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MLB 2015: Contenders or pretenders

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jun 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) is congratulated by right fielder Torii Hunter (48) after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) is congratulated by right fielder Torii Hunter (48) after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins: Pretender

The AL’s other surprise team has also accelerated its rebuild. The Twins have competed well in what looked like a difficult division and currently own the second wild card at 43-39.

However, that record has been bolstered by a 20-7 month of May that is looking more and more fluky by the day. Brian Dozier is a fantastic hitter and Minnesota has called up a couple of exciting prospects to help, but there are too many holes on the roster for Minnesota to hold off other wild card contenders.

In particular, the Twins don’t appear to have enough starting pitching to hang around the race deep into the summer. While Phil Hughes should actually be better in the second half, Minnesota would be very fortunate to have Mike Pelfrey, Kyle Gibson and Tommy Milone pitch this well in the second half.

Better times are ahead for the Twins, but they aren’t quite ready to contend yet. As such, the team must be very careful with its approach at the deadline.

Chicago Cubs: Contender

Few teams in the Majors appear to be in better position for the future than the Cubs. Chicago spent years building a top-notch farm system that is just graduating to the major-league level and has helped the Cubs to a 44-36 record and possession of the second wild card.

Although the Cubs were expected to take a big leap forward this year, a .550 mark has exceeded expectations. The Cubs already have a 3.5-game lead in the second wild card race and other contenders like the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets don’t appear particularly threatening.

Runs haven’t always been easy to come by, but the lineup is still loaded with upside. If Chicago does manage to hold on to that second wild card, a four-man rotation of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks won’t be an easy out.

Next: San Francisco Giants: Pretender

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