MLB
AL Team Playoff Previews
With the MLB season in September, it is the perfect time for teams to make their final campaigns for the postseason. There are about 25 games left per team, which is the big determinant for most teams. So, for my first post with TSJ, I felt it was fitting to describe the fate of some of these top teams of AL contenders. Then, I get to look back on it and see how bad I did.
AL Contenders:
Boston Red Sox (94-43)
To start, we have the best team in baseball: the Boston Red Sox. Yes, the Red Sox have the perfect team this year. They were projected to tie or beat the MLB record number of wins in a season at 116. Even though that may now be unrealistic, this team can beat their 1912 franchise-record 105 wins in a season. The pitching on this team is superb with Chris Sale, David Price (who looks like a pitcher again), Rick Porcello, Nathan Eovaldi performing beyond expectations, and Brian Johnson performing decently.
Yes, this team looks real. The relief pitching may be a question mark, but with Craig Kimbrel closing out a game, life is good. To think, I haven’t even started with the offense. Imagine having the MVP candidate in the playoffs (shoutout to Trout). Now imagine having two MVP candidates in the playoffs, on the same team! Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez are absolute beasts and killing it at the plate. Followed by stars like Andrew Benintendi and Xander Boagaerts and good players like Rafael Devers and Mitch Moreland, this team is serious.
Yet, they have a major flaw: This team is untrustworthy in the playoffs. They are not strong enough to continuously win. The inexperience of the players seems to show each of the past couple of years with this team. They need to learn to step it up in big games. Yes, that means Price. This team has repeatedly flipped off the switch when the playoffs come. Losing to teams like Cleveland and Tampa in the past couple weeks does not help either. The Red Sox need to stay confident and not let those postseason butterflies affect them. They can go to and win the World Series, as long as they don’t give up again.
Houston Astros (83-53)
Return of the champs? The Astros are once again proving to show that they are for real and should not be taken as a fluke. You cannot deny the astonishing benefit of having reigning MVP Jose Altuve, George Springer recently married Carlos Correa all in your lineup. Even though they haven’t played all together in a couple of months when they do they will undoubtedly bring one together one of the best tops of the orders in baseball with Alex Bregman. Even the pitching is top notch once again.
There are multiple Cy Young candidates leading this team, including Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and even include Charlie Morton as well. Plus Dallas Keichel is still on the team. Then the bullpen adds to the magic of this team. The likes of Hector Rondon and Brad Peacock who both have sub-3.00 ERAs shows how good the team is. So, be sure to keep a look out for this team. They can definitely make another major run once the team gets all back together soon. Plus, if experience goes to show, this team is the best of AL contenders and in baseball after last year’s run.
Cleveland Indians (77-58)
Welcome to Believeland. Yes, this team seems like the best choice to believe in. Something about this team makes them just seem like the best hope. It could be their stellar pitching of Kluber, Carrasco, Bauer (who is coming back soon), and some rookie help. It could be the bullpen with the recently acquired Brad Hand. The bats in the lineup are headed by MVP candidate Jose Ramirez, who has proven to be one of the best hitters in baseball this year with his leadoff power and record switch-hitting abilities. Plus Francisco Lindor is another top hitting help who is bound to add some postseason success to this team.
Adding two Blue Jays in Encarnacion and recently Donaldson helps bring power to the lineup that can help hit off of the great pitching of the AL. Look for this team to make a run in the playoffs, maybe all the way to the World Series. Just ask Terry Francona, who has been one of the best managers of this new century. In my opinion, after the series against the Red Sox, they seem like one of the best AL contenders to make the playoffs.
New York Yankees (86-50)
It looks like the Bronx is making a comeback after fading away with the Red Sox running away with the division. We have seen the Yanks pick up the pace recently led by Giancarlo Stanton’s power and CC Sabathia’s resurgence this year. Now, with slugger Aaron Judge coming back and Gary Sanchez returning to the lineup, the Yanks finally may be ready to go. If they can even get Luis Severino to return to his post-All-Star game form, then this team is one not to be messed with.
The bullpen is one of the major factors for this team. Acquiring Zach Britton can possibly prove to be a good choice soon, but having Dellin Betances and David Robertson to help out has been a major help this season, even with Aroldis Chapman behind the pen, too. This team can be a big player in the playoffs if they play with the confidence they did last year.
Oakland Athletics (81-55)
This is the team for the playoffs this year. At least for the Wild Card game. Somehow the A’s have managed to get back in the playoff picture after several years away from October fun. The A’s have managed to become one of the best teams in baseball over the second half of the season due to the dominance of their bullpen. With two amazing closers in Blake Treinen and Jeurys Familia, and the help of recent acquires Fernando Rodney and Shawn Kelly, this team can stop anyone in mid-inning affairs.
Having a lineup that boasts one of the best power hitters in Khris Davis and another great hitting threat in Jed Lowrie allows this team to stay in games against even their division rival Astros, who they have been consistent with recently. Having over a .750 winning percentage since mid-June, this team is one to watch but might fall short against the mighty Indians or Red Sox in October.
