The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox clinched the first berths into the 2013 MLB playoffs on Thursday afternoon, and it should only be another few days before the other four teams listed here join them.
But who are these shoe-ins for the postseason hoping to draw as an opponent in October?
Based on the strengths and weaknesses of each team and its potential counterparts, we’ve nominated one team in the thick of a playoff race that each projected division winner would possibly sweep right out of the playoffs.
For whom would Detroit’s potent offensive attack spell a complete disaster?
Is there anyone that the Cardinals are likely to beat?
Most intriguing of all: Is it possible that the Red Sox will be rooting for the Yankees for the next 10 days?
Nah, that would never happen.
*Unless otherwise cited, all statistics are courtesy of ESPN.com and Fangraphs.com and are accurate through the start of play on Thursday, September 19.