With about 30 games left to play, each division is technically up for grabs. Here's a look at how I see things shaking out, with the NL races (hopefully) coming tomorrow.
AL EAST
Current Standings: Boston leads New York by 7.5 games
The Red Sox are best described like a long ball off of David Ortiz's bat: deep. They've got a deep rotation, a deep bullpen, and a deep lineup. The Yankees, meanwhile, are more like a house of cards. Their lineup looks great on paper, but it's been inconsistent at times season. And due to injuries and inexperience, New York's rotation has been downright shaky.
Boston Schedule New York Schedule
Prediction: Boston wins by 10 games.
AL CENTRAL
Current Standings: Cleveland leads Detroit by 2.5 and Minnesota by 5.5
This division, which many thought to be the strongest in baseball at the outset of the season, has actually become one of its weakest. The Indians have ridden the arms of C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona, and the bats of Victor Martinez and Grady Sizemore. Travis Hafner hasn't really heated up yet. The Tigers have struggled as of late, but its difficulties have coincided with the absence of Gary Sheffield. If he can get healthy, Detroit is the more experienced team, the one that knows what it takes to win down the stretch. With two teams to pass, life is tough for the Twinkies.
Cleveland Schedule Detroit Schedule Minnesota Schedule
Prediction: Detroit edges Cleveland by 3 games, Minnesota by 5.
AL WEST
Current Standings: Los Angeles leads Seattle by 2 games
Ah, the Wild AL West. It would have been hard to predict a season like this for the Mariners, who entered this season with a lot of question marks and Mike Hargrove as their manager. But Seattle has been steady if unimpressive, and the team chemistry seems to be a strong point. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has stayed just ahead, if only for its 8-4 record against Seattle this season. The two teams square off tonight in what could be a pivotal series.
Los Angeles Schedule Seattle Schedule
Prediction: Los Angeles hangs on for a 3 game lead over Seattle.
AL WILD CARD
Current Standings: Seattle leads New York by 2, Detroit by 4, Minnesota by 7.
Conventional wisdom had the second place finisher of the AL East winning the Wild Card as a consolation prize, but I don't see that happening this year. While I'm doubtful the Mariners will overtake the Angels, I think they'll hold tightly to the Wild Card lead and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
Prediction: Mariners win Wild Card by 1 game over New York.
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2 comments:
Sounds about right. I'm not sure about the Mariners though. They have a ROUGH September schedule.
Good stuff... I do like the Indians in the Central, but the Tigers could definitely make things interesting. Hopefully the Twins can make it a 3-team race.
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