A rookie vs. the reigning MVP.

That's a fitting way for the Oakland Athletics to start the postseason.

The A's will send Jarrod Parker (13-8) to the mound against Detroit ace Justin Verlander (17-8) in Game 1 of the division series Saturday night. The AL Central-champion Tigers are making their second straight playoff appearance, but Oakland emerged as one of the game's biggest surprises by winning the AL West.

Now the A's have to contend with Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera - the Detroit third baseman who might win the American League MVP after Verlander took the award last year.

The Tigers swept Oakland in the 2006 AL championship series. This is the first postseason appearance for the A's since then.