Playoff Breakdown, Part Four

Final installment of the Division Series, and I'll try to be as un-biased as possible.

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees

Catcher: Joe Mauer vs. Jorge Posada
Advantage: Twins. Jorge Posada is probably in the top 5 catchers in baseball. Joe Mauer is the best catcher in baseball. He will probably be the MVP, he is great at hitting, and great behind the plate as well.

First Base: Mike Cuddyer vs. Mark Teixeira
Advantage: Yankees. Cuddyer did a great job filling in after the MVP-likely Justin Morneau went down, but Mark Teixeira is another possibility for the MVP if not Mauer or Jeter. Tex was great from May until the end of the season, and has a history of success in the post season.

Second Base: Nick Punto vs. Robinson Cano
Advantage: Yankees. Cano is one of the best second baseman in baseball, and this year he had a monster season. He hit well all year, and improved greatly at defense. Punto doesn't bring much to the table, but is a great base stealer

Third Base: Brendan Harris/Matt Tolbert vs. Alex Rodriguez
Advantage: Yankees. Neither of the Twins options come close to comparing to what A-Rod is capible of. Despite missing over a month and playing hurt he hit .286, 30 homers, and 100 RBI. He was still a threat on the base paths as well, stealing more than both Twins combined.

Short Stop: Orlando Cabrera vs. Derek Jeter
Advantage: Yankees. Cabrera was a amazing trade for the Twins mid year. He hit a crucial homer yesterday to take down the Tigers. He has several times come through for post season teams. He is not Derek Jeter. Derek Jeter might finally win his MVP in this historic season. And Jeter is great in the post season as well

Left Field: Delmon Young vs. Johnny Damon
Advantage: Yankees. Young is a good young player, but has never turned into the player he was supposed to be. He struggled most of the season and didn't have all too impressive of numbers. Damon his HUGE, and had a great season at age 35. He responded very well to the number 2 slot in the order, and provided some nice pop behind Jeter

Center Field: Denard Span vs. Melky Cabrera/Brett Gardner
Advantage: Even. Span had a great season, and is dangerous on the base paths. The Yankee platoon worked out great, and both players played very well all year. Span is a better hitter than Gardner, but Melky's offense cancels that out

Right Field: Carlos Gomez vs. Nick Swisher
Advantage: Yankees. Even though he wasn't supposed to star, Swisher had a great first year for the Yankees. He ended with a .249 average, which for him isn't terrible as he hit 29 homers. Gomez struggled at the plate much of the year, but is dangerous on the base paths.

Designated Hitter: Jason Kubel vs. Hideki Matusi
Advantage: Twins. Matsui had a fantastic season even though he was playing hurt. He knocked out 28 homers and drove in 90, with a .274 average. However, he is limited to only DH. Kubel on the other hand can play the outfield, and put up better numbers very quietly. Matsui has a history for coming up big in the clutch, and Kubel lacks much post season experience. He did come up big last night though, very key as he is on a hot streak.

Starting Pitching
Advantage: Yankees. The Twins have some good starters, but when your ace is Nick Blackburn its not quite as reassuring as having CC Sabathia. Twins pitchers can however surprise and come up big as they did down the stretch, and Yankee starters can falter.

Bullpen
Advantage: Twins. In a close match up, the Twins have several good relievers while the Yankees can only rely 100% on Hughes and Acaves. Bullpen will be essential to the winner of the series.

Closer: Joe Nathan vs. Mariano Rivera
Advantage: Yankees (slightly) Yes, I do think Rivera is the best closer of all time. He was probably the best closer of this season and no one compares to him in the post season. But you cannot ignore Joe Nathan. Nathan is one of the best closers out there and has been for the past couple years. However, Nathan worked extensively last night, making him unavailable for tonight. That is why I gave Mo the edge, otherwise they're even. But missing Nathan tonight is key, the Yanks must capitalize on this.

Series Prediction: Yankees in 5.