New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins: AL Playoff Preview

The Minnesota Twins will not have any rest going into Yankee Stadium before they have to play the Yankees because the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-5 in 12 innings in the AL Central Division Tiebreaker. Let us now take a look at the second baseball game of the baseball tripleheader today.

Catcher: Yankees' Manager Joe GirardiJoe Girardi pulled a shocker and decided to start Jose Molina (.217, 1 HR, 11 RBI) over Jose Posada (.285, 22 HR, 81 RBI) strictly for defensive purposes. Posada has had trouble with catching specific pitchers in the past. However, it does not matter which catcher starts in comparison to Twins' Joe MauerJoe Mauer (.365, 28 HR, 96 RBI), the best catcher in the Major Leagues. Advantage: Minnesota

1B: Yankees Mark Teixera has had another stellar season (.292, 39 HR, 122 RBI). Michael CuddyerMichael Cuddyer (.276, 32 HR, 94 RBI) has filled in admirably for injured starter Justin MorneauJustin Morneau. Advantage: Even, only because Teixera playoff stats are abysmal.

2B: This matchup is one of the most lopsided matchups for any of the playoff games. Yanks' Robinson Cano (.320, 25 HR, 85 RBI) has had another stellar season, while the Twins' Nick Punto (.228, 1 HR, 38 RBI) is only starting because of his excellent defense. Fortunately for Yankee fans, Cano has a good glove and an excellent bat. Advantage: Yankees

SS: Yanks' Derek JeterDerek Jeter (.334, 18 HR, 66 RBI) is one of the greatest shortsops and clutch hitters of all time. Orlando CabreraOrlando Cabrera (.284, 9 HR, 77 RBI) has been a catalyst for the past month in triggering the Twins' comeback. Advantage: Yankees

3B: New York's Alex RodriguezAlex Rodriguez (.286, 30 HR, 100 RBI) is still performing well after he had admitted that he was on the "boley" or whatever steroid he was attempting to announce. Well, he better find something that cures him from choking in the playoffs every season. Matt Tolbert (.232, 2 HR, 19 RBI) is just there because Joe CredeJoe Crede is out for the year for the Twins. Advantage: New York

LF: Yankees Johnny DamonJohnny Damon (.282, 24 HR, 82 RBI) has been great all year. Twins Delmon Young (.308, 12 HR, 60 RBI) has actually been a good teammate this year. Advantage: New York

CF: Yankees Melky CabreraMelky Cabrera (.274, 13 HR, 68 RBI) has filled in nicely since the injury to Xavier NadyXavier Nady. Denard Span (.311, 8 HR, 68 RBI) must create havoc on the bases if the Twins have any chance of winning a game. Advantage: Even

RF: Nick Swisher (.292, 29 HR, 82 RBI) has had a nice bounceback year. Jason Kubel (.300, 28 HR, 103) has to play right field now for the Twins due to all of their injury issues. Advantage: Even

DH: Hideki Matsui (.274, 28 HR, 90 RBI) is the man. Twins Jose Morales (.311, 0 HR, 7 RBI) is a man that Minnesota just called up from the minors last month. Advantage: New York

Starting Pitching: This is so lopsided. New York will start CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.37 ERA), AJ Burnett (13-9, 4.04 ERA), and Andy Pettite (14-8, 4.16 ERA). Minnesota's ace, Scott Baker (15-9, 4.37 ERA) had to start today, so he would not be able to start until Game 4. Advantage: New York

Relief Pitching: Two of the best closers in the majors will be in this series with New York's Mariano Rivera (3-3, 1.76 ERA, 44 saves) and Minnesota's Joe Nathan (2-2, 2.10 ERA, 47 saves).

I would be very surprised if Minnesota even wins a game.