm not to worried about a team who has a starter named "Boof."

[Astro]

If the Twins had Liriano healthy, they'd have a great chance. Other than Santana, there rotation is pretty mediocre. Silva's 10-14 with an ERA near 6.00; Radke's is 12-9 and his ERA is 4.46. I'm not to worried about a team who has a starter named "Boof."
If I were the A's I'd be worried about any team in the playoffs, they havent had a too successful track record the past decade in the playoffs

[DodgerBlue81]

Unfortunately it'll be a cakewalk for the Yankees; they'll mop the floor with these teams.

[CanadianKid]

Gotta go with the Twins.

[hudsonharden]

If I were the A's I'd be worried about any team in the playoffs, they havent had a too successful track record the past decade in the playoffs

This is a new A's team though, very different from the teams of 2000-2003.

[candy curveball cummings]

If the Twins had Liriano healthy, they'd have a great chance. Other than Santana, there rotation is pretty mediocre. Silva's 10-14 with an ERA near 6.00; Radke's is 12-9 and his ERA is 4.46. I'm not to worried about a team who has a starter named "Boof."

Check out Radke's stats since June 1st: 8-3 with a 2.82 ERA. Don't sleep on Radke and don't sleep on the Twins.

[insanefishpossay]

Check out Radke's stats since June 1st: 8-3 with a 2.82 ERA. Don't sleep on Radke and don't sleep on the Twins.

The problem with Radke is that we don't even know if he'll be able to pitch in the playoffs. Radke's been pitching with arm problems this whole season. After his start on August 25th, in which he had to leave after the second inning, it looked as if he had thrown the last pitch of his career. ESPN had a great article about him awhile back, http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/offbase/060906

I'm not to worried about a team who has a starter named "Boof."

That's too bad, because "Boof" has been very solid since being recalled from the minors. In September, he's 4-0 with a 2.20 ERA. The same can be said for Silva, who's posted up a 3.38 ERA in September. Although Scott Baker has been nothing special this year, he has been able to shut down the Yankees lineup twice this year (5 Hits, 2 Runs allowed in 12 innings).

Yeah, the Twins have a lot of question marks after Johan Santana, but who needs amazing starters when you have the best bullpen in the majors? As long as our starters not named Johan Santana can go five decent innings, I think the Twins will be in fine shape.

[W_Marone]

I picked the A'S, kinda under the radar right now, I think with Zito, Haren, and now that Harden's back, thats not a three combination I want to face in the playoffs at all. Nick Swisher is also an outstanding player who is vastly underrated...not to mention Frank Thomas is having a great year. I think Chavez, now this is stretching it a bit, may have something up his sleeve offensivly for the playoffs.

[Astro]

I picked the twins, kinda under the radar right now, I think with Zito, Haren, and now that Harden's back, thats not a three combination I want to face in the playoffs at all. Nick Swisher is also an outstanding player who is vastly underrated...not to mention Frank Thomas is having a great year. I think Chavez, now this is stretching it a bit, may have something up his sleeve offensivly for the playoffs.
Well... none of those players are on the Twins

[W_Marone]

Well... none of those players are on the Twins

Ooops, whoa, major mistake sorry ,meant to say the A's....Brain Fart anyone? hahhaha....Forgive me baseball gods. What mixed me up was I had just got done reading that post about the Twinkies and Boof, had A's in my head and twins on my tongue....wierd. Thanks for catching that one ASTRO.

[wu-tang clan]

If the Twins had Liriano healthy, they'd have a great chance. Other than Santana, there rotation is pretty mediocre. Silva's 10-14 with an ERA near 6.00; Radke's is 12-9 and his ERA is 4.46. I'm not to worried about a team who has a starter named "Boof."

dude, boof has been (good) have you seen him pitch the last few weeks? plus, if radke can return to form from the summer, the twins have a serious 1-2 punch. radke's main problem is the first few innings, but after the third inning, he's lights out.

as for the team representing the AL in the World Series, it would be between the twins and yanks. too close to call right now.

piece out, homies

[BoofBonser26]

The Twins, of course. The one-two punch of Santana and Bonser. Nothing can stop it.

:evil :evil :evil :evil :evil :D

[Mattingly]

If Wang can beat Santana, I say the Yanks can win.

[MetsFan11368]

Yankees. After what they have been through this season, to find themselves in the position they are coming into the playoffs, hard to believe they won't go all the way.

[W_Marone]

Yankees. After what they have been through this season, to find themselves in the position they are coming into the playoffs, hard to believe they won't go all the way.

Which would be what? Losing two of their outfielders and then aquiring one via trade and having a great young guy in Cabrera prove himself in the outfield. The yanks went through nothing this season, only New Yorkers can find something to cry about when they are already in the Playoffs and are favored by most of hte baseball world to go to the series.

[MetsFan11368]

^

I was going to reply to this but...it ain't worth it. See ya.

[W_Marone]

I'm really curious to hear what the Yankees have been through this year that has made it so extremely difficult for them to make the playoffs. Perhaps its A-rod only having 117 RBI and only batting around .280 with some 30+ homeruns, or maybe its Jeter, the AL MVP, or maybe its getting Bobby Abreu, or maybe its having Giambi producing again. Hmmm...yeah, the Yanks had it real hard this year.

[The Tim Shaw]

Thats right it ain't worth it...just like the Yanks ain't worth jack! Now we all know Detriot is going to take it...don't you all read the Bible? Rev 4:23 it tells us in plain text how Detriot is taking the World Series...simpletons

[maximum jack]

I'm really curious to hear what the Yankees have been through this year that has made it so extremely difficult for them to make the playoffs. Perhaps its A-rod only having 117 RBI and only batting around .280 with some 30+ homeruns, or maybe its Jeter, the AL MVP, or maybe its getting Bobby Abreu, or maybe its having Giambi producing again. Hmmm...yeah, the Yanks had it real hard this year.

You forgot that stiff competition in the East-- oh wait, the Red Sox collapsed after the All-Star break.

[W_Marone]

yeah, metsfan, really I am curious, what did they have to overcome, perhaps its playing the Devil Rays and Orioles for a majority of the season?

[EvanAparra]

yeah, metsfan, really I am curious, what did they have to overcome, perhaps its playing the Devil Rays and Orioles for a majority of the season?

They played the orioles and d-rays 82 times?

[W_Marone]

I knew i was gonna get some flack for that comment, couldnt think of any word, so i just used majority. Theasuras please.

[hubkittel]

always go with the team with the best pitching. so i'm going to rank it this way:

1. twins
2. tigers
3. a's
4. yanks

i can't believe i just ranked the yankees last-but i'll get over it. besides, i'm sure you all read the news and know that arod's supposed to choke in october.

[The Tim Shaw]

Go Gomes...I don't know who you are, but your a man after my own heart!

[W_Marone]

OK so they only played the Orioles and Devil Rays about 40 times. Thats not the majority but about 1/4 of the time.

[W_Marone]

Go Gomes...I don't know who you are, but your a man after my own heart!

yes, I am indeed the man. And I have never met you in my life before Geezer the Pleezer, uhhh...I mean....Tim Shaw (hahaha he goes to Leon's to get a fresh cut)

The Tim Shaw is the next great Go Gomes on here....remember that fellows.:)

[AznInvasion]

Twins also have the best bullpen. If they can get a lead, I'm pretty confident they will shut it down.

[Seattle1]

More people should probably be picking the Tigers. Restore the roar!

:gt

[tigers527]

I pick the Tigers 4 words...Rotation, Rotation, Rotation, Bullpen. The one thing that could bite the Tigers in the booty is the lack of an overall #1 stud, but with all 4 starters with a sub .400 ERA...The Tigers should never be out of any game, and although the Tigers offense has at times been lacking, the return of Polanco has seemed, in the little time he has been back, to turn that around.

Also the Yankees, aside from the Johan factor in a short series if it is indeed the Yanks v Twins ALDS? I think the Tigers pitching overall matches up well against them Yanks. With all the Lefties the Tigers feature, (barring a Rogers Yankee stadium meltdown?) they have a decent chance of shutting down that "home field advantage", as the Yanks do not handle lefties nearly as well? And the larger LF in the house that Ruth built, helps them Leftie pitchers some as well. The Tigers stellar road record this year doesn't hurt either.

With the Umps strike zone historically shrinking come the time of playoffs (as if it could get any SMALLER??). The power pitchers seem to shine more then those finesse guys. 3 of the 4 Tigers starters are power pitchers, more then finesse. Roberterson, being the closest to a "tweener" and he throws in the low to mid nineties with a decent slider. Verlander and Bonderman (Bonderman the first Tiger since Jack Morris to have 200 Ks in a season) are straight up power guys. Not to mention some of the fellows in the Tigers pen, (which BTW I would put up against those above mentioned Twins pen any day) nevermind I will mention them....ZUMAYA is going to ZOOM BY YA! Rodney, pretty good when he is not in a walking mood. JONES, works well with the principle that 7 out of 10 times even the good MLBers make outs, and almost never walks batters....plus a few specialists...watch for Jamie Walker to make at least 1 leftie bat look like a little leaguer.

that said.....overall prediction Det v SD in a 1984 rerun...take the Tigers in 5

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

...with all 4 starters with a sub .400 ERA...

Wow... Sub .4 ERA? :laugh

I think that the lack of offense coming from Detroit will really show in the playoffs.

[hudsonharden]

I apologize for criticizing the infallible Boof Bonser

[tigers527]

Wow, what a well reasoned and throughly researched post.....

Wow... Sub .4 ERA? :laugh

Justin Verlander 3.63, Kenny Rogers 3.78, Nate Robertson 3.84, Jeremy Bonderman 3.99 With that, all that I am trying to say, is that no other staff can make the same claim, in fact it would surprise me if there many teams with 3 guys sub .4

I think that the lack of offense coming from Detroit will really show in the playoffs.

To be fair, and as we all know, MLB stats are the fairest of all the major sports excepting the boxing W-L record (discounting all the thrown matches :D ). The Tigers are as of today 9th in MLB in .AVG, 6th in MLB in HR, and 9th in mlb in R...not world beaters, to be sure, but in the top 3rd of the league. While many a team can hang up their hopes on a less then offense, (see ATL over the last 15 years, but 1) I don't think the offense will be the Tigers undoing...but rather the starters and bullpen guys do what they did in the regular season.

Barring stagefright, I think the Tigers will be ok.....but time will tell.

[Erik Bedard]

Off-the-wall pick here: The A's. Zito is great, Harden is pitching his best when it matters the most (plus, he's Canadian), and they have a good enough hitting team to beat the Tigers, and then it'll be tough to beat the Twins in the ALCS, but they'll probably pull through. Wouldn't bet on it, though.

yeah, metsfan, really I am curious, what did they have to overcome, perhaps its playing the Devil Rays and Orioles for a majority of the season?

IIRC, the so-called "proud" Yankees lost to two certain Canadian left-handers on said Orioles on multiple occasions. Of course, they also faced Rodrigo "18 losses" Lopez and Bruce "0 wins" Chen, and Russ "As many wins as Chen had" Ortiz.

[ZR56664]

I picked the A's. honestly they are the only team that has really gone unnoticed. im sure some people have noticed them but when you ask someone whos going all the way its been the Tigers or the Mets but I actually think they are the best team in baseball.

[mojorisin71]

Did you just decide to forget 2002?
The Yankees got demolished by the Angels in 2002. The Twins took out the A's that year.

[mojorisin71]

I'm picking the Twins too. As awesome as that Yankee lineup is, they just don't have the pitching to do it this year. I'm hoping they meet with Boston West in the WS.
Sorry, the Dodgers won't make the World Series.

[DodgerBlue81]

This is a new A's team though, very different from the teams of 2000-2003.

Yeah, yeah, yeah....I've heard that before. A's just can't be trusted in the playoffs.

[DodgerBlue81]

How on earth are the Twins making the World Series without Liriano??? Santana can't start every game. The Twins aren't making the World Series with starters like Boof Bonser, Baker, Silva, and Radke. The Yankees would murder those pitchers.

[W_Marone]

Off-the-wall pick here: The A's. Zito is great, Harden is pitching his best when it matters the most (plus, he's Canadian), and they have a good enough hitting team to beat the Tigers, and then it'll be tough to beat the Twins in the ALCS, but they'll probably pull through. Wouldn't bet on it, though.



IIRC, the so-called "proud" Yankees lost to two certain Canadian left-handers on said Orioles on multiple occasions. Of course, they also faced Rodrigo "18 losses" Lopez and Bruce "0 wins" Chen, and Russ "As many wins as Chen had" Ortiz.

Wouldnt call it off the wall being that three people, including myself, have picked them.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Tigersm you said 0.4. You meant 4.0. I was just pointing that out. Just a dumb way of pointing out a mistake.

About the rotation, I don't think Bonderman will be as good in the playoffs. Verlander might be, might not. I think Kenny will do well however.

[mojorisin71]

Yeah, yeah, yeah....I've heard that before. A's just can't be trusted in the playoffs.
Only Zito, Chavez, Duchscherer, and Ellis remain from those teams. This A's team is different.

[wu-tang clan]

How on earth are the Twins making the World Series without Liriano??? Santana can't start every game. The Twins aren't making the World Series with starters like Boof Bonser, Baker, Silva, and Radke. The Yankees would murder those pitchers.

seriously? have you actually seen bonser and radke pitch? after tonights start, radke is lookin in great shape for the playoffs. baker is 2-0 against the yankees this year, one of those games at yankee stadium. garza is a pretty good #4 starter. I'm not saying that the rotation is amazing, just saying that they are a very solid.

[tigers527]

Tigersm you said 0.4. You meant 4.0. I was just pointing that out. Just a dumb way of pointing out a mistake.

About the rotation, I don't think Bonderman will be as good in the playoffs. Verlander might be, might not. I think Kenny will do well however.

oops faux paux...I myself am sorry....I worry more about Rogers actually, I think Bondo missing an end of the season start will help him out, as he is the sort that just grinds through the season. After the season, he will likely say, he's been feeling bad for the last 2 months. Rogers being a finesse pitcher, I worry about, as the K zone shrinks, just ask Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine

[trosmok]

The Yankees have gone twice in the last five (and lost), so they aren't the lock to even make the WS they used to be. The Athletics are tough, but just can't seem to win in the post season like their talent says they should. The Twins are walking wounded, due in no small part to that gawdawful hovel of a dome they call home. By default and by destiny, it is going to be the Detroit Tigers representing the AL in the 2006 World Series. :atthepc

[overhandgas53]

I chose the Tigers. They're the only team excluding the Yankees that have a chance. If they keep winning like this. They could be in the World Series instead of the Yankees. I want to the Yankees play the Mets though. The Mets getting a little revenge from 2000. SWEET!

[gotrings?]

i got the yankees because i think they are the most complete team out of the rest. they can hit for average, power, timely hitting, veteran hitting,. their pitching isnt great but good enough to take them to ws.
tigers have great pitching one of the beast in the league.they have a good offense thats explosive that can open up a game but they mostly can only score on hrs, which means dat they live and die on homeruns.and also means that they arent balanced and that wont be good enough.
twins, best pitching of all al playoff teams with santanna as great as always, radke and other have looked good but the injury to loriano is big one.their offense is also good with mauer and Morneau, but that basically it and they are young too

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

they can hit for average, power, timely hitting, veteran hitting,.

I'm pretty sure that with over 200 million I could have all these, plus a solid pitching staff.

Sorry. I just hate how the Yankees are such spenders. Even I could put together a team that would win a division with that much $$$.

[riverfrontier]

There is a poor, red-headed foster child who lives in the neighborhood where I live. I'm a big believer in the saying 'There is an 'i' in 'community', so 'i' try and honor my social responsibilities. I regularly give him 'quality' time when he roams around unattended with stains on his shirt, mayonnaise on his cheek, you all know the scene. and I would encourage all of you to act in your communities as well. The other kids, however, tease and taunt him relentlessly, and it often takes the intervention of an adult to stop the violent confrontations. The clothes he wears are from the 'rack' we know all too well. Hopelessly outdated for even the slowest of fashion followers, yet not ready for 'vintage' status. A "Fashion felony!" as my cousin likes to say. Anyway, this kid. He smells like a Goodwill Thrift Shop. Stale cigarettes and old Parker Brothers board games. A hint of coconut hair products and discount air fresheners. Pleasing to me, but the other kids just smell desolation and fear. I see him foraging for wads of chewed gum under railings, and, once, watched from the car as he tried to trade his 1988 Topps baseball cards for food outside a 7-11. This was an entire set, people. I watched as he was humiliated by corn nuts in a backwards baseball cap, brushed off by Auto Racing Digest and a six-pack in a 'These Colors Don't Run' T-shirt, and paid no attention whatsoever by a Big Gulp in sweat pants. I wanted to help. I got out of the car and asked the whereabouts of his 'dad'. He broke down and told me that his father was an advance scout for the Yankees, and, with the late season budget cuts, dad had said "Bobby Abreu is Christmas enough! Now go to bed!". I agreed. I gave him the very Tiger cap off my head to collect spare change, rubbed his head, and then wiped the mustard off of my hands.

[jarakaki14]

i feel as if the twins are takin this one down. they have great pitching, and their offense isn't as bad as it is made out to be. their offense isn'[t the big explosive exciting offense everyone want to see thats all..

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Twins by far, the Yanks have the names but the Twins know the game!

[Hammerin Hank]

Starting pitching is the biggest factor in short series, right? If that's so then I'd say the Twins have the Yankees beat. I'll be pulling for the A's, though.

[EvanAparra]

The Twins have one really good starting pitcher.. The rest are average or below average, how do you figure they have the Yankees beat?

[Hammerin Hank]

The Twins have one really good starting pitcher.. The rest are average or below average, how do you figure they have the Yankees beat?

That's not what I said. There was an "if" in there.

[EvanAparra]

That's not what I said. There was an "if" in there.


Hahaha ok... Than IF the sky is blue, Carl Everett is a better hitter than Ted Williams.

[Hammerin Hank]

Hahaha ok... Than IF the sky is blue, Carl Everett is a better hitter than Ted Williams.

So you're saying that starting pitching has no factor in who wins the series. That's ludicrous.

[EvanAparra]

So you're saying that starting pitching has no factor in who wins the series. That's ludicrous.

Hm.... looking....looooooking..:lookitup ...Nope, i cant find one place where I even came anywhere near saying that. Not even close.

Of course it does. Its probably the main factor.

[Hammerin Hank]

Hm.... looking....looooooking..:lookitup ...Nope, i cant find one place where I even came anywhere near saying that. Not even close.

Of course it does. Its probably the main factor.

Then why use the analogy that the sky is blue has to do with hitting what starting pitching is to a series?

Now who's misinterpreting whom?

I think the argument was supposed to be, which team has the better starters, the Twins or the Yankees. Not whether or not the Twins will beat the Yankees. Next time, read slower, pause, and then reply.

[EvanAparra]

I spoke of the Twins beating the Yankees, because of starting pitching, just like you did. So next time, read and then try and type out something that has relevance.

[EvanAparra]

But anywhay, to get back to topic, I'll take the Twins to go to the Series. :) :)

[Hammerin Hank]

I spoke of the Twins beating the Yankees, because of starting pitching, just like you did. So next time, read and then try and type out something that has relevance.

And you made a post commenting about the post I made. You were inviting me to reply to yours. You even posed a question. I didn't take it as being rhetorical.

[insanefishpossay]

The Twins have one really good starting pitcher.. The rest are average or below average, how do you figure they have the Yankees beat?

I've heard this agrument a couple times before. There's one reason why I'm not extremely worried about the three question-marks following Santana. The Twins bullpen is one of the best (if not the best) in the majors.

Pat Neshek 37IP 23H 53K 2.19ERA
Denys Reyes 50IP 33H 49K 0.90ERA
Juan Rincon 73IP 76H 64K 2.95ERA
Jesse Crain 75IP 78H 58K 3.98ERA
Matt Guerrier 65IP 74H 35K 3.31ERA
Joe Nathan 67IP 37H 93K 1.60ERA

That's six very reliable relievers. As long as Boof/Silva/Radke/Baker can give the Twins five or six halfway-decent innings, I like our chances.

[W_Marone]

And you made a post commenting about the post I made. You were inviting me to reply to yours. You even posed a question. I didn't take it as being rhetorical.

Dude dont sweat this Evan dude, all he does is try to start conflict and then replys and gets you goin then tries to make him look like the good guy by saying "lets get back on topic" I dont really bother with him anymore, just a guy trying to start stuff whenever he can, dont sweat him.

Starting Pitching wins championships? Then why is no one talking about the A's, Zito, Loiza, Harden, Haren, not a bad four at all to throw out there to try to win a few ball games for ya.

[EvanAparra]

Except Hank and I are civil about disagreements. He didnt "get going" and neither did i. Poor kid. You're not going to bother with me anymore? :)

[EvanAparra]

I've heard this agrument a couple times before. There's one reason why I'm not extremely worried about the three question-marks following Santana. The Twins bullpen is one of the best (if not the best) in the majors.

Pat Neshek 37IP 23H 53K 2.19ERA
Denys Reyes 50IP 33H 49K 0.90ERA
Juan Rincon 73IP 76H 64K 2.95ERA
Jesse Crain 75IP 78H 58K 3.98ERA
Matt Guerrier 65IP 74H 35K 3.31ERA
Joe Nathan 67IP 37H 93K 1.60ERA

That's six very reliable relievers. As long as Boof/Silva/Radke/Baker can give the Twins five or six halfway-decent innings, I like our chances.

Well i will definately agree with you there, they have a great bullpen, and i would rather have Nathan on the hill in the 9th more than any other reliever in baseball.

[W_Marone]

Except Hank and I are civil about disagreements. He didnt "get going" and neither did i. Poor kid. You're not going to bother with me anymore? :)


Hey lets get back on topic here.....:) (seems to make everything better)

:) The yanks get thier staff together, they're the team to beat, if not, got a good feelin about those A's baby.



And Uhhhh....lets go PENN STATE!

[EvanAparra]

Thank you. :) ;) :) :) :)

[W_Marone]

What are you talking about dude?

[sennalvr]

Being a Tiger fan I would like to vote for Detroit. But after losing their last 5 games and handing the division title over to the Twins on the last day I can't begin to say how disappointed I am in Detroit. I'm sure they will go down in baseball history much like the 69 Cubs. Never mind Motor City....now it'll be CHOKE CITY! :o

First the Red Wings, then the Pistons, now the Tigers!!! At least we don't have to worry about the Lions!!! Hahahahahahaha!! :eek:

As far as I'm concerned, Minnesota is the only team that looks like they want it, let alone deserve it. Oakland; one minute they up, the next they're down. Yankees; they'll get past Detroit in 3 straight, but after that I think Minnesota just is more hungry than the Yankees.

My Prediction


American League
Anyway, Yankees and Twins in the ALCS; Minnesota goes to the WS.

National League
San Diego and LA are too tired fighting for the western division. So I'm picking the Mets and Cards for the NLCS with the Mets going to the WS.

World Series
I'm picking Minnesota to win it in 7. And I think this years WS will be much better than last season.

[Blackout]

despite being a yankees fan, i voted for the twins because of Johan giving them an automatic 2 wins in each series


then i read some of the responses in this thread and now am left with the conclusion that the yankees have to win the AL

people really think boof freakin bonser and brad radke are going to shut down the NY lineup if the two teams meet?

[hudsonharden]

despite being a yankees fan, i voted for the twins because of Johan giving them an automatic 2 wins in each series


Santana is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in the postseason

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

World Series
I'm picking Minnesota to win it in 7. And I think this years WS will be much better than last season.

I really hope so. Last season's WS was a snoozefest (maybe because it ended at one in the morning :grouchy).

[Blackout]

Santana is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in the postseason

doesnt matter, no way in hell is this years johan santana losing a game this post-season unless the twins offense completely tanks.

[Hammerin Hank]

Santana is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in the postseason

In that case, he's due for a few shutouts.

[insanefishpossay]

people really think boof freakin bonser and brad radke are going to shut down the NY lineup if the two teams meet?

Go back and re-read my post (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=693450&postcount=78).

Boof "freakin" Bonser and Brad Radke don't need to shut down the NY lineup. All they need to do is make a halfway-decent start, and then hand the ball over to the best pen in baseball.

[hudsonharden]

doesnt matter, no way in hell is this years johan santana losing a game this post-season unless the twins offense completely tanks.

Santana lost not because of the Twins offense tanking, but because he was outpitched by Barry Zito.

If the team I root for wasn't in the playoffs, I honestly would have picked the Twins too. They just came up short (very short) in the playoffs, have never lead in any of the 3 games of the ALDS.

Congrats to the Twins for a great year and a great run at the AL central title. Congrats to Brad Radke for a great career.

[Erik Bedard]

I'm about to throw at least two-thirds of my chips in the pot with the A's. They are the real deal.

[DodgerBlue81]

Yankees A's ALCS

[Knick9]

Boy, did we get this wrong? :noidea

And to think the A's had the minority of the votes...

[soberdennis]

Boy, did we get this wrong? :noidea

And to think the A's had the minority of the votes...
Well I guess it is back to the drawing board. I voted for my Yanks. But today the A's look pretty good. Big Hurt definitely deserves it.

[brewcrew82]

Boy, did we get this wrong? :noidea

And to think the A's had the minority of the votes...

I'm happy to say I voted Oakland. :cool:

[Erik Bedard]

I'm with you there. My opinion has never wavered since my original vote.

[maximum jack]

Congrats Oakland fans, and my sympathy to the Twins fans. I really thought the Twins were the team to beat, now you have to like Oakland's chances.

[hubkittel]

i had the twins going to the series (against the padres). :noidea it looks like i was not only wrong, i was So Very Wrong. this is just one more reason why i don't gamble.

[W_Marone]

Congrats to whoever picked the A's or Tigers, your choice is still alive (cough cough) That would be me.:) :cool:

[EdmondsFan#1]

Tigers. . .

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Wow, I voted for the Yanks and Twins and both were shamefully knocked out.