Predicting how the Yankees Playoffs May Play Out

The Yankees completed a four-game sweep of the Boston Redsox last night. That got me thinking....if the playoffs were played starting tonight....how would the Yankees fair?

First of all...here would be the playoff matchups.

1. NYY
vs.
3. DET

2. LAA
vs.
4. BOS

So...lets say the Yankees play the Tigers. Here's what the pitching matchups would be:

GAME 1: CC Sabathia vs. Justin Verlander

This matchup was played out earlier in the year at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees won that game 2-1. Still, Verlander and CC are both aces, but I'd call this even. I'm going to give the Yankees the win on this one.

GAME 2: A.J. Burnett vs. Edwin Jackson

This is another great matchup of aces. Jackson pitched against the Yankees twice this season, losing one and getting a no-decision in the other. Through the two games combined Jackson pitched 13 Innings giving up 9 Hits and 2 Runs. Burnett faced the Tigers once (I was there) pitching 6 innings giving up 3 runs on 6 hits in a No-decision. He was not all that great. I'm going to give Jackson the win in this one.

GAME 3: Jarrod Washburn vs. Andy Pettite

I'm giving Pettite the start in case the Yankees want Joba to get extra rest. Washburn has had a great year, but he is struggling of late. Pettite has had a rough year but is amazing of late. Still, I will give the win to Pettite due to his proven post-season track record.

Game 4: Rick Porcello vs. Joba Chamberlain

Both pitchers are young phenoms that will one day probably (hopefully) be game one starters. I'll give the Yankees and Joba the win, though.

*Based on records as of this day I have the Angels beating the Redsox*

Game 1: CC Sabathia vs. John Lackey

I'll give Lackey the win, beware Lackey, he is playing for a contract.

Game 2: A.J. Burnett vs. Jered Weaver

I'm a big Jered Weaver supporter, as I believe he is one of the best in the game. I think that Weaver loses this game, however, as A.J. Burnett pitches a solid game.

Game 3: Joe Saunders (healthy) vs. Andy Pettite

I don't care how much Joe Saunders struggles, or battles with injuries, I still think he is a great pitcher. I can see Pettite struggling against LA, with his career ERA vs. LA is 4.70.

Game 4: Ervin Santana vs. Joba Chamberlain (or possibly CC Sabathia)

Whichever one of CC or Joba pitches...will be firing. They won't let themselves lose this game.

Past that game the series repeats itself pitchers wise, which makes it too difficult to predict.

I will leave you with this stat, though: The Yankees 4 main starters (CC, A.J., Joba, Pettite) have a combined 4.50 ERA vs. the Redsox, Angels, and Tigers.