The Angels waltzed into the postseason as the first team to clinch a playoff berth, and the earliest AL West clinchers ever. But their division is the weakest in baseball, with just one team over .500: the Angels. Is their record strong because of a weak division, or is it the other way around?

Boston’s 95 wins are just five fewer than the Angels, in baseball’s mean AL East. They’ve been tested the entire season, scrapping for a spot in the postseason thirteen days longer than the Angels. All that battling made them tougher, but it’s also taken its toll.

The ever-brittle J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell looked good, according to recent reports, but Francona hasn’t tipped his hand as to whether either will start. And if they do, will they last more than one game? Josh Beckett, who has looked shaky at many points this year, will start Game 3 after a bullpen session led to a tweaked oblique.

These injuries level the field considerably.

Los Angeles has several key pieces, including Mark Teixiera, rested and ready to go. Vlad Guererro’s not the .950+ OPS stud he used to be, but .303/.365/.521 is nothing to sneeze at, and Garrett Anderson, Torii Hunter and Chone Figgins will contribute significantly on offense and (in the latter two cases, anyway) defense, too. Their top three starters are 45-19, they’ve got the game’s best closer, and  Mike Scoscia, one of baseball’s finest minds, is at the helm. It’s no accident that they’ve won their division four times in the past five years.

Boston’s David Ortiz has battled wrist problems all season, leading to a subpar .264/.369/.507 year. Whoda thunk that Kevin Youkilis, the Greek God of Walks, would lead the team in homers and RBIs? That points to who has helped the Sawks succeed, especially since the Manny Drama: Youkilis and Pedroia.

While we all expected Youkilis to get a .390 OBP, the .569 SLG has been beyond anyone’s expectations. Dustin Pedroia, too, has dazzled with his .326/.376/.493, leading the AL in runs scored and finishing second in BA. And their top three starters are 46-19, a tad better than the Angels, with a closer who’s possibly a notch below K-Rod.

The starting pitcher matchups should break the tie with these teams.

Game One features Jon L. vs. John L—Lester against Lackey—and is probably the closest matchup, at least on paper. Lester finished the season strong, going 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in September and 9-3, with a 2.95 ERA after the All-Star Break. Lackey staggered into September, with a 1-2, 8.14 ERA line capped off by a 2.2 IP, 10 ER performance in his last appearance on the hill; this contributed to a 6-3, 4.99 ERA record after the break.

But Lackey’s 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA against Boston, while Lester’s sole performance against the Angels—a spot start for an ailing Dice-K—led to his 7.20 ERA line against them. Lester’s hotter and younger, while Lackey’s the post-season guy the Angels have relied on in big-game situations. Here, too, a bit of a toss-up, but I’ll give the edge to the wily vet, who should return for Game 4, if they need him there, to repeat his performance.

Game 2 pits Dice-K, who got stronger as the year progressed, against Ervin Santana, who has not faced Boston this season. Santana also slunk into September, going 2-2 with a 4.46 ERA; Dice-K went 2-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 5 starts this month. Dice-K has increased his walks and hits this year, but he manages to perform when it counts, which is why he leads the Red Sox in wins (with 18 against only 3 losses), and in ERA, with 2.90. Look for the experienced Dice-K to edge out Santana, who’s finally coming into his own after notching his first year with an ERA below 4.28 in the bigs.

Beckett against Joe Saunders in Game 3 shouldn’t even be a contest, but Beckett hasn’t been himself this year, and those oblique injuries can be scary, lingering, and unpredictable. Saunders, on the other hand, is 10-3 with a 2.55 ERA away from home, 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA in September, and 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA against Boston this year. Beckett went 3-5 with a 4.19 ERA after the All-Star Break, is 5-5 with a 5.65 ERA at home, and was 0-2 with a 7.43 ERA against Los Angeles. Amazingly, Saunders looks likely to win against a hobbled and subpar Beckett.

And this encapsulates the series for me. Boston just has too many question marks; healthy and strong, they’d be an excellent matchup against the Angels. But the bruising AL East took its toll on them, and Los Angeles just looks too strong, too ready, to advance past their first-round nemesis, Boston (who have bounced the Angels all four times they’ve met). It should be a good series, but I’d give this one to the Angels.

According to Newsday, the New York Yankees extended general manager Brian Cashman’s contract for three years.  The deal is expected to give Cashman a slight raise which should put him around $2-million per year.  According to the report, the Yankees are expected to make the announcement later today.

Cashman and co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner met on Monday afternoon at Yankee Stadium and the meeting helped move along the negotiations to where they should be officially finalized today.  Cashman’s tenure under the current contract was through October 31 so an official deal keeps the Yankees’ GM off the open market completely.

Per Major League Baseball’s press release…

Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians and Brad Lidge of the Philadelphia Phllies are the recipients of the 2008 Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award, it was announced today. The Comeback Player of the Year Award is officially sanctioned by Major League Baseball, and is presented annually to one player in each League who has re-emerged on the baseball field during the season.

After posting a 5-8 record and a 6.29 ERA in the 2007 season – in which he spent time at Triple-A and also pitched out of the Cleveland bullpen – Lee dominated from wire to wire in 2008, finishing the season with a 22-3 (.880) record and an American League-best 2.54 ERA. He tied for the Major League-lead (along with Arizona’s Brandon Webb) with 22 wins. Lee became Cleveland’s first 20-game winner since Gaylord Perry in 1974 and the first Indians hurler to be the A.L.’s wins leader since Perry held the top mark in 1972. The 30-year-old left-hander threw four complete games, including two shutouts, and struck out 170 batters in his 223.1 innings pitched, allowing just 214 hits and 34 walks.

Lidge, in his first year with the Phillies, re-established himself as one of the game’s premier closers as he helped Philadelphia claim its second consecutive N.L. East Division Title. The 31-year-old right-hander was perfect in save situations, converting each of his 41 opportunities, becoming just the fourth Phillies pitcher in team history to record 40 saves in a single season. Brad finished the season with a 2-0 record and a 1.87 ERA while earning his second National League All-Star selection. In 69.1 innings, Lidge recorded 92 strikeouts against 35 walks with 50 hits.

The former first round draft pick (17th overall in 1998) has converted a career-best 44 consecutive save opportunities dating back to last season, eclipsing his previous best of 24 straight in 2005. The streak ranks third-longest in the Majors since 1990 and is also the longest in Phillies history. Among National Leaguers, Brad finished the season ranked first in save percentage, second in saves, and third in strikeouts and games finished (61). In 2007, Lidge went 5-3 with a 3.36 ERA in 67.0 innings pitched for Houston, converting 19 of 27 save opportunities.

The Tampa Bay Rays finished with the majors best home record at 57-24 (.704)…the last team with more home wins in one season was the 1998 New York Yankees (62-19)…the Rays are just the 7th team since 1980 to play .700 ball at home.

Now get this…the Rays played in front of crowds of 30,000 or more on 23 occasions at Tropicana Field and were 21-2…their loss to the Twins on the final date of the home schedule snapped a streak of 21 straight wins in front of 30,000 or more! Now imagine if the fans came out to the ballpark. The Rays would be unstoppable!

With Thursday’s and Friday’s games sold out at Tropicana Field, there should be no stopping this team!

…Brewers Manager Dale Svuem announced that Yovanni Gallardo will start Game 1 for the Brew Crew against the Phillies. He had his first start since May 1st against the Pirates last week, he only went four innings - he’s been on the mend from a torn knee ligament.

“I don’t know how to explain it. I’m very excited, just ready to go,” Gallardo said Monday. “I’m just going to give my team the opportunity to win.”

The National League East Champion Philadelphia Phillies will counter with Cole Hamels.

…The Boston Red Sox received some good on a overcast day at Fenway. Both Mike Lowell and JD Drew took successful batting practice and could be ready to go when the Red Sox invade the Big A in Anaheim.

“J.D. did OK,” Francona said. “Today was optional and he felt good enough to be able to participate in [batting practice], which was really a good sign.”

Lowell has been bothered by a cranky hip, and even though batting practice went well they wont know more until he takes some grounders today in Anaheim.

…The Florida Marlins have released Sergio Mitre who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery. He missed all of this year, and isn’t expected to return until mid-season 2009.

…Tampa Bay Rays Manager Joe Maddon still hasn’t announced his rotation (or roster) for the first round of the playoffs and a lot of it hinges on Left Fielder Carl Crawford. If Crawford is ready to go, Maddon could go with only 10 pitchers and could leave Troy Percival off the roster.

…According to Susan Slusser of the San Fransisco Chronicle trade talks could resume for closer Huston Street with the team that claimed him off waivers. The team was a non-contender.

…Cleveland Indians catcher Kelly Shoppach had surgery on his right knee on Monday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Mark Schickendantz. The team and Doctor expect Kelly to be ready to go for spring training. Shoppach was one of the few bright spots for the Indians and took over regular catching duties when Victor Martinez went down with an elbow injury and was sidelined for two months.

…San Fransisco Giants General Manager Brian Sabean put shortstop Omar Vizquel on notice, saying that the 41 year-old short stop would not be offered a contract in 2009. Chris Haft of MLB.com asked the GM if there was a scenario where Vizquel would be resigned with the Giants.

“I see zero with Omar. We pretty much talked about that in person yesterday.”

There are a number of changes set to be announced this week at Baseball Digest Daily. But before we get to those, let’s take a look at some major league clubs that took the initiative and jumped right into the off-season.

- The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the club has relieved pitching coach Jeff Andrews and first base coach Lou Frazier of their duties. The announcement was made by Neal Huntington, Pirates Senior Vice President and General Manager. No surprise here. Expect more shuffling to take place in the steel city in upcoming months.

- Courtesy of Jamey Newberg,  the Texas Rangers have announced a number of changes to the coaching staff. Bench coach Art Howe and third base coach Matt Walbeck will not be offered contracts to return, and bullpen coach Jim Colborn is returning to his original scouting role as Director of Pacific Rim Operations.

Pitching coach Andy Hawkins will be interviewed for a position on the 2009 staff, presumably for both the pitching coach and bullpen coach roles, and if he isn’t offered either position, the Rangers will offer him the opportunity to reclaim the role of AAA pitching coach.

- The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired LHP Fabio Castro to complete the trade of OF Matt Stairs to the Philadelphia Phillies. Cstro, 23, appeared in 10 games with the Phillies in 2008, posting a 0-0 record with a 6.00 ERA in 12.0 innings. The left-hander spent most of the season with Reading (AA) of the Eastern League, Castro going 8-2 with a 4.40 ERA in 27 games (16 starts). The Montecristy, Dominican Republic native has appeared in 30 games in the major leagues (Texas-2006, Philadelphia-2006-07) recording a 0-1 record with a 3.30 ERA. He has held opponents to a .181 avg. (27-149) with 32 strikeouts in 43.2 innings.

- The Cardinals announced on Monday that they have agreed to a new four-year contract with right-hander Kyle Lohse, who would have been eligible for free agency after the World Series ends. Lohse is signed through the 2012 season. In his first season in St. Louis, Lohse went 15-6 with a 3.78 ERA, 119 strikeouts and 49 walks. He pitched exactly 200 innings.

- The San Diego Padres announced  that manager Bud Black, bullpen coach Darrel Akerfelds, pitching coach Darren Balsley, third base coach Glenn Hoffman and first base coach Rick Renteria will all return for the 2009 season.  The club also announced the contract of bench coach Craig Colbert would not be renewed for the 2009 campaign. 

Stay tuned for more BDD updates and playoff previews!

In case you missed it, this week’s edition of Baseball Digest Daily Live highlighted the teams fighting to play in October. Join host Eric SanInocencio as he’s joined by a panel of some of the best beat writers in all of the game.
 
Four guests highlight an extended 90 minute version of the podcast, with content ranging from coast to coast. Listen as reporters Buster Olney (ESPN), Mark Gonzalez (Chicago Tribune), Mike DiGiovanna (LA Times) and Adam Rubin (NY Daily News) discuss nearly all of the teams sure to compete for a World Series championship.
 
With plenty of heart wrenching action left to be played, BDD Live will also recap the game winners and clutch hits that have seen several squads rekindle hopes of playoff glory.
 
You can download and listen to the show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily. Or, to download this and all other podcast archives via iTunes, just do the following:
1) Open iTunes.
2) Click on the Advanced menu at the top.
3) Then click on Subscribe to Podcast.
4) Enter this URL http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily/feed and click ok.

…According to a report on SI.com home runs dropped to their lowest level since 1993. An average of 2.01 home runs per game were hit this year down from 2.04 last year. The average hadn’t dropped that low when in 1993 the average was 1.78. LA Angels outfielder Torii Hunter might know why the home run averages are down.

“I think the steroid testing has something to do with it,” he said. “If there were any guys who were taking it, they’re not taking it anymore. I’d say it’s a small percentage, but of course it’s going to have an impact.”

Other players also chime in siting bigger ball parks among other things.

…TBS has decided that the big series in the first round of the playoffs is the Boston Red Sox/LA Angels series and will be sending Chip Caray and Buck Martinez to cover the series. On Wednesday for the Brewers/Phillies series viewers will be treated Milwaukee local announcer Brian Anderson, Braves analyst Joe Simpson and making his first post season appearance (in the broadcast booth) Braves ace John Smoltz.

…Just prior to Sundays final game, the Washington Nationals fired five members of it’s coaching staff - leaving only Manager Manny Acta and Pitching Coach Randy St. Claire (who survived because they liked the way he worked with the pitchers). They even let their strength and conditioning coach know that his services will not be needed in 2009.

…Speaking of firings, the Pittsburgh Pirates have fired first year pitching coach Jeff Andrews and first base coach Lou Frazier (also his first year). Frazier was also the Pirates outfield coach.

…Braves southpaw Mike Hampton, who may have thrown his final pitches for the Braves Sunday in a loss to the Houston Astros, said he wouldn’t mind returning to Houston for the 2009 season.

“I’ve always loved this place,” Hampton said after the Astros beat the Braves, 3-1. “Definitely. I’m sure there will be interest on both sides. We’ll see if we can work something out. I’ve always loved it here.”

…Atlanta Braves Third Baseman Chipper Jones became the oldest switch hitter to win a batting title, Bill Mueller was 32 when he claimed the American League Batting Title in 2003 and also the last switch hitter to do so. Terry Pendleton (now the Braves hitting coach) was the last National League switch hitter to win the title and that was back in 1991. Jones said he didn’t think much about the batting title.

“I think it takes going through it,” he said. “I put a lot of pressure on myself last year, trying to scrape out a hit every single at-bat. This year, I was a lot more relaxed. I really didn’t care about it, or I mean, I took that approach and it seemed to work out.”

…Toronto Blue Jays team president Paul Godfrey will leave the team once his contract expires at the end of the year, according to ESPN.com.

“Now that the 2008 regular baseball season has come to an end, I believe it is appropriate to announce this decision in order to give ownership enough time to do a search to find a replacement in time for the start of 2009,” Godfrey said Monday.

Godfrey oversaw the purchase of the “Sky Dome” now called Rogers Centre and helped bring the World Baseball Classic to Toronto. The WBC will hold first round games at the Rogers Centre next March.

Originally, Boston’s Josh Beckett was slated to start Game One of their best-of-five American League Division Series with the Los Angeles Angels.  However, after suffering an injury to his side during a bullpen session, Red Sox ace Beckett’s postseason start was moved from Wednesday’s opener to Sunday, the third game of the series.

Beckett injured his side on the 40th pitch of his regular side session on Friday and to give him extra rest to recover, manager Terry Francona moved Jon Lester up to pitch the first game with Daisuke Matsuzaka to pitch the second game of the series on Friday.

The New York Mets went into the last day of the season tied for a spot in the postseason for the second year in a row.  For the second year in a row, the Mets lost to the Marlins and their competition — this year, the Milwaukee Brewers — won thus eliminating the Mets from a postseason appearance.  In the American League, both the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox salvaged the last game of their series and the Twins remain a half game ahead of the White Sox with a final regular season game for the White Sox — a make-up game with the Detroit Tigers — remaining. 

Tomorrow, the White Sox send Gavin Floyd (16-8, 3.91 ERA) to the mound at home against the Tigers and Freddy Garcia (1-1, 4.50 ERA).  If the White Sox win, they will play the Twins at Chicago in a tiebreaker on Tuesday.

Here is how the Game 1 schedules look:

Wednesday, October 1

Milwaukee Brewers (Pitcher TBD) at Philadelphia Phillies (Cole Hamels), Time TBD
Los Angeles Dodgers (Derek Lowe) at Chicago Cubs (Ryan Dempster), Time TBD
Boston Red Sox (Josh Beckett) at Los Angeles Angels (John Lackey), Time TBD

Thursday, October 2

AL Central Winner (Chicago White Sox/Minnesota Twins) at Tampa Bay Rays (Pitcher TBD), Time TBD