By Peter Sblendorio
Sports Editor

First Round Playoff Picks:

The MLB playoffs kick off today with the Rangers taking on the Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida. Listed below are my first round postseason picks for the first round of the playoffs.

Yankees vs. Twins:

The Twins have overcome a great deal this season. Jon Rauch and Matt Capps filled the closer role beautifully after Minnesota lost closer Joe Nathan to start the year, and the offense managed to remain potent after losing 1B Justin Mourneau to a concussion injury mid season. That said, it is hard to pick against proven playoff performers such as Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and CC Sabathia.

Yankees in 4.

Rangers vs. Rays:

This is the toughest matchup to pick. The Rangers cruised to their first division in 11 years behind solid pitching and the bats of Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero, and their acquisition of Cliff Lee gives them a proven playoff ace. The Rangers have struggled on the road this year, however, and it will be difficult for them to beat David Price and the Rays twice in St. Pete.

Rays in 5.

Reds vs. Phillies:

The Reds have been a nice story all year, and Joey Votto has used an MVP type season to lead the Reds past the Cardinals and into the postseason. The Phillies however, likely will have the edge in starting pitching every night, with the trio of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels being the best in baseball throughout the second half of the year. The Phillies lineup also mirrors that of an American League team, as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Jason Werth are all capable of carrying a team during any given stretch.

Phillies in 3.

Braves vs. Giants:

Starting pitchers Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain of the Giants make up one of the most dynamic one-two punches in the game. Jonathan Sanchez, the team’s number three starter, is also a capable pitcher, so San Francisco will present an issue for the Atlanta lineup in every game. The Braves have a talented offense, but with their most tested playoff performer Chipper Jones being out for the year with an ACL injury, they will not be able to overcome the Giants rotation. It’s been a great career for manager Bobby Cox, but his team will not make it past the Giants.

Giants in 4.

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