Dayn Perry Breaks Down The Division Series

Dayn Perry of Yahoo! Sports takes a look at all the division series around baseball today. Here's what he had to say about the the Yankees, and how they matchup against the Tigers and Twins:

Tigers vs. Yankees

Rotation edge: Yankees
Bullpen edge: Yankees
Hitting edge: Yankees
Defense edge: Tigers
Coaching edge: Tigers

If the Yankees are canny opportunists, then they'll opt to start their half of the AL bracket on Wednesday, thereby giving the Tigers no rest and ensuring that Justin Verlander won't be able to start Game 1. The key may be whether the rotation behind Verlander can tame the Yankee lineup. The Tigers have had an enviable one-two punch for most of the season, but is that the case right now? Edwin Jackson, a dominator in the first half, has a 5.07 ERA since the break. It's actually rookie Rick Porcello (3.19 ERA since August 1) who's been Verlander's worthy sidecar of late. However, because Porcello will be forced to go against the Twins in Tuesday's play-in game, he won't be able to start against the Yanks on full rest until we get to the "if necessary" portion of the ALDS schedule (i.e., Game 4). As well, Detroit doesn't have an adequate fourth starter. Also worth noting is that the Tigers this season are a paltry 35-46 away from Comerica Park.

The way the Detroit rotation shakes plus a fearsome Yankee lineup and devastating late-inning relievers (Philip Hughes has a 1.41 bullpen ERA this season) yield a likely New York triumph. And for those worried about the Yanks' ability to play postseason "small ball," know this: they've swiped 110 bags, and they lead the majors in stolen-base percentage. They're more than just a power attack.

Prediction: Yankees in four.

Twins vs. Yankees

Rotation edge: Yankees
Bullpen edge: Yankees
Hitting edge: Yankees
Defense edge: Yankees
Coaching edge: Twins

The Twins are 0-7 against the Yankees this season. There's some consolation in knowing that all but one of those games were close, but still: 0-7. When the best offense in baseball encounters one of the worst rotations in the American League, runs happen.

... While a best-of-five series invites randomness, the Twins are the demonstrably inferior team. And that's after you account for the suspect Yankee rotation behind CC Sabathia. Consider: The Twins' pitching staff has given up more home runs than every team in the AL, save for the Orioles and Rays, and the Yankees have seven lineup regulars with 20 or more bombs (and that's not counting Derek Jeter and his 18). It's a classic case of fatal flaw meets driving strength. No Justin Morneau and no starting pitching mean little hope for Minnesota.

Sure, the Twins have the indisputable AL MVP (Mauer), a great manager (Ron Gardenhire) and an elite closer (Joe Nathan), but it won't be enough to counter a devastating lineup, a certifiable ace and the greatest closer in baseball history. This series figures to have plenty of David vs. Goliath appeal, but the smart money is against the small guy with the slingshot.

Prediction: Yankees in three.

I have to say I like Perry's take on the Yanks situation. The only thing I'll say is that in a five-game series anything can happen, so while I think the Yankees can beat both teams, I don't think either will end in a sweep. What about you? To check out the rest of his predictions, click here.