The two teams with the best records in Baseball this year will face off to determine who represents the American League in the World Series this year. It promises to be a great series between two outstanding ballclubs. Here are five questions that will go a long way in determining who wins this series.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. New York Yankees
Season Series - Tied 5-5
1. Which Team Made The Right Decision With Their Rotation And Will The Weather Affect Those Plans?
Yankees' manager Joe Girardi announced that the Yankees plan to use a 3 man rotation in this series (C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte). This will mean that Sabathia would pitch on 3 days rest in game 5 which is always a risky proposition. This would also mean that 5 of the 7 games in the series would be started by lefties for the Yankees and The Angels were 37-17 against lefties this year including 2-0 against both Sabathia and Pettitte. In the end, though, you have to like Sabathia on 3 days rest better than the alternative which is Chad Gaudin.
As for the Angels, manager Mike Scioscia made a curious decision going with Joe Saunders in Game 2 instead of Scott Kazmir. Saunders had a better year this season, but Kazmir has better stuff and great numbers against the Yankees in his career. One would think the Angels would rather have Kazmir start twice in the series instead of Saunders.
It looks like mother nature is going to play a factor in this series. Heavy rain is in the forecast for the New York area on Friday and Saturday. If there is a rainout, that would eliminate the off day and force the Yankees to use a fourth starter. This would be a big plus for the Angels.
2. How Much Will The Angels' Speed Exploit The Yankees' Defense?
The Angels have great speed, especially at the top of the order with guys like Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu, and Torii Hunter. Because the Yankees have the edge in power, the Angels must use their speed to be able to keep up as far as scoring runs. Posada is not a very good defensive catcher so the Angels will try to steal every chance they get. The Yankees' corner outfielders, Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher are also shaky defensively and neither has a great arm so the Angels will constantly put the pressure on them by being aggressive and taking the extra base.
Speed is an underrated part of the game and it is a big part of the Angels offensive attack. Their speed figures to give the Yankees fits in this series.
3. Which A-Rod Will Show Up?
A-Rod is coming off a great series against the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS. However, his overall track record in the post-season is not pretty. He played well against Minnesota in the 2004 ALDS and had a good start against the Boston Red Sox in that year's ALCS but fizzled late and has been terrible in the post-season ever since. So will he be able to carry any momentum from the ALDS into the ALCS?
Still don't trust A-Rod in a big spot. The Angels have a much better pitching staff than the Twins and the feeling here is that A-Rod will revert back to his M.O. of getting tight in big spots and succumbing to the pressure.
4. Who Will Have A Better Series Vs. His Former Team, Bobby Abreu Or Mark Teixeira?
Bobby Abreu had a great year with the Angels. He ranked 8th in the league in RBIs (103), 7th in SB (30), 3rd in BB (94) and 11th in OBP (.390). He also hit .314 against the Yankees this year with 8 RBIs in 10 games. Many considered him the best player on the team this year. Apart from his numbers, he has been praised for bringing great leadership to the Angels' ballclub.
Meanwhile, Mark Teixeira had a huge year for the Yankees and is a candidate for the Most Valuable Player award. He led the league in HRs (39) and RBIs (122) and finished 3rd in SLG (.565) and OPS (.948). However, he only hit .225 this year vs. the Angels with 0 home runs.
Teixeira has the edge in power but Abreu is more complete offensively because he can hurt you with his legs as well. He also has a little more motivation as he was not wanted back by the Yankees where as Teixeira chose to leave the Angels. Slight edge to Abreu here.
5. Can The Angels' Bullpen Hold Their Own Against The Yankees' Bullpen?
The Yankees have the best closer in Baseball in Mariano Rivera. The rest of the bullpen is solid. Phil Hughes had a great year as the set up man but was shaky in the ALDS. Phil Coke and Alfredo Aceves both had good years. Joba Chamberlain struggled down the stretch which is why he was moved to the bullpen, but that is where he has pitched his best Baseball in his career.
The Angels bullpen is better than people think. Darren Oliver, Jason Bulger, and Matt Palmer all had good years in middle relief. Brian Fuentes was a little shaky as the closer. He led the league in saves but he blew 7 and had an ERA of almost 4. He is, however, an experienced closer and did save 2 games in the ALDS.
The Angels bullpen is not as deep as the Yankees but if they can get length from their starters, they should be able to hold their own with the Yankees' bullpen and give their offense a chance to win.
Final Analysis:
The Angels are not intimidated by the Yankees. Their style of play has always given the Yankees trouble and they have had their number over the years. It will be a close series, but the Angels will find a way to win in the end once again.
Prediction: Angels in 6
