Fansided

One of these teams could stand between the Astros and history

By Christopher Silvey

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 10: Andrew Benintendi
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 10: Andrew Benintendi /
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SEATTLE, WA – MAY 26: Mike Zunino #3 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after hitting a walk off solo home run off of relief pitcher Matt Magill #68 of the Minnesota Twins during the 12th inning of a game at Safeco Field on May 26, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 4-3 in 12 innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 26: Mike Zunino #3 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after hitting a walk off solo home run off of relief pitcher Matt Magill #68 of the Minnesota Twins during the 12th inning of a game at Safeco Field on May 26, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 4-3 in 12 innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

4. Seattle Mariners

Much like Milwaukee, Seattle boasts a great lineup consisting of Nelson Cruz, Jean Segura, and a newly acquired Denard Span. While they did take a hit in losing Robinson Cano, it doesn’t appear as if they have been shaken too much. Their offense ranks 3rd in Batting Average, 4th in stolen bases, and 6th in OBP (American League). They will get Cano back into the lineup in August, and he will only boost their already strong group.

Defensively, Seattle’s pitching has been getting it done. As a club, they rank 6th in the AL in WHIP, Strikeouts, and ERA. Their All-Star closer Edwin Diaz leads the majors in Saves with 27. The next closest reliever in that category is Aroldis Chapman, and he trails Diaz by five. The trio of Diaz, James Paxton, and Wade LeBlanc highlight an extremely successful pitching campaign so far in 2018.

Look for the M’s to compete with Houston not only for the championship but maybe even the AL West crown.

3. Atlanta Braves

Leading the National League in runs, the combination of young talent and veteran wisdom has seemed to work really well in Atlanta this year. Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Dansby Swanson have led the way alongside veterans Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis to power their league-leading offense. The club also ranks 2nd in OPS and Batting Average and ranks 3rd in OBP.

In addition to an explosive lineup, the Braves also boast a pitching staff that ranks 4th in BAA, 5th in ERA and Strikeouts, and 7th in WHIP (NL ranks). Sean Newcomb, Mike Foltynewicz, and Julio Tehran power a strong starting rotation that has been established as one of the better pitching staffs in the league.

With this combination of veterans and young talent that we haven’t seen in a long time, I expect for the team of the ’90s to make a run at the crown sooner rather than later.

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