2013 Division Series: Staff Picks
By Sam Clancy
American League
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Rays v. Red Sox
Ray Kuhn
This will be the best series of this round. Tampa has already played two extra games to get here, but I don’t think that will affect them much. They seem to have the intangibles necessary to get it done in the postseason. Their starting pitching doesn’t hurt either. Boston will make this a tight series and I wouldn’t be shocked to see two games go into extra innings.
Rays in 5.
Andrew Padyk
Much in the same vein at Pirates-Cardinals, this is a series of divisional foes that know the intangibles of their foe well from the regular season. Intangibles aside, both teams are evenly matched, but Tampa Bay has a slight advantage in pitching, which could be key for them. This is going to be a close series, and is anyone’s to take, but you got to like Tampa Bay’s chances against Boston.
Rays in 5.
Stephen Forsha
The Rays were my preseason pick to win the World Series. Tampa Bay has a lot of momentum, and are used to playing on the road with two win-or-go home games already under their belt. The Red Sox haven’t played a meaningful game in a while. I’m going with my preseason pick.
Rays in 4.
Chris Schubert
Two teams that know each other well. The Rays have already played two warm up games and now are finally going to play in a series. Pitching has been the constant for the Rays all year. Their rotation will be good enough to win the games, coupled with the momentum they have going into this series.
Rays over Red Sox in 4.
Chris Lacey
Tampa Bay has the pitching to match Boston and they have plenty of momentum on their side.
Rays over Red Sox in 5.
Ryan Ritchey
Joe Maddon and the Rays are hot but it won’t be enough to beat the talented Red Sox. Red Sox are lacking in pitching but I believe there offense will make up for it. Rays pitching will be there, but the offense just isn’t strong enough.
Red Sox over Rays in 5.
Joe Wedra
This should be another great one. (Is there a playoff game that isn’t?) These teams are familiar and the Rays are hot—something that might propel them in games one and two. I think the Red Sox and their lineup prevail in the end, making for a fantastic game five.
Red Sox over Rays in 5.
Sam Clancy
The Rays always pitch well but the Red Sox have a lineup built for Fenway. The Sox have one of the top rotations in the playoffs, and with a veteran starter like Ryan Dempster coming out of the ‘pen to do his best Tim Lincecum impression they are set up well for a run to the World Series.
Sox in 4.
Tigers v. Atheltics
Ray Kuhn
Detroit has the starting pitching and the best two players in this series. I’m betting this is the year Justin Verlander finally puts together a good start in the postseason. I would love to see Oakland win the series, but I just don’t think they have enough firepower.
Tigers in 4.
Andrew Padyk
A rematch of last year’s ALDS series, could fare differently this time around as Oakland looks to be a more improved team than it was last season, but it probably won’t be the case, as Detroit just looks poised to take this series again. Although it won’t be the bat of Miguel Cabrera that puts the Tigers over, but really production from all areas of their lineup, and also quality starts from their starters, including Justin Verlander, who needs to step up.
Detroit in 5.
Stephen Forsha
This is the toss-up series where anything can happen. The Tigers won a weak division, but have been here before. The A’s won a more competitive AL West this season with the Rangers in the mix. I don’t want to bet against Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera … but I am.
A’s in 5.
Chris Schubert
The A’s didn’t win 90 + games by luck. Defense and pitching has gotten them this far. And when you get into the postseason, that’s what wins you championships. The question mark over Justin Verlander and the Tigers bullpen will be their downfall.
A’s over Tigers in 4.
Chris Lacey
The Athletics have the pitching to shut down the Tigers’ line up. The team also plays with a confidence in that they know they can win against any team.
A’s over Tigers in 5.
Ryan Ritchey
Detroit is in for a rude awakening when they show up at the Coliseum. The place will be rocking and the A’s will feed of it. The offense isn’t that great average wise, but the A’s will get on base a ton. A’s pitching will also shut down the Tigers offense.
A’s over Tigers in 4.
Joe Wedra
Why not take all of these games to five! Miguel Cabrera has something to prove now that Chris Davis is out, and he will. The problem is, Oakland is ready. They advance to the ALCS against Boston in a series that folks will remember for a long time!
Athletics over Detroit in 5.
Sam Clancy
The A’s hang their hat on starting pitching, but the Tigers have their rotation set up better than Oakland. The A’s will have opportunities to score off the Tigers’ bullpen, but they won’t be able to match the Tigers’ offense. The quality pitching will keep this one close, but the Tigers have the edge.
Tigers in 5.