MLB: Looking at the American League

Can we declare all the playoff teams in the American League yet? Not quite. But it’s getting about that time.

Yeah, I feel pretty confident about all the races but the AL Central and the Wild Card isn’t completely decided yet. Of course, the Tigers and the Red Sox should win their races but the Tigers scare me a little. After looking like a team that’s ready to streak into the playoffs, they’ve suddenly fallen back to earth… and hard.

And is there a worse acquisition than the Tigers getting Jarod Washburn? The guy has been absolutely horrible for the Tigers. And he’s not getting any younger and the Tigers traded a promising youngster (Lucas French) for him. Washburn is a guaranteed 4-6 runs for the other team in the first few innings. It’s time for the Tigers to go with someone else for the rest of the season. Anyone but Washed-up Washburn. Maybe even Bonderman.

The good news for the Tigers is that they’re swinging the bats better. And with Verlander, Jackson, and Porcello each going in a series, the Tigers can beat anyone. However, those guys would have to pitch really well. But it is possible.

So, which team in the AL is favored right now? Well, it’s the Yankees. No doubt. They are easily the best team in baseball right now. The second best team? Well, it’s the Angels. And then probably the Red Sox and then the Rangers and then maybe the Tigers. But, as I just mentioned, the Tigers can beat any other team in a best of five or even a best of seven.

This is what’s so interesting and exciting about the baseball playoffs. It’s why the playoffs are so interesting and exciting every year. Any team can get hot at the right time and make a run to the World Series. Offs are the Yankees are headed to the Championship but those odds aren’t exactly overwhelming.