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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 27, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) makes a leaping catch on a fly ball hit by Minnesota Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki (not pictured) in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) makes a leaping catch on a fly ball hit by Minnesota Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki (not pictured) in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Wild Cards

Current leaders: Athletics (+4), Tigers/Royals (tied for Central lead)
Bet on ’em to win: Angels, Royals

Rationale: Well, seeing as I predicted both the Angels and the Royals to blow their respective division leads, the least I can do is predict the two teams will make the postseason and square off in the Wild Card game, right? Even with concerns regarding LA’s rotation, they’re eight games ahead of Kansas City and Detroit in the Wild Card standings, and that’s a massive lead to completely choke away (of course, I predicted the same thing regarding the Orioles, but the Angels certainly have the deeper pitching staff).

Mike Trout in the playoffs, even if it’s just a game, should be a blast. For the Royals, a one-game playoff is the absolute worst-case scenario – in one game samples, managerial decisions tend to be magnified, and Ned Yost isn’t exactly a master tactician.

Still, Kansas City has a deep bullpen, and don’t discredit how important KC’s defense is to that pitching staff. Alex Gordon is certainly an MVP candidate, but beyond him, designated hitter Billy Butler and catcher Salvador Perez, the Royals will have to scratch and claw for runs. Still, there’s a good chance both these teams are still playing come the end of the regular season.

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