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MLB: Predicting September playoff races in each division

By Ed Carroll

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 15, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Central

Current leader: Kansas City Royals
Bet on ’em to win: Cleveland Indians

Rationale: Homerism? Yeah, the Indians are technically in third place entering August 31, and are three-and-a-half out of a Wild Card spot. Yes, I recently claimed fans are sleeping on the Detroit Tigers at their own peril. But as little seems to be going right for the Tigers — Anibal Sanchez was not able to return for Saturday’s doubleheader (and his return timetable is still unknown), and Miguel Cabrera has been hampered by a nagging right ankle injury.

But, the red-hot Indians are very much alive in both the Wild Card race as well as AL Central, and could be ready to strike if the Tigers and Royals falter. The Royals are in the drivers’ seat, but as evidenced by a seemingly-devastating 11th-inning loss on Saturday to the Indians, sometimes Kansas City’s offense (and manager Ned Yost) can’t get out of their own way.

Indians Manager Terry Francona has been around the block before, and knows a thing or two about squeezing the most out of his rosters. It remains to be seen if the Indians defense can keep its surprisingly-effective young rotation afloat. It will be a wild finish, and Indians ace Corey Kluber’s effectiveness could be the key between Cleveland shocking the Central and Kansas City making its first playoff appearance since 1985.

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