The Playoffs: Tigers vs. Twins; What I'd Like to See ... Yankees vs. Dodgers

Although the season is over for the Orioles, the 2009 Playoffs are heating up, but before that starts, there will be a battle this afternoon to settle the American League Central as the Detroit Tigers take the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome. Now, I assumed that the Tigers all had the division wrapped up in early September; however, they started to tank, and a Twins hot streak -- made even more impressive with Justin Morneau's absence due to injury -- in the past few weeks have them primed for a postseason trip.

All things considered, Ron Gardenhire -- Minnesota manager -- should earn the Manager of the Year Award for his leadership and getting the most out his team (I'm not trying to disrespect Mike Scoiscia -- especially after what he has had to endure with the Angels).

It's too bad that the 2009 playoff rendition -- aside from perhaps the Rockies, and barring a Minnesota win today -- is one for the 'haves' in baseball; however, there are several compelling storylines (Angels/Red Sox -- again, seeing the powerful Cardinals with the batting duo of Pujols/Holliday and the arms of Wainwright/Carpenter, Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers, and of course the Evil Empire) to keep everyone entertained.

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