Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
We all have heard the story or read the script. It generally follows the same pattern. The Major League Baseball underdogs begin the season as a team that once again is expected to fall short. The Oakland Athletics had an up and down season before rising to the task at season’s end and proving yet again that they are one of the most successful teams in baseball no matter what their payroll is. Every year however they still find themselves not favored in the postseason.
In defense of the odds makers, the Athletics haven’t given a ton of reasons over the past decade to really be supremely favored over a big money team but that should change this year. They will start things out against the incredibly struggling Detroit Tigers. The highlight of the Tigers final month of the season was getting swept by the Miami Marlins including getting no-hit in the final game of the season.
Meanwhile the Athletics have just been cruising along playing their game. Josh Donaldson might not be the greatest third baseman in this series but he was the best between he and Miguel Cabrera in September so why would that change during the playoff series? I believe the only hope the Tigers have of defeating this A’s team right now is three incredible pitching performances. Outside of pitching miracles, the A’s should be favored to move on to the ALCS fairly quickly. We’ll see how long it takes them to become underdogs after that; although I feel sure it won’t be long.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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