MLB: Predicting September playoff races in each division

Aug 29, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starter Jon Lester (31) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starter Jon Lester (31) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

AL West

Current leader: Los Angeles Angels
Bet on ’em to win: Oakland Athletics

Rationale: LA enters August 31 with a firm four-game lead over Oakland, as well as the best record in the Majors, at 82-53. But LA has suffered some devastating injuries in recent weeks, none more damaging than losing starter and best pitcher Garret Richards for the rest of the season to a gruesome left knee injury.

Jered Weaver is still great, even if he isn’t the ace he used to be, but the Halos will be forced to lean heavily on an aging C.J. Wilson and untested youngsters Hector Santiago and Matt Shoemaker. The Angels’ bullpen, led by sidearming Joe Smith, is lights-out, and LA does have the best player in the game in Mike Trout. But Oakland still boasts and fantastic starting rotation of Scott Kazmir, Jon Lester, Jeff Samardzija, and Sonny Gray.

Oakland has had some trouble scoring runs since trading away outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the Boston Red Sox for Lester, but the recently-acquired Adam Dunn has power to spare, though it would certainly help the Athletics if outfielder Coco Crisp’s second-half sump would end (28 hits in 142 at bats since July 1). Oakland’s bullpen is loaded as well, and there could be a furious finish for the AL West, as the A’s will play three games at home against LA before finishing out the season with four on the road against the snakebitten Texas Rangers.