Major League Baseball has done itself a huge favor this season. They’ve shortened the games, shifting is now prohibited, and oh yes there have been many surprise stories or drop offs of certain teams. 20 years after Moneyball was written, the philosophies that were used by Billy Bean by almost every contender that isn’t a big market team. What does the American League have to offer us?
Baltimore Orioles (“And This Town Is On FIRE!” – Gerry Sandusky): Just what I thought back in March. The Orioles have become a juggernaut thanks to a potentially generational youth movement, excellent hitting lineup, the best 1-2 reliever punch in the game, and are on the cutting edge of modern day baseball. (It’s still insane that the National Media still doesn’t respect this team and city) Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson have lived up to the preseason hype, Aaron Hicks and Ryan O’Hearn have revived their careers, Anthony Santander is one of the most underrated power bats in the game, and the 2 headed monster of Felix Bautista and young sensation Yennier Cano whipping out almost every team in sight. They still have flaws at the back of the rotation and front end of the bullpen but then again this is still a very young team that’s starting to hit their stride. (I expected more out of Grayson Rodriguez but he still needs time to develop, use him as a long man for the 2nd Half and you’ll be fine) The scary thing about the O’s is that they have more elite talent on the way. Calling up Colton Cowser, and Jordan Westburg plus the potential return of John Means and Ryan Mountcastle only adds to the optimism in the organization. It’s only a matter of time before the insufferability of all Marylanders kicks in, I’m guessing that time will be in August. (Both Baltimore teams being top contenders, what a time to be alive)
Boston Red Sox (YOU’RE NOT TAMPA BAY!): Think about it this way. The Red Sox may be in last place but they’d be a 2nd or 3rd place team in almost any other division. They’re still a good team with talent across the board. The acquisition of Masataka Yoshida has been a major boom, Rafael Devers is still mashing at a high level, and Jarren Duran is hitting over 300. Their biggest issues have been noted from the start. Pitching. And no it’s not because of it being bad, but injuries have taken its toll. The list includes (CRACK!) Chris Sale, and (CRACK!) Corey Kluber, and (CRACK!) Tanner Houck, and (CRACK!) Garrett Whitlock. Now you see why they’ve had issues getting out of the basement of their stacked division. Although this is a very streaky team, and knowing these guys they will add at the deadline. Especially since they think that they use one year experiments to help them win. I know the narrative is to call them mediocre but if they were in the AL Central they’d be running with a division title. At least they can lord over Toronto like they’ve done so far this season.
New York Yankees (Judge-less Bombers): The Yankees have been snakebitten right from the start of the season. It started when their prize acquisition in Carlos Rodon got hurt in Spring Training. And it just kept going. Frankie Montas hasn’t been 100% all season, Giancarlo Stanton is banged up and has suffered a hard decline, and it keeps going. That includes Aaron Judge. (BOOM!) His reward is a potential season ending injury that most likely will hold them back from a title. Despite their excellent bullpen led by Clay Holmes and a now healthy Michael King, the pinstripes are in desperate times. That’s even with Anthony Volpe giving the fanbase flashbacks of Derek Jeter. I mean they have a contending team, but you just feel like they are capable of much more. Let me put it this way. The Yankees this year can be described by two games. Throw a perfect game in one game. Then give up 14 runs to Baltimore the next. (Not to mention the whipping boy of the Bronx Aaron Hicks has revived his career there) We need answers, and whether they deserve it or not Boone and Cashman will take the heat. Just rotten luck all around.
Tampa Bay Rays (Stuart Sternberg = Billy Beane): When you start a season with a record tying 13-0 there’s a good chance you’re in for a special season. That’s what the Rays are witnessing. For most of the year, they’ve been off to one of the best starts in baseball history thanks to a squad that’s the 2nd coming of the Moneyball Athletics. Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena are healthy and kicking ass. The rest of the team has followed suit. Yandy Diaz and Issac Paredes have enjoyed breakout seasons. And their rotation even without Shane Baz has been excellent. When you have a 3 headed monster in McClanahan, Glasnow, and Eflin, you don’t need to worry one bit. They’ve cooled off since their hot start, and it’s obvious as to why. Shane McClanahan suffered a back injury in early July, and who knows when he’ll be able to return. Plus they’ve hit the meat of their schedule. Considering that Baltimore has been on their tails all season long, Tampa is going to bolster their roster at the deadline in a big way. And considering that they don’t have a high payroll I don’t know if they have the guts to do it.
Toronto Blue Jays (Million Dollar Talent, 10 Cent Hand): The Blue Jays despite massive expectations from their fanbase and media have once again been struck down by the lack of putting together consistent stretches of play. On paper this team should have World Series ambitions. The problem that Toronto has isn’t because of them but their own division. Whenever they’ve played in particular the Red Sox or Orioles this season they’ve been smacked for the most part. And that’s with Kevin Gausman leading the league in strikeouts, Vlad Jr and company putting up plenty of runs, and Bo Bichette about to run away with a batting title. With Alek Manoah returning from the IL and hopefully regaining his old form, the pitching staff should get a shot in the arm. But if the Jays are going to make a serious push to catch Baltimore and Tampa they’re gonna have to upgrade the bullpen. Besides consistency it’s been their biggest flaw. And they know it. How are they going to cause the gods to troll them this time?
Chicago White Sox (You’re Grounded): I knew that the White Sox were in trouble once they had that massive losing streak in April. Once again, despite incredible riches of talent on the roster and pitching staff, South Side must deal with the Reinsdorf Special. Hyped up in the offseason, agonizing pain and mediocrity are the results. The rotation that was supposed to be near the top of the AL in ERA has fallen off hard. Lance Lynn has suffered a massive decline, and Dylan Cease has had issues with putting runners on base. (Poor Lucas Giolito and Michael Kopech, they deserve better than this) It’s gotten so bad that Sox fans are wondering if Tony La Russa was really the problem. Even with Luis Robert, Jake Burger, and Andrew Vaughn, it still isn’t enough to try and take control of a weak AL Central. I would get used to the word sell if I’m management in the offseason. But once again they’re in a terrible division. I’m going to be wrong aren’t I? (As someone who covered their crosstown rivals for a while, I have no sympathy for them)
Cleveland Guardians (Searching For Help): I expected more out of the Guardians this season especially after how well they played in the 2nd Half a year ago. To be fair they’ve been better since the start of June. Their lineup that’s been hot and cold since the start of the year is starting to round into form slowly but surely. For a while it was just Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor doing all of the damage. Now we’re seeing Steven Kwan, Andres Gimenez, and Josh Bell get off the schneid recently. As for their pitching staff, the less said about them the better. Shane Beiber is literally dragging the staff kicking and screaming towards relevance. Especially with Emmanuel Clase being a headache for far too many times. I’m going to ask a question. Do you keep Beiber, I’d say you do just because you have a shot to make the playoffs, if not. Throw up the white flag and hand the division to Minnesota.
Detroit Tigers (Miggy’s Final Ride): You’re so lucky that you’re in baseball’s version of Tank Division or else you’d be out of the playoff hunt completely. The Tigers have been mediocre, I’m not surprised by that at all. The only things keeping their offense afloat are Riley Greene, and Matt Vieling. CRACK! The issue is that neither of them can stay healthy, especially Greene. Casey Mize is being ruined in front of our eyes because YOU GUESSED IT he can’t stay healthy. AJ Hinch’s leadership is trying to cover up as many flaws as he possibly can. They still have a long way to go until they are contenders again, and with Chris Illich not having the bold thinking that his late father had to try and chase glory I have a feeling it’s going to be a long road for them. At least they drafted one of the Greatest High School talents in Draft History in Max Clark 3rd Overall. That’ll give them some optimism going forward. (Someone save Javy Baez)
Kansas City Royals (The Bad News Bears of 2023): Everyone talks about how the A’s tank brigade being one of the biggest in modern baseball history. They aren’t looking at what’s going on in Kansas City. The Royals have been just as bad as Oakland has been this season. (It’s only fitting that I’ve seen both teams in person this year) The only reason why this team has been watchable is Bobby Witt Jr, and Vinnie Pasquantino. (CRACK!) Wouldn’t you guess it, Pasquantino is out for the rest of the year. Here’s to hoping that they can trade Jordan Lyles and Zach Greinke for more top prospects. That potential new stadium to replace Kaufmann can’t come soon enough.
Minnesota Twins (Class of Division by Default): Just like Cleveland, a team that has the talent to run with a playoff spot yet has flaws up and down the roster. In this case the rotation has been one of the best in baseball. (When they aren’t getting bombed by heat waves of Orioles and Braves) Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Kenta Maeda, Bailey Ober, and Jhoan Duran. That’s good. The hitting core is the epitome of a mystery box. Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa have been on a roller coaster ride all season, and it’s shown. (At least they can feast on weak opponents I guess) They’re gonna need Royce Lewis and Jorge Polanco to carry this lineup especially if their big guns have issues with consistency. But once again, they are so lucky that the rest of their division is a mess. I have a feeling whoever wins it is getting crushed by whoever finishes 3rd in the AL East.
Houston Astros (Slow and Steady Wins the Race): It was looking ugly for a bit. Now the Astros have awoken just in time to try and retake control of an improved division. This is despite their Big 3 of Altuve, Yordan, and Bregman all dealing with injuries, and Jose Abreu going through an early season slump. But once again, this team is a machine that stops for nothing, not even a banged up lineup and rotation can stop it. (Luis Garcia, and Jose Urquidy shall be punished to the injury gods too) Jeremy Pena and Kyle Tucker thank goodness haven’t been struck down. Because they and Mauricio Dubon are the only reasons why the offense was able to keep form while their stars were out. But then again, all Houston needs is to make a few key moves at the deadline, and the Big 3 to be healthy and the division should be theirs. Now I don’t know if they can go all the way again especially with the battered pitching staff. At least you have Ryan Pressly locking down games. (Although Dusty Baker is an expert over manager despite his accomplishments. Example, his decision to not use Kenley Jansen in the 8th inning of the ASG)
Los Angeles Angels (Never Change Anaheim): At the end of every Captain Underpants novel George and Harold always say “Oh No, Here We Go Again.” That’s how I can describe the Angels. Every single year for the last decade, no matter what moves are made to fix these issues or revelations to witness, the ending will always be the same. They start off strong, Trout and Ohtani are 1-2 in the MVP race, the supporting cast is playing out of their minds. Mickey Moniak, and Zach Neto come out of nowhere to emerge into good players. But then comes June. BOOM! Another long losing streak thanks to terrible pitching and Trout getting struck down by injury consumes them whole. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Trout and Ohtani need to be sent to real teams. Those two are not getting anywhere near a title let alone the playoffs in Anaheim. Here’s my solution to Arte Moreno and the front office. BLOW IT UP! START THIS NONSENSE ALL OVER! To me the Halos are no longer the Oilers of baseball. They’re the Calgary Flames. Hyped up every single offseason by the fans and media yet underachieve and miss the playoffs despite some of the finest talents known to man. But ESPN will still ignore this team’s flaws and talk about how great Ohtani is. Just stop it already.
Oakland Athletics (Oakland Alameda County Tank Bowl): “GET THE TANKS OF THIS SHED WE’RE ATTEMPTING TO BREAK THE LOSS RECORD SET BY THE EXPANSION METS!” That phrase says it all. To the surprise of no one, the A’s have been garbage and the few fans they have left in Oakland are savoring the remaining home games of this season. Because we have a signed contract at hand. That’s right my friends, the Athletics like the Raiders before them are moving to Las Vegas in the near future. As for the team itself it’s been literally Brent Rooker single handedly providing all of the offense while the pitching staff is on pace to break their franchise record for runs given up in a season. I saw these guys in person this past May and it was just what I thought I’d see. A broken fanbase, and team playing in a broken ballpark. And one more thing. “SELL THE TEAM FISHER!” (He’s not going to because when they get to Vegas he’ll pretend that everything is fine, and they’ll start spending again)
Seattle Mariners (Still Time to Fix the Problem): Despite going all out to host the All Star Game and hyping up their fans for long term success, the Mariners are dealing with a season that’s typical by their standards. High expectations yet still finding ways to crumble when things matter. Luckily it’s only July so they’ll have time to change their fortunes. Good news M’s fans. Jarred Kelenic is finally playing up to his potential. That’s great. But other than him, and Julio Rodriguez, the hitters have been cold for much of the year. (I’m looking right at you Kolten Wong) It’s ok because the pitching staff is still elite. Bryce Miller has only added to the amount of depth and power in the rotation. Even if Paul Sewald has had somewhat of a down year, he’s still a very good closer. As long as Robbie Ray isn’t out long term they should be able to make a run at a Wild Card spot, that is if Castillo, and Gilbert don’t get injured too.
Texas Rangers (The Best Team Money Can Buy): I’ve said it with a few teams over the past several years. And I’ll say it here. What a difference excellent managing, and a new front office can do for a team. Bruce Bochy coming out of retirement to manage this talented squad was the shot in the arm that the Rangers needed. They’ve shook past their previous reputation of being mediocre despite throwing money at everything that moves into an up and coming superpower. It says something when they have 5 starters in this year’s All Star Game. (Mariners fans aren’t gonna like that aren’t they?) Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, and Marcus Seimen have been the main cogs. But the emergence of Jonah Heim, Josh Jung, and Leody Taveras have been a major boom to this lineup. (I’m still jealous that Heim was chosen to start over Rutschman in the ASG, but still he’s having a great year) What was once their greatest liability is now their biggest strength. Not to mention the pitching staff led by Nathan Eovaldi has been solid too. (Jacob DeGrom we’re not going to talk about) Even if they’ve hit a skid recently and the Astros are right on their tails again, Texas should be locks for the playoffs if they stay healthy. Can they beat Houston though? There lies the challenge! PAUSE.
The AL has been a crapshoot all season. There are a few teams that should be able to make the playoffs, but the races for the final spots will be full of drama especially for the last Wild Card spot, best record in the AL, and the AL Central Crown. Time for jinxing.
Predictions:
AL East: Orioles
AL Central: Guardians
AL West: Astros
Wild Card #1: Rays
Wild Card #2 Rangers
Wild Card #3 Yankees
How wrong will I be this time?
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