Now that September is here, it is coming down to the wire for certain teams. Unlike many other years, it seems as if this one is up in the air as far as who is going to make it to the postseason. Here is a breakdown of each division and a prediction of who is bound to come out on top:
American League
AL Central
Well it was once a three-team battle between the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Indians, it seems like the Indians have the taken over as the leader of the pack. The recent struggles of the Detroit Tigers have caused them to slowly diminish, and the Minnesota Twins never demonstrated that they had the pitching depth to succeed. However, the Twins and Tigers do have one more series against each other, and with the recent return of Joel Zumaya to the Tigers’ bullpen it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make a September run.
My Pick: Tigers climb back up to take the AL Central.
AL East
There never was any doubt as to who would be the dignified leader in this division race. The New York Yankees have certainly experienced difficulties this season, especially after suffering from injuries to most of their pitching staff during the beginning of the year. Well it did seem like the Yankees were coming around, the Boston Red Sox did everything they could to maintain a comfortable lead. In addition, stellar pitching from Curt Schilling, off-season acquisition Daisuke Matsuzaka, ace Josh Beckett, and closer Jonathon Papelbon should be enough to carry this team well into the postseason.
My Pick: The Boston Red Sox maintain their comfortable lead.
AL West
The Seattle Mariners have unquestionably made this race interesting. Going into the season, experts predicted that the Los Angeles Angels would demonstrate a commanding lead, but that has definitely not been the case. With outstanding performances from Ichiro Suzuki, Jose Guillen, and Adrian Beltre, the Mariners have been able to stay within reach of the division-leading Angels. The teams play four games against each other in September, which should definitely make the race interesting.
My Pick: The strength of the Angels pitching staff will carry them to a division title.
AL Wild Card
At the beginning of the season, who would have thought that the American League Wild Card race would be between the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Indians. Well the Yankees are considered hopeless in terms of their division chances, they do have a legitimate shot at the American League Wild Card race, especially now that one of their highly-touted prospects, Joba Chamberlain, has provided a much-needed spark to the team. But watch out New York, the Mariners are right up there with you. No doubt a sleeper team this season, Seattle has been above average on the pitching hill and has received consistent offensive input from Ichiro Suzuki, Adrian Beltre, and Jose Vidro. Whoever does not come in first in the American League Central race is also going to pose a threat, whether it is the Detroit Tigers or Cleveland Indians. With the recent misfortunes of the New York Yankees (which involve the surprising struggles of veteran Mike Mussina), it is doubtful that the Yankees will make a playoff appearance.
My Pick: The Seattle Mariners shock the baseball world and take the wild card.
National League
NL Central
This division race has been one to scratch your head over. When the Brewers had the best record in the National League at the beginning of the season, it seemed that nobody would be able to cool them down. Then the Chicago Cubs showed why their $300 million off-season was worth the money by performing as possibly the best team in baseball during the months of June and July. Now, due to the recent struggles of both the Brewers and Cubs, the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals have stepped right into the picture. Who will come out on top? The Cubs are hoping that the returning Alfonso Soriano can bolster their struggling offense, while the Brewers are looking forward to the return of ace Ben Sheets to help solidify their disastrous pitching rotation. When it all comes down to it, it is not a matter of who is going to play the best, but more like who will perform the worst in September.
My Pick: The Chicago Cubs stay healthy and make it to October.
NL East
In the passed couple of years, the Mets have shown why the Yankees aren’t the only team in New York worth watching. However, their pitching has no doubt struggled, and their rotation seems to be relying on the return of Pedro Martinez. With the return of Chase Utley, the Philadelphia Phillies are hoping to make a late-season run and catch the Mets. It is no question that the Phillies have probably the best offense in the National League, led by slugger Ryan Howard and veteran Aarond Rowan. Both of these teams have unparalleled offenses, but which one has more pitching depth? We will find out.
My Pick: The Mets hold on to barely capture the NL East.
NL West
Can you say Arizona Diamondbacks? This team has been one of the biggest surprises all season, and with a little help from emerging superstars Chris Young and Orlando Hudson, the team should be a solid contender in the years to come. Eric Byrnes has also been signed to an extension by the organization, and it seems that this young team has not taken long to build chemistry. The San Diego Padres pose the biggest threat considering they have one of the most dominating pitching rotations, which includes Cy Young candidate Jake Peavy, hard-throwing Chris Young, and veteran Greg Maddux. The Padres, however, lack a power slugger in their lineup, causing the team to be heavily reliant on their pitching. It is no question that this race will be one of the more interesting going into September.
My Pick: The veteran experience of the San Diego Padres leads them into the postseason.
NL Wild Card
Whoever doesn’t win the NL West will be a wild-card contender, which may possibly end up being the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Philadelphia Phillies are also right in the race, and their surging offense should be able to carry them a long way. In addition, the Phillies organization has found a diamond-in-the-rough with their potential future ace Cole Hamels. There are two questions that every fan is considering: Will the youth of the Diamondbacks hurt them in the long haul? Do the Phillies have the pitching staff to carry them into the postseason?
My Pick: The explosive offense of the Philadelphia Phillies brings them into October.
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