We probably ought to refrain from offering much in the way of predictions as the Tigers and Orioles meet in the American League Division Series, which begins on Thursday at Camden Yards.

The Tigers and Orioles will have their respective aces on the mound when Game 1 of the American League Division Series starts Thursday at Camden Yards.

In a matter of two years, Chris Tillman has gone from a forgotten piece on the Orioles’ postseason roster to the obvious choice for Game 1 starter of the American League Division Series vs. Detroit.

Anibal Sanchez spent part of his Tuesday night viewing the Royals and Athletics battle in the American League Wild Card Game, watching the Royals’ ability to put pressure on opponents with their speed.

Adam Jones is a Major League Baseball player spokesperson for R.B.I. Baseball 14, the classic video game that was relaunched this season by MLB Advanced Media. It turns out that a good triumph in R.B.I. Baseball also can lead to a pie in the face, as Jones demonstrated during a visit to the MLB.com studios this past week in New York.

After a thrilling victory in Tuesday night’s American League Wild Card game, Kansas City heads west to meet the top-seeded Angels in the AL Division Series — the first playoff meeting between the two. Game 1 is slated for Thursday night at 9:07 p.m. ET. Here’s a breakdown of the matchup, position by position.

With aces on the mound and two strong bullpens, the AL Wild Card Game has all the makings of a low-scoring affair — one favorable matchup might be enough to swing the outcome. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the numbers that could make an impact, including some good signs for Nori Aoki and Josh Reddick.

New Astros manager A.J. Hinch might not be a name many of the players he’ll inherit next year know much about, but relief pitcher Chad Qualls knows the new skipper well, having played for Hinch during his managerial stint with the D-backs.

Baseball’s most interesting front office made another gutsy, fascinating hire on Monday by naming A.J. Hinch the Astros new manager. Not the first for Houston, probably not the last. Onward. Here’s to years of success and a long, happy marriage.

Pedro Martinez was honored along with Hakeem Olajuwon, Warren Sapp, Bill Cowher and other luminaries at the dinner, which draws sports legends and celebrities galore in support of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti and his son, Marc, who sustained a spinal cord injury three decades ago during a college football game.

At a news conference at Minute Maid Park this evening, the Astros named A.J. Hinch their next manager.

Following 28 long years without the thrill every team covets every year, Kansas City will host its first postseason game since 1985, an October journey that ended with the only World Series title in 59 years of Major League Baseball there. The Royals will host the A’s at 8:07 p.m. ET tonight on TBS, featuring a marquee mound matchup between right-hander James Shields (14-8, 3.21 ERA) and A’s left-hander Jon Lester (16-11, 2.46 ERA).

Two of baseball’s top offenses will collide when the Orioles take on the Tigers in the American League Division Series. It all starts at Camden Yards with Game 1 scheduled for Thursday on TBS.

Alex Gordon is the embodiment of the Royals’ toughness. In addition to being an excellent player, he’s the spiritual leader of a team that has finally reached postseason status. “I try to go about my business in the most professional way and I think guys notice that,” he said.

At Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma, Wash., Jon Lester was a three-time MVP — including in his freshman season — and a three-time All-Area selection. For good measure, he was Gatorade’s Player of the Year for Washington in 2000.

Twins owner Jim Pohlad and club president Dave St. Peter were unable to attend Monday’s news conference announcing Ron Gardenhire’s dismissal as the manager, but they reiterated it was a tough decision to move on from Gardenhire.

A crowd of 5,000 filed into Kauffman Stadium on Monday to watch the Royals work out and take batting practice in the “Take the Crown Rally” event. It was an unusual scene for a fan base that will experience postseason baseball for the first time in nearly three decades on Tuesday night when the Royals face the A’s in the American League Wild Card Game.