The dirty little secret of first place: The winner likely gets Justin Verlander twice in a five game series

If the playoffs began today, the Yankees would celebrate their AL East pennant with champagne, home field advantage and a chance to face baseball's hottest pitcher -- the one most likely to replace Cliff Lee as their October nemesis: Justin Verlander.

In a five-game set against Detroit, they would likely see him twice. Twice. Not much margin for error. Here are the standings.

Last night, Verlander won his 18th game. In fact, John Sterling even made a note about rescinding his usual blather that you can't predict baseball: He said the Tigers had a lead with Verlander on the mound, so the game was over. Verlander went into the eighth, gave up one run and struck out eight.

Let's face it: The playoffs are always a crapshot -- especially the first round. Also, we have a relatively decent pitcher ourselves, one other teams might reasonably fear. But if you were picking your opponent based on one dominant pitcher, Texas would be the team you wanted. And right now, the Wild Card will get Texas. The winner will get Verlander.

Just a thought.

BECAUSE HEY, WE'RE IN FIRST!