After the inspired victory by the Royals on day 1 of the postseason, knocking off Jon Lester and the A's in extras, and the Giants dominace of the Pirates, thanks to a lights out Madison Bumgarner, the stage is set for the Division series.
By way of my own personal bias, I will not breakdown the Giants vs. Nationals series because of the conflict of interest.
ALDS
DETROIT TIGERS vs. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
This is probably the most intriguing series of all, two heavyweight division winners with potent offenses and stellar pitching staffs going at it.
Starting Pitching: Detroit
Scherzer, Verlander, Price, Porcello, those 4 definitely have the battle tested resumes to give a real challenge to the Oriole Lineup. While no knock on tbe O's staff, I think the edge is with the Tigers.
Lineup: tie
While the O's may not have as big a names as Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler and company, Adam Jones is a superstar in his own right and the emergence of Nelson Cruz has really made this O's lineup tough to pitch to. With good contributions from under the radar players like Detroit's J.D. Martinez, and the O's Steve Pierce, both teams are stacked top to bottom.
Bullpen: Orioles
When you got guys like Zach Britton, who emerged out of the dark as the bonified closer, Tommy Hunter, a converted starter to flamethrowing reliever and Andrew Miller, makes each game turn into a 6 inning game.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS vs LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHIEM
Speed verses power, that is the story of this series, both teams bring a totally different way of going about the game, but both have gotten the job done to get to where they are.
Starting Pitching: Angels
Since Big Game James Shields pitched in the Wild Card game, that means the Angels only have to face him once, which is huge in a best of 5 series, Weaver, Wilson, Shoemaker, solid 1-2-3.
Lineup: Angels
Star power. Period. If your lineup has Mike Trout in it, chances are it is pretty good. Pair that with Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and the emergence of Kole Calhoun, it is tough to beat.
Bullpen: Royals
It is hard to put up better numbers than the Royals 3-headed Giant at the back end of their pen, Herrera, Davis and Holland all have sub 2 ERAs and throw absolute gas, pair that with the new lefty out of TCU Finnegan, the game gets shorter and shorter.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS vs LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Aces wild will be the story in this one, both teams with two of the best pitchers in the game, and solid teams all around will make for an interesting 5 game series.
Starting Pitching: Dodgers
Two words, Clayton Kershaw. Having to face the leagues best pitcher twice in the same series just smells danger for the Cards. Paired with Zach Grienke make for a deadly 1-2 punch.
Lineup: Dodgers
Gordon with unreal speed helps set the table for Puig, Kemp, Ramirez, Gonzalez, Crawford, makes for a stacked lineup that will make it hard on the Cards starters.
Bullpen: tie
Both teams have a lockdown closer and good pieces surrounding them, neither is really all that special, but both do not lack any talent.
Baseball is an unpredictable game, anything can happen, and anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Perfect example, both underdogs won tbe Wild Card games.
Game 1's to keep an eye on:
In Baltimore, Max Scherzer 18-5 vs Chris Tillman 13-6
In LA, Adam Wainwright 20-9 vs Clayton Kershaw 21-3
