David v Goliath - Tigers vs Yankees

The other American League Division Series pits the surprising Detroit Tigers and the Evil Empire beginning Tuesday night in New York. A quick look at that series...

Detroit (95-67) vs. New York (97-65)
In the season's 2nd half, the Yankees finished just behind the Twins and Athletics with 47 wins. The Tigers, on the other hand, struggled to a record below .500 after the break. New York's strength is in a lineup that features 8 former or current all-stars. This latest best-lineup-money-can-buy led the league in runs scored while also finishing in the top 5 in batting average, on base percentage, homeruns, walks, and stolen bases. The Yankee weakness lies in their pitching staff which finished with an ERA of 4.41 and is at less than full strength with recent injuries to Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina and Mariano Rivera.

The Tigers finished the season with the top ERA in the majors, more than a half run better than the Yankees. However, starters Jeremy Bonderman, Justin Verlander and Nate Robertson all struggled in the 2nd half after helping the Tigers to their fast start, finishing the 2nd half with ERAs over a run higher than they had before the all-star break. At the plate, the Tigers finished the season in the top 10 in batting average, homeruns, and runs, but also ranked in the bottom 10 in strikeouts and stolen bases.

Prediction: The Yankees potent lineup and pitching experience are too much for the sentimental favorite Tigers, who are a couple years removed from a 119 loss season. New York in 3