The 2006 American League Division Series (ALDS), the opening round of the 2006 American League playoffs, began on Tuesday, October 3, and ended on Saturday, October 7, with the champions of the three AL divisions—along with a "wild card" team—participating in two best-of-five series. They were: * (1) New York Yankees (East Division champions, 97–65) vs. (4) Detroit Tigers (Wild Card, 95–67); Tigers win series, 3–1. * (2) Minnesota Twins (Central Division champions, 96–66) vs. (3) Oakland Athletics (West Division champions, 93–69); Athletics win series, 3–0.