SI's John Donovan on Oakland Athletics in the Playoff

Fifth time's the charm?
"Does Harden make the difference? Can a deep rotation with a true stopper, and one of the best bullpens in baseball, help the A's turn the postseason corner? Can that solid defense, maybe the best in Oakland history? Or that underrated lineup?"

Do the A's have it?
Donovan's pick: MIN in 5

Small-market, moneyball-minded A's has a tough series vs. the Twins starting on the road today. It'd be some kind of a positive statement if OAK hitters could score some runs off Johan Santana. They'd build some momentum for the rest of the series, even if they don't win against the Twins ace in today's 1st game. A's have an above-average bullpen, and as long as they don't tax the staff early in the series, those guys who don't stretch until the 5th inning or later will be a value to them if the series does go deep.