ESPN provided a comforting statistic for A’s supporters the other night.

Since division play began in 1969 there have been 90 teams that have entered September with leads of 4 ½ games or more. Of those teams only the ’69 Cubs, the ’78 Red Sox, and the ’95 Angels failed to make it to the post season.

Assuming the A’s don’t turn into pumpkins in September their most likely opponent will come from the AL Central. Who would be their most favorable first round opponent?

Click below for More!I say Minnesota.

The Twins have one starting pitcher healthy right now. Lefty Johan Santana is unbeatable at home. If the Twins win the wild card then the A’s will have the home field advantage. If the series goes five games, Santana would have to make both his starts in Oakland.

Starting pitcher Brad Radke’s shoulder is in such bad shape that he may be through for the season. The remaining starters Carlos Silva, Boof Bonser, and Matt Garza don’t scare anyone.

The Twins led by Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau can hit. Minnesota has a dynamite bullpen anchored by Dennys Reyes, Juan Rincon, and Joe Nathan.

Unless lefty sensation Francisco Liriano comes back at full strength from his elbow miseries this month, the Twins are a huge question mark to win any playoff series.

There aren’t many Tiger players with playoff experience. Hitters such as Craig Monroe, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, and Brandon Inge must adjust quickly to the bright October lights.

Second baseman Placido Palanco hits the A’s harder than any other Detroit batter. Palanco, currently out with a separated shoulder, should be back before the end of the season, but won’t be at full strength in the playoffs.

The Tigers best batters hit from the right side. The A’s will throw three right handed starters at Detroit. The A’s ‘pen is strong from the right side too. Advantage A’s.

The Tiger bats have gone cold the past three weeks. Pudge Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez, Detroit’s two top hitters, haven’t hit with any authority since the break.

Young starting pitchers Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander faded in August. The A’s have hit lefty Nate Robertson hard. Kenny Rogers will have to beat the A’s twice for the Tigers to win the series.

If the A’s can get the lead early in the game and keep the Tiger’s outstanding set up man Joel Zumaya off the field, they can beat Detroit.

Esteban Loaiza will be a key player for the A’s during the post season especially in the division series.

Since A’s starting pitchers Zito, Dan Haren, and Joe Blanton don’t pitch on three days rest, Loaiza would pitch game four of the ALDS. If there is a game four it presents the following scenario: either the team is up 2-1 or down 2-1 heading into that game. Loaiza will be asked to send the A’s into the ALCS with a win or in the worst case extend the series to a fifth and deciding game.

The world champion White Sox will be tough to beat.

The Sox hit with the best in the game. Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko are prime time players. Chicago’s second tier hitters can hurt you in key situations.

The Chicago bull pen is vulnerable. Closer Bobby Jenks is a sure thing, but getting the ball to Jenks has been Ozzie Guillen’s problem all year.

Starting pitchers Jon Garland and Mark Buehrle are pitching well. Jose Contreras, Freddy Garcia, and Javier Vazquez are six inning pitchers at best.

It’s never simple knocking out the defending world champs.

If I’m Oakland, give me Minnesota, Detroit, and Chicago in that order.

My top four teams in baseball this week: Yankees, Rivera needed an MRI this week on his elbow, ouch. Mets: strong pen’ might save them; White Sox: Dye carrying the offense; A’s: you can’t ignore 21-6 in August.