Storyline: Who’ll follow the Royals as American League Champs? (Spoiler Alert: With weak hitting, don’t bet on KC.)
It seems like just yesterday that players were reporting for Spring Training. But the truth is that the season is already about a third of the way through with the All-Star break coming up in just a few weeks.
It’s not too early for MLB Playoff predictions. This week we’ll look at the American League.
Courtesy: thecomeback.com
AL East Winner: Boston Red Sox: The Sox have continue their trend of a “boom n’ bust” cycle. Last season Boston was at rock bottom in the AL. Now they find themselves with one of the best records in the League. The Sox’s success so far can be chalked up to one thing: offense. The Red Sox are leading the Majors, having already plated 332 runners this season. “Big Papi” has shown no sign of aging, driving in 53 and already sending 16 souvenirs over the outfield wall. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts is leading the Majors in batting average. Boston’s weak point is pitching, ranking 22nd in MLB. If David Price and the rest of the Sox’s pitching staff start to produce, then the Red Sox will have a chance to dominate the American League.
AL Central Winner: Cleveland Indians: If there was ever a year for the Indians to have a turnaround season, this season is it. Just look at the AL Central this year: the Tigers are down, the White Sox have faded (despite getting off to a hot start), and the Twins are in fierce competition with the Braves for the title of “Worst Team in Major League Baseball.” Even the Royals, the defending World Series champs, aren’t looking like world-beaters. Cleveland is going to have a good season. They have a lineup and pitching staff that rank in the Top 10 in each category. They also have an excellent manager in Terry Francona, who won two World Series in his time with the Red Sox.
Courtesy: athleticsnation.com
AL West Winner: Seattle Mariners: For Seattleites, the idea of the Mariners bringing home a pennant may seem about as farfetched as a week without rain. But, after a decade of nothing but disappointments, the Mariners have finally put together a winning formula. With the big bats of Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano, and Nelson Cruz leading the way, Seattle boasts the second best offense in the AL, behind only the Red Sox. The Mariners have been proficient on the mound, too, ranking 9th in ERA in the Majors. I think Seattle will be in the postseason for the first time since 2001.
First Wild Card: Texas Rangers: After back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, the Rangers quietly slipped to the bottom of the AL West over the past few seasons. But Texas has rebounded this year. Although I see a better Seattle team bypassing them and winning the AL West, the team from Arlington will make a return to the postseason, hosting the AL Wild Card Game. The Rangers have three great pitchers in Lewis, Perez, and Hamels to compliment an explosive offense that’s currently ranked 3rd in the AL. The only cause for concern is weak production from veterans Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder. Moreland has a .209 batting average, while Prince Fielder is playing at the worst levels of his career–no home runs and a .187 BA. Will Fielder’s lack of production force GM Jon Daniels to swap him before the trade deadline? We’ll see.
Courtesy: UPI.com
Second Wild Card: Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles have kept pace with the Red Sox all season long, preventing Boston from building a comfortable lead in the AL East. What’s baffling, though, is how the Orioles have managed to do it: they’re middle of the road in every statistical category. Outside of Mark Trumbo and Manny Machado, they don’t have anybody who dominates at the plate. And, excluding Chris Tillman, the starting pitching has been mediocre, at best. So, what has been the O’s secret for success? It’s the home field advantage. The Orioles have cashed in at Camden Yards, going 21-11 at home so far this season. If they continue to win like that at home—and pick up some road wins—then the Orioles should find themselves in this year’s AL Wild Card Game.
The “Oh, So Close” Teams
Kansas City Royals: The defending World Series’ champs started out sluggishly, but Kansas City has found a way to get back on the winning path once again. But outside of Eric Hosmer, the Royals have one off the worst offensive teams in MLB, having scored just 222 times this season. The key for Kansas City has been defense and pitching, ranking in the Top 10 in both. Their pitching/defense will keep them in the division race, but their poor batting will ultimately do in the defending champs.
Blue Jay fans (photo, sportsnet.ca)
Toronto Blue Jays: Toronto has a decent squad. They’re just in the wrong division. Constantly having to play Boston and Baltimore is what’s going to keep Canada’s team from making the playoffs. But the Blue Jays are a young team with a ton of potential, a surprise team to watch next season.
Houston Astros: The Astros’ organization appeared that it was going to take a step backwards this season, following up an NLDS appearance with an awful 7-18 record in April ’16. But the Astros have rebounded and are nearing the .500 mark once again—courtesy of an 8-2 record over the last ten games. Don’t give up on your Astros just yet, Houston!
My pick for AL Champ: While any of the above teams could make a good run for the AL pennant, the team I see bringing it home is the Red Sox.
And what NL foe will play the Sox in the Fall Classic? Read next week’s article to find out!
