Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees

I was unsurprised when the Orioles defeated Texas. Texas has the best offense in the American League, their starting pitcher was better, and they had more experience than the Orioles. But the Orioles haven’t made any sense all season and that didn’t change against a superior Texas team. However, the Yankees are not the Rangers. Though their team is not as good as it has been in past years, they have an aura in the postseason that the Orioles, who haven’t been to the postseason since 1997, won’t be able to match.

Yankees in 4

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers

Everyone saw this season’s American League West as a battle between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers. Both are now out and only the Athletics, aided by outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, have a team capable of surprise. But they are facing the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera, who won the first Triple Crown since 1967, and Justin Verlander, who had another spectacular season. The Tigers’ offense and pitching should dominate the Athletics.

Tigers in 3

Cincinatti Reds vs. San Francisco Giants

The Giants ran away with the National League West this year, in part behind breakout seasons by Buster Posey and Melky Cabrera. But Cabrera’s suspension for using performance enhancing drugs was a huge setback for the Giants and their pitchers can’t compete with the hitting of Joey Votto and Ryan Ludwick in the middle of the Reds’ lineup. The Reds should win this series easily.

Reds in 4

   St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals

Washington is another team in this year’s postseason that surprised many experts, with their pitching finishing second in earned run average (ERA) this season. But the Cardinals just came off a strong win against the Atlanta Braves and their offense is certainly capable of shredding the Nationals’ pitching staff. The Nationals will regret shutting down Stephen Strasburg as the Cardinals go on to win this series.

Cardinals in 5

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