From Charley Walters (Pioneer Press):
The Yankees, who likely would be the Minnesota Twins’ first-round playoff opponent in New York if the Twins can win the Central Division, haven’t discounted Minnesota yet. The Yankees had three scouts at the Metrodome covering the Twins during their three-game series against Detroit.
The Yankees had three more scouts at the Dome, though, writing reports on the first-place Tigers.
Meanwhile, the Twins have two scouts each following the Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels for the final two weeks of the season.
Who would you rather face in the postseason, the Twins or the Tigers?
I think the Twins’ pitching staff could surprise you, however, they don’t have any Verlanderesque types in their rotation. Their offense has also been hurt by a season-ending injury to Justin Morneau (they still have Mauer and Cuddyer, though). The Tigers have never been a great club, either, with holes in their rotation and offense. The Yankees should be able to beat either team in the playoffs, but, if I had to choose, I think I’d rather take on the Twins. If Verlander is on, he can easily win game one without the help of his offense.
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4 Responses to Twins or Tigers?
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TIQ IQ
Although I agree that the Twins are a (slightly) easier team to beat, I think I’d rather see the Tigers. The Tigers are falling apart right now, and if they can barely hang on (particularly if they win the division not because of what they do right, but because the Twins don’t win enough), they’ll probably be an easier team to beat.
Momentum!!
Good point. The Twins actually have a pretty decent lineup with Kubel, Cuddyer, Mauer and Span. The Tigers have Miguel Cabrera and that’s it, really. Granderson has struggled, Inge has struggled, Guillen is playing hurt and Magglio has had an awful year (although he has rebounded since the AS break). I think it’s a matter of starting pitching and, for that reason, I think I’d rather see Minnesota. Give the Yankees Baker (who is a good pitcher, but not dominant), Blackburn and Pavano and I think they destroy them.
Has anyone forgotten that we have owned the Twins this year and pretty much every year they have been in existence, not to mention at this point Carl Pavano is going into the playoffs as their 2nd or 3rd pitcher and we will pick him apart. Twins still have no chance to make the playoffs, no way the Tigers can really blow that division but I would much rather face Blackburn and Pavano than Verlander and anyone.
You gotta admit, beating the $40 million man to advance would be sweet.