ALCS Preview – New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers

2012 ALCS TV Schedule

Team Overview

What stands out to us the most, when comparing these two teams is how the Tigers can have a better batting average than the Yankees, not much, but still better – and still be outscored by nearly 80 runs on the season.  The main reason is the sheer amount of home runs that the Yankees hit – they aren’t called the Bronx Bombers for nothing. These same Yankees, however, were stymied by the pitching of the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS, yet still managed to advance to the 2012 ALCS.  The Tigers, on the other hand, looked dominant early on in their ALDS matchup vs. the A’s but dropped a couple of close games before winning the deciding game 5 behind a stellar performance by Justin Verlander.

Both the Yankees and the Tigers used their respective aces in advancing to the ALCS, which means that other pitchers will have to step up early in the series until Verlander and Sabathia have had enough rest to pitch again. Up and down the pitching rotation, the Tigers hold a slight advantage, posting a better ERA than the Yankees despite allowing a higher opponent’s batting average. If the Tigers pitchers can survive this potent Yankees lineup during the first two games in New York and at least come away with a split, then it should be smooth sailing for the Tigers.  If the Yankees can win both of the 2012 ALCS opening games in NY, all of the pressure will be on the Tigers to sweep three in a row in Detroit.

So far, the American League’s half of the playoffs have been about pitching and the occasional timely hit, which tends to favor the Detroit Tigers style of play.  Not saying that the Yankees won’t have their breakout games, but so far, runs have been at a premium which puts a lot of pressure on both pitching staffs. We expect some tight, low scoring games and the Tigers to take it in 6 games.