In case you somehow missed it, Devin already previewed the National League and made his picks, you can check it out HERE. Way back at the beginning of April, I previewed the 2009 season for the American League, and much to my surprise, I actually picked all 3 division winners correctly. I did miss out on the wild card however, as I expected the Rays to make a return to the postseason, and in fact, the World Series. That clearly didn't work out, but I'll take 3 out of 4 and be happy. Enough patting myself on the back, let's take a look at the series matchups, which get under way this evening.

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees

It took the Twins 163 games and a few extra innings, but they made it to the postseason just the same. No team was hotter down the stretch than Minnesota, winning 17 of their last 21 games and erasing a very large Detroit Tigers lead on the AL Central. Along the way, the Twins had winning streaks of 6, 5, and 5, proving that they are capable of playing big time baseball when it counts. The issue now is that they've hurt themselves badly in the pitching department just trying to get to the playoffs, coupled with the fact that they have to face a Yankee team they went 0-7 against this season.

With Scott Baker pitching last night and Carl Pavano on just 3 day's rest Sunday, tonight's game 1 start falls to Brian Duensing (5-2). Duensing had a respectable 3.64 ERA on the season, but he's never pitched in a game this big. He's facing the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in October and the nerves will be in full gear. Not to mention this C.C. Sabathia (19-8) guy is starting for the Yankees. Last I checked, he's good... even if he does look like he's wearing pajamas on the mound. It's going to be a rough start for Minnesota, who is likely drained from the emotion of last night's game, going up against a fresh and rested Yankees club.

The Yankees finished up the regular season with the best record in baseball and as the only team to win over 100 games this year. They also scored 915 runs in the process, also easily best in the Majors. Offense is the key for the Yankees, but it tends to be dominant pitching that gets the job done in the postseason. Sabathia is certainly dominant, but after that, the starting rotation gets questionable. A.J. Burnett (13-9) has a tendency to be erratic from time to time and could be a concern deeper in the playoffs, but he pitched well against Minnesota earlier this year. Andy Pettite (14-8) has been there, done that when it comes to playoff baseball, but is he still the big game pitcher he was once known to be? I don't think so, but I also don't believe he has to be at this point.

The Yankees probably have the best bullpen in the playoffs this year. Phil Hughes has transitioned well into his role as the setup man for closer Mariano Rivera, who is simply the best to ever fill that role. If the game is in New York's favor in the last few innings, I like their odds of holding on for a win. That's exactly how I expect this series to go too. With favorable pitching matchups, and much more offensive power on the Yankees side, I see them jumping out to early leads and then managing to hold on late. I see the Yankees dominating game 1 tonight and winning a tight battle in game 2. Minnesota may steal one once they get back to the Metrodome, but I don't think they have enough left in the tank to keep up with a dominant Yankees squad.

New York in 4 games

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

It's been 6 months since I did the A.L. preview, and it still feels ridiculous to type that out, so for the sake of brevity and sanity, we'll go with LAAoA from here on out. Boston has beaten the Angels in this round twice in a row coming into this season, and looks to continue that trend from the wild card spot this year. The Red Sox finished up a respectable 95-67, but were still 8 games back of the Yankees for the AL East crown. It was still good enough to send them to the playoffs for the 6th time in 7 years however, and we've seen what they can do as the wild card team in the past.

The Red Sox lost the season series between themselves and the Angels, sporting a 4-5 record, but Boston tends to find another gear once October hits. Jon Lester (15-8) gets the nod in Game 1 and brings his 3.41 ERA to the West Coast. Lester didn't face the Angels at all this season, so it's difficult to know what to expect. The Angels have John Lackey (11-8) to counter, who did face Boston earlier this year and got a loss, despite throwing a solid game, allowing just 2 earned runs in 7.2 innings.

Hitting may be the issue in this series however, as both teams can put runs on the board. The Angels and Red Sox were 2nd and 3rd respectively in runs scored, trailing just the Yankees in the regular season. For the Red Sox, Jason Bay lead the way with 36 HRs and 119 RBIs on the year, while Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Dustin Pedroia also had solid years, hovering right around .300 batting averages. It's hard to forget about David Ortiz as well. Despite a dreadful start to the year, he still finished up with 28 HRs and 99 RBIs, not to mention he's quite known for performing in the clutch.

The Angels got a career year out of 1st baseman Kendry Morales, who put up 34 HRs and 108 RBIs in his first season of full time duty. Juan River, Bobby Abreu, Erick Aybar, Torii Hunter, and Chone Figgins all had very solid years as well for a well-rounded Angels lineup. Figgins and Abreu combined for 72 stolen bases, so the team can run as well.

The Angels were 97-65 and coasted to another AL West division win, finishing 10 games ahead of the Rangers. It was the 3rd straight division title for the LAAoA, and the 5th in 6 years. The Angels starting rotation is solid and has depth, which could pay off should they advance, but in the first round, it's more about having the one or two dominant guys. The game 2 matchups will have the Angels throwing Jared Weaver (16-8) against Boston's Josh Beckett (17-6), while game 3 is set to be Scott Kazmir (10-9) for LA, up against Clay Bucholz (7-4) for Boston.

If Lackey can steal game one for the Angels, I like their odds in this series. Beckett figures to take game 2 in my opinion, but then the Angels have the upper hand I think. Either way, I thoroughly expect this to be a tight series from top to bottom. Boston has the more powerful lineup, hitting 212 home runs to the Angels 173, but I think LA has a more well rounded group of hitters, with a .285 average trumping Boston's .270. My guess is that whoever wins game 1 will take the series, and I have a feeling it's going to be the Angels.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 5 games

As Devin mentioned, we have some ridiculous need to compete whenever possible, so I'm going to go ahead and pick the NL series as well and we shall see who comes out on top.

Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies in 4

I think Philly's pitching will hold out against Colorado and definitely give the lineup edge to them as well

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Cardinals in 4

I simply don't trust the Dodgers pitching, and they showed why down the stretch. Oh yeah, and St. Louis has that Pujols guy... he's a solid ball player in my estimation.