Ahhh, yes. It's officially the most wonderful time of the year: A time when a crispness serenades us wherever we step; a time when we are surrounded by its cool, brisk voice; a time when all of these seasonal wonders combine with football and baseball to produce the most soothing amalgamation known to man.
Obviously I'm talking about FOX Sports' lead commentator Joe Buck. What did you think I was describing, autumn?
Buck, entering his 11th season behind the mic, made his much anticipated yet unexpected return to the booth Tuesday night in the Bronx for Game 1 of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees. His appearance was surprising only because over the last few years, Buck has opted out of calling the first round of the postseason with football taking up most of his time, and much to the chagrin of his fans, has previously handed the torch to a cheap imitation like the unbearable Thom Brennaman or the squirmy Josh Lewin. Thank you, Joe Buck, for taking one for the team this time around, and sacrificing your own schedule to bring us that bold, Mr. Baseball, velvet-mixed-with-peanut-butter-esque voice that has everyone touching their throats, while simultaneously imitating your famous call, "Swing and a miss." But now, without further ado, I give you this year's first-round prognoses.
New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers
The Yankees have perhaps the most potent lineup Major League Baseball has ever seen. You all know the names, but just to re-emphasize its strength, second baseman Robinson "third in the AL in batting average (.342)" Cano is batting ninth. And New York's pitching, as unpredictable as it is, will be good enough to hold the impatient, free-swinging Tigers in check, who, besides catcher Pudge Rodriguez and manager Jimmy Leyland, have limited to no playoff experience. Detroit also entered the postseason on a five-game losing skid, and I'm pretty sure that country music legend Kenny Rogers won't be able to extinguish the fire once it is set ablaze. Too bad Billy Chapel doesn't exist, for in his last start he threw a perfect game at Yankee Stadium to beat the Bombers 1-0.
Yankees in five.
Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland Athletics
You couldn't watch ESPN for more than five minutes this September without listening to the predictions of how well Minnesota would fare come playoff time. They are now on the verge of severely disproving that assertion. Cy Young favorite Johan Santana was supposed to win, but didn't. The Twins were supposed to take two at home, but didn't. They didn't even take one. The team with the best record in the game since June 8 suddenly finds itself being beaten by not only a better club, but one that they themselves didn't even see coming. They have also now lost seven straight playoff games at the Metrodome. Hats off to the A's though, for one team's failure is another's success, and Oakland's effective pitching combined with Frank Thomas's power and clutch have nearly clinched a trip to the second round. Torii Hunter (sigh), you're in for a long off-season. Red Sox anyone?
A's in four.
New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Decimated by injuries to their pitching staff, the only hope the Mets have now is an abject one. They are in some serious trouble without starters Pedro Martinez and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez. Or are they? Let's remember that Pedro was sidelined for much of the year with an ailing calf and shoulder, and in games that he started, the Mets actually held only an 11-12 record, and Hernandez, as far as we know, could very well be 87 years of age. They still have veterans Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel, as well as resilient rookie hurler John Maine to compliment what is still the scariest lineup in the National League. The Dodgers, on the other hand, sport arguably the best pitching staff this year behind 16-game-winner Derek Lowe, Brad Penny, and recently acquired four-time Cy Young award winner Greg Maddux. However, with an offense lacking a true slugger, 2000 NL MVP Jeff Kent and Nomar Garciaparra will truly need to step up for L.A. to advance. It's a simple match-up here: Mediocre pitching/great offense vs. great pitching/mediocre offense. And even though pitching will win you titles, offense will be the key here in the first round.
Mets in five.
San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals
The Padres captured the NL West again for the second straight year behind good pitching and timely hitting, doing it virtually behind everyone's back. They are the forgotten team this postseason, but with veterans Mike Piazza, Brian Giles, Mike Cameron, and speedy Dave Roberts combining with flamethrowers Jake Peavy, Chris Young, and closer and Cy Young candidate Trevor Hoffman, they could surprise. The Cardinals, battled and bruised, limped there way into the playoffs after almost choking and blowing their enormous division lead to the Astros, but were impressive in Game 1 behind ace Chris Carpenter. Going back to St. Louis, home to some of the greatest fans in the game, can only play to this underdog club's advantage, eventually earning them a spot in the NLCS. Oh yeah, they also have that Pujols guy.
Cardinals in four.