matt weighs in

Sports prognosticators like to use the phrase, “On paper, [insert superior team here] is so much better than [insert inferior team here].” Usually, it’s a big market team named as the superior team and a team from Minnesota, Milwaukee, Memphis, etc. who receives the inferior label. Such is the case in the American League Divisional Series that begins tonight between the MN Twins and NY Yankees.

The Twins earned their way into the playoffs, whether they deserved it or not. They beat a badly slumping Detroit Tigers team in their epic play-in game Tuesday night. Orlando Cabrera, Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have been on fire at the plate and the Twins’ relievers have been really good since September 1st. The team looked dead in the standings a month ago, but that was before they improbably reeled off 17 wins in 21 games to come all the way back and defeat the Tigers. Sure they needed some final Metrodome Magic, but I’ll make no apologies, as the Tigers faltered late and didn’t earn the playoff spot.

Which brings us to the series against the Yankees. I heard the lineup they’re running out there tonight, and I don’t know a more packed lineup in baseball. Jeter, Damon, Texeira, Rodriguez, Matsui, Posada, and Cabrera (who would bat 3-6 in most lineups). After Alex Rodriguez returned to their lineup, when many thought the team was underachieving, they really took off, passing the Rays and Red Sox over the summer, and never looked back. They will be hard to beat this post-season. Their pitching isn’t deep after Sabathia, so if the Twins can somehow steal one in New York, it’s their only chance to upset the mighty Bronx Bombers.

I don’t see the Twins winning three games against the Yankees. New York will win the first playoff series in the new Yankee Stadium in four games. Perhaps Minnesota and the fans in the Metrodome can provide one final miracle before saying goodbye to the 2009 season. Win Twins!