MLB Playoffs: Ranking the World Series Matchup Possibilities

Eight teams, eight destinies, and only two will reach the World Series. Will it be the Phillies and their much hyped pitching rotation going up against Detroit's Justin Verlander and company, or will they face one of their recent World Series opponents, the Yankees or Rays?

There are sixteen possible World Series matchups, but which ones are the most (and least) interesting for baseball fans? Here is a ranking of the best possible matchups, from the best to the worst.

1. New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies

A rematch of the 2009 World Series between this year's top teams in each league would be sure to draw well in terms of TV ratings. Cliff Lee signed with the Phillies instead of the Yankees, and don't think New York has forgotten about that. And Lee owns the Yankees in the postseason the past two years.

2. New York Yankees vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Albert Pujols. Derek Jeter. Two of America's most well-respected men in the sport squaring off for a World Series championship? What is there not to like about that? Oh, and the Lance Berkman resurrection for St. Louis would be a nice supporting storyline after not panning out with the Yankees as expected.

3. Texas Rangers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Back to Cliff Lee, who signed with the Phillies instead of staying with the Rangers this past offseason. The Phillies handled the Rangers in interleague play this season but the Rangers are still a quality threat to win it all.

4. Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Baseball's best team going up against baseball's most dominant pitcher this season, Justin Verlander. Verlander vs. Roy Halladay? Nobody would have a problem with that.

5. Texas Rangers vs. Milwaukee Brewers

You want offense, look no further. A matchup between the Brewers and Rangers could make a run to break some offensive records in World Series play because these teams both can pop the ball.

6. Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Call this one the Fielder Classic with the family connection between the two franchises. Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is the son of Detroit legend Cecil Fielder. Plus, getting to see Verlander against this offense could be fun to watch.

7. New York Yankees vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

These two franchises have come a long way since last meeting in October in the 2001 World Series, one of the finest ever played. The Yankees still have Jeter and Mariano Rivera, but other than that these two teams are drastically different. Can the Yankees get their revenge ten seasons later?

8. Tampa Bay Rays vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

This match-up may not be the sexy pick, but it would be the first time in baseball history that brothers squared off in the Fall Classic. Arizona's Justin Upton and Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton would certainly be the big story here. These franchises also entered Major League Baseball at the same time. Arizona has a World Series trophy, while Tampa Bay is looking for their first.

9. Detroit Tigers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

It is possible we could see a matchup of Cy Young winners going head-to-head with Verlander and Ian Kennedy making for a great pitching duel in this potential series.

10. New York Yankees vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Images of the 1981 mini-series between the old AL East rivals will resurface if the Brewers and Yankees can meet in the World Series. Since the Brewers moved to the National League, the two franchises have rarely played. The Yankees swept a three-game series this season in New York.

11. Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The Tigers and Cardinals have met in the World Series three times dating back to the 1934 series, so this match-up certainly does not lack in history. The Cardinals defeated the Tigers in five games in the 2006 World Series.

12. Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Call this the east-coast bias series. With a pair of western teams (NL and AL West division members), the television sets on the east coast will likely look for something else to watch. Should receive great ratings in the southwest though.

13. Texas Rangers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

If you want the matchup with the least familiarity between the teams, this is it. The two franchises have met just three times in their history, with the Cardinals holding a 2-1 advantage. Even the Diamondbacks and Tigers have met 27 times before. Safe to say there would be next to no familiarity level between the Cardinals and Rangers, who don't even meet in spring training (St. Louis in Grapefruit League, Arizona in Cactus League).

14. Tampa Bay Rays vs. Philadelphia Phillies

A 2008 World Series rematch? The last time it happened, the Rays were a young up-and-coming team. They have since matured but they have still been a Cinderella story. Could they score revenge against the Phillies? If the Rays reach the World Series, this would be the most intriguing matchup.

15. Tampa Bay Rays vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Talk about a clash of cultures. The land of baseball heaven and royalty against the town of cowbells and Ray-hawks with cheerleaders on the dugouts.

16. Tampa Bay Rays vs. Milwaukee Brewers

As far as marketability goes and television markets go, this may be the last possible scenario Major League Baseball will want to see. A pair of small markets, despite having some marketable players, will leave plenty to be desired as far as advertisers are concerned.

Kevin McGuire is a national college football writer for Examiner.com, and a lifelong baseball fan. Follow him on Twitter @krmcguire.