Previewing the September Races

So as we watch this final month unfold, what should we expect? For some, their “expectations” change to draft position. Of course, fans are paying attention to that. The Twins are currently two games ahead of the Braves in the race for the first pick in the draft. But what about the other teams? You know, the good teams.

American League

The Rangers are in the best position of all the American League teams. They solidified their lineup and the bullpen and have a dynamic duo atop their rotation that should give them as good of shot as any team to make a run in the postseason.

The Indians, barring a collapse, will win the Central. And with that rotation (if they can get and stay healthy) and Andrew Miller in the bullpen, there won’t be a collapse.

In the East, though, it’s just a mess. The Red Sox, Blue Jays and Orioles are all within one good or bad weekend of being in first or being five games out.

Two of those teams will still be competing with the Astros and Tigers for only two wild card spots.

With the Royals falling out of position to defend their crown, the American League Pennant is up for grabs. If the Blue Jays can make it through the gauntlet of the AL East, I like their chances to make the World Series.

National League

The National League picture is a little clearer, but only because there is one less team that appears to be in the mix.

Each division has a team with a strong lead, led by the Cubs in the Central. Both the Nationals and Dodgers also have leads that make them likely to reach the playoffs.

The Mets, Giants and Cardinals are bunched very closely in the standings. But with room for only two, one of those three teams will fall short. The Marlins put up a good fight, but have faded late.

As the Mets scratch and claw toward the opportunity to defend their crown, the Cubs look like a team primed to lift the legendary 71-year-old curse.

While playoff intrigue writes itself one storybook chapter at a time, the march toward the playoffs will stay highly contested for the final month. Which team are you betting on?