ALCS Matchups

The American League Championship Series kicks off tonight with the New York Yankees visiting the Texas Rangers. Here a quick look at the positional comparisons.

First Base: Mark Teixeira v. Mitch Moreland/Jorge Cantu
While Tex suffered a bit offensively in 2010, it did not have an adverse effect on his glove. The Rangers have been searching all season for that one guy that can play the position every day. Rangers manager Ron Washington has inserted Mitch Moreland in for now.
Advantage: Yankees. Tex is still the best glove at the position.


 Second Base: Robinson Cano v. Ian Kinsler
What a matchup this is between the two best young second basemen in the game. Cano will receive some AL MVP consideration and no one is smoother at turning a double play. Kinsler has battled injuries this season, but the bat is back.
Advantage: Yankees. Only because Cano has done it all year long.

Shortstop: Derek Jeter v. Elvis Andrus
Jeter is Mr. Yankee for a reason. Andrus proved the stage wasn't too bright for him as he hit .333 in the ALDS against a good Rays staff.
Advantage: Yankees. C'mon. It's Jeter.



Third Base: Alex Rodriguez v. Michael Young
Quiety, ARod had a great 2010 season of yet another year with 30+ HR and 100+ RBI, but not many really took notice. Young just plays ball, but he did struggle against Tampa Bay in his first postseason series. Now that it's out of the way, things could get better.
Advantage: Yankees. ARod should also get a bit of MVP looks.

Left Field: Brett Gardner v. Nelson Cruz
These two couldn't be anymore different. Gardner has speed as can create havoc on the bases while Cruz can bust out a three-run homer at any time.
Adavantage: Yankees. Gardner has far better range in the field.

Center Field: Curtis Granderson v. Josh Hamilton
After missing time, Granderson came back and showed why the Yankees traded for him before this season. And he's now beginning to hit lefties, too. Hamilton is as complete as they come and could be the AL MVP.
Advantage: Rangers

Right Field: Nick Swisher v. Jeff Francoeur
Swisher had his best overall offensive season since breaking into the majors, but sometimes the defensive lets his team down. Never by lack of effort mind you. Francoeur started twice in the ALCS and could be a key in the Yankees running game. He possesses a powerful arm from the right field position.
Advantage: Push

Key point: Also, the Rangers can insert Julio Barbon or David Murphy into left and Cruz would be moved to right. Washington could play pitching matchup with these guys on his roster. The Yankees really don't have that flexability. But when Washington puts either Murphy or Borbon in, he loses in the power game.

Catcher: Jorge Posada v. Bengie Molina
Depends what you want more, offense or defense. Posada is excellent with the bat in certain situations. Molina can put the cuffs on the Yankees desire to run, but do not underestimate his bat. He can pop one out as David Price saw in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Advantage: Rangers. I've always liked the defensive one in this instance.

Designated Hitter: Lance Berkman v. Vladmir Guerrero
Berkman was a trade deadline addition that can spell Teixeira at first if the situation warrants. Vlas was reborn in a Rangers uniform and could be the series MVP.
Advantage: Rangers

Starting Pitchers:
Joe Girardi will have CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, Andy Pettitte and A.J. Burnett. Washington will go with C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Cliff Lee and Tommy Hunter. This sets up a couple of interesting things. Obviously, no Cliff Lee in Game 1 making no CC and Lee showdown. Also, if the series goes seven games, Lee could likely get the ball in that game. Not really thrilled with all the jockeying by Texas here, but the Yankees haven't had a solid #2 all season. But it is the playoffs.
Advantage: Rangers. Only because Lee.

Closer: Mariano Rivera v. Neftali Feliz
I know this section really doesn't need to be analyzed, but Texas is a team that has stuck a blown save and loss on Rivera this season. The Yankees have returned the favor againt Feliz, the possible AL Rookie of the Yeart, as well.
Advantage: Yankees. It's Mo for cryin' out loud.

I can't imagine this series going less than six games. The season series was split at 4-4. The ALCS should be a bit more compelling than the NLCS in that there could be offensive fireworks.

It's hard not to go with the Yankees considering their obvious positional advantages. Still, this could be the year where it is ripe for a team not from the AL East to advance to the World Series.

Yep, I'm calling it...Rangers in 6.