SHE SAID: Twins or Rangers?

Even though the Yankees have yet to win the division (maybe because someone is still letting Javy pitch), they are headed to the playoffs. And so the question remains: would you rather face the Twins or the Rangers? I feel like this is asking me to pick between marrying Derek Jeter and winning the lottery….actually, never mind, clearly I would pick Derek. But you get the point; both teams are going to be tough to beat. That being said….I guess I’ll take my chances with the Twins.

History: The Yankees have a better record against the Twins (4-2) than the Rangers (4-4) and have had an easier time winning on the road against Twins than they have in Texas. After all, the Yankees lost all 4 games they played against the Rangers in Texas and won 2 out of 3 at Target Field. The Yankees have also beaten the Twins more recently in the post season and swept them in last season’s ALDS. I know, I know – the 2010 Twins are not the same as the 2009 Twins, but it seems the Yankees have historically had a psychological edge over the Twins in the post season.

Pitching: I am still trying to forget that it seemed like the right move to pass on Lee until the offseason – I mean, it seemed reasonable to assume that Burnett would not fall apart and Andy wouldn’t get injured. Since the Yankees didn’t sign Cliff Lee, they may have to face him in the postseason. If the Yankees face the Rangers and the series goes 5 games that means facing Lee twice, something which terrifies me. The Yankees faced Lee 3 times this season, and lost 2 of those games. And we all remember who pitched the 2 games the Yankees lost in last year’s World Series….The Rangers will then turn to C.J. Wilson, another lefty. And no one needs to be reminded that the Yankees now have a 9 game losing streak against lefties. I’m not trying to underestimate the Twins rotation, even if it is hard for me to take Carl Pavano seriously – but the Twins first 3 starters all have zero career wins against the Yankees.

Yes, the Yankees would have home field advantage if they played Texas and I would like to win the division, but at this point, I don’t think home field advantage would be better than potentially facing Cliff Lee twice. Twins or Rangers – we should all just focus on what’s really important: winning the ALDS no matter who we face.