MLB Playoffs 2011: Detroit Tigers Are American League's Only World Series Hope

Ever since the designated hitter became a position in 1973, the American League has been the league that hits well, and the National League has been the league that pitches.

But here's the trick for the American League—every AL team in that stretch that's won a World Series did so with a strong pitching staff. Sure, they could smash the ball, but they could also prevent their opponents from smashing the ball.

If you take a look at the Detroit Tigers, you will see a team that has a rotation capable of winning the World Series.

First off, you have Justin Verlander, the obvious AL Cy Young Award winner and possible AL MVP. But beyond him, the trio of Doug Foster, Max Scherzer, and Rick Porcello can pick up any additional wins they need.

On paper, they still don't match up well with the Phillies' vaunted rotation, but the chances are they could steal a game or two.

But with the exception of Detroit, the American League won't have the pitching to be competitive in a World Series against the Phillies, or even the other National League teams in the postseason.

The AL bats tend to get much more silent in the playoffs. The talent is much more concentrated. In the regular season, the pitching is spread out. There are plenty of bad pitchers in the playoffs, but they don't tend to pitch in crucial spots.

The Yankees have C.C. Sabathia but not much beyond him. The Rangers are red hot, but they wouldn't have been a World Series team in 2010 if it wasn't for Cliff Lee. Once they were in the World Series, their pitching clearly didn't bother the Giants.

Tampa Bay represents an interesting team. Their starters aren't bad, but I am wondering how much they could possibly have left in the tank. Will they ride their red hot September into October or will they be too gassed to do anything? I can see it going either way.

With home field advantage in the World Series, I really like the National League's chances this year.

Especially if it's Philadelphia, the pitching is just too strong.

The National League hasn't won consecutive World Series titles since 1981 and 1982. That's a long run, but I see it ending this year.