The Cleveland Indians just swept the Texas Rangers. The Kansas City Royals just swept the Chicago White Sox. The Detroit Tigers just swept the Philadelphia Phillies. The top three of the AL Central ain't looking too bad right now, huh? The Tigers look locked into the playoffs, but the Injuns and Royals are going to more than likely duke it out between themselves, the Rangers, the Orioles, the Yankees, and the Mariners for the final wild card spot. Of the 6 teams, I seriously believe that the 3 most likely to get in the playoffs are the Indians, O's, and Royals.
Why not the Yanks and Rangers, you are already asking. First, the Yankees pitching is an abomination to humanity right now, and the backend of the offensive lineup looks like a Double and Triple A Jamboree. Next the Rangers. They are about to lose Nelson Cruz to a pretty hefty suspension, and the backend of THEIR offensive lineup is another Double and Triple A Jamboree. They did well getting Matt Garza, and Matt Harrison might be coming back soon. BUT who knows how well Harrison can bounce back. The team has a lot of questions and I don't think they can stay in the Wild Card race. And also, the Mariners are only 7.5 games back of the AL Wild Card race, but I just can't see it happening this year with the weak backend of their pitching AND hitting staffs.
So, what about the ones that I think are in it to stay? First, the O's. Gotta love them, but last year's magic is now gone. That clutch gene that Buck Showalter had instated in their body seems to have disappeared. Scott Feldman is NOT the answer to their pitching woes. The offense is unbelievably, frustratingly inconsistent. BUT when it is consistent, it is one of the best offenses in MLB. The O's are in talks with the Minnesota Twins to acquire Justin Morneau. He might be a major help at the DH spot in the lineup, a critical spot for the O's since Jim Thome left after last year. I think the O's will stay close to that final wild card spot all the way through, but it is pretty critical they get Justin Morneau.
Next, the Royals. Why do I think they are in this to stay? Because it looks like they have finally found themselves. Eric Hosmer has finally blossomed. The majority of the offense is now hitting above .270. That is really good. And pitching is featuring some shocking stars. Bruce Chen?? Ervin Santana? Both having awesome years. They may be a even .500 right now, but I think they are about to absolutely go boom. They will be in or close to the last wild card spot at the end.
Finally, the Indians. Yes, this team is in it. Going into August. Yes, I repeat, the Indians are in this going into August. Wowza. The team has had some unlikely stars pick up the slack for a pretty bad season from big offseason addition Nick Swisher. How about Michael Brantley? He's probably the most underrated player in the league at only 26 years old. Michael Bourn is having a nice season, but how about Ryan Raburn? The utility hitter is having a surprisingly good season. And finally, Jason Kipnis, soon to be the best 2nd Baseman in MLB, is the savior of this year's Indians. And the pitching staff is shocking the heck out of me. This team is hot, and will stay hot, all the way to the end.
Summary: I think you can tell where I'm going. I think the Indians are going to get that final wild card spot. I just think they have the most complete team of the contenders. But, the O's might surprise me, and the Royals might get a huge run going. What do you all think?
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