WASHINGTON — So who will be in the World Series, Mr. President?

President Barack Obama is such a big Chicago White Sox fan that he's not making any predictions as long as his beloved home team has a mathematical shot at the playoffs.

But he's tipping his hand a bit with mentions of the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees.

He tells NBC's "Meet the Press" that the Cardinals are coming on strong. And he says slugging first baseman Albert Pujols is "unbelievable." Pujols leads the big leagues in home runs, is tied for first in runs batted in, and is second in batting average in the National League.

As for the American League, Obama says the Yankees are doing well. And he singles out New York shortstop Derek Jeter for breaking Lou Gehrig's team record for career hits. Obama calls Jeter "a classic."