The are six teams with a legit chance of finishing at the top of the A.L. Wild Card race. However, only two teams will advance and fight for a chance to play in the division series once the 2013 MLB Playoffs begin. Let's look at these six teams and predict who is really in contention and who is just pretending to contend.
Kansas City Royals (53-51/ 4.5 GB)
Oh, let's not deal anybody and try to win now! That's the frame of mind in Kansas City as the Royals are winners of eight straight games and now two games above .500. Could the really make a playoff run? Sure. Do they stand a chance getting past their divisional foes as the month of September is a mine field of divisional matchups, highly doubt it.
New York Yankees (56-51/ 3.0 GB)
This is the best way to put it for the Yankees and their fans. In order for the Yankees to win the Wild Card and make the playoffs they will have to play like it's Sunday, July 28 every single day. They simply don't have the offense or the clutch hitters to win ball games. Plus, CC Sabathia needs some Cap'n Crunch injected into his system if the Yankees want to turn their season around.
Texas Rangers (59-49/ 0.5 GB)
The biggest obstacle Rangers face does not lie in their division, but in the Commissioner's Office as Nelson Cruz, their home run leader this year, is facing suspension. The Rangers did not add offense before the Trade Deadline, which could cost them a chance at making the playoffs.
Baltimore Orioles (59-49/ 0.5 GB)
This is where the race gets interesting. The Orioles added starting pitching after trading for Scott Feldman and Bud Norris. They bolstered their bullpen by adding Francisco Rodriguez. They have a deadly offense already and they look primed to make a run. Unlike the Rangers and Royals, expect the Orioles to remain in the race deep into September.
Cleveland Indians (59-48/ 2nd Place in WC)
Still not convinced the Indians have enough pitching to make it out of the regular season. Their offense is pretty good, but the month of September will be a gauntlet as they face divisional rivals. They are cruising on a seven-game winning streak, but they should save some good baseball for when the weather gets chilly.
Tampa Bay Rays (64-44/ 4.5-Game Lead)
David Price is beasting on opponents after returning from the disabled list. That's all that has to be said. The Rays will be in the playoffs. They possess a decent offense, but their pitching will carry them through the months of August and September. Don't be surprised if the Rays continue pressuring the Boston Red Sox and overtake the A.L. East
PRETENDERS: Indians, Royals, Rangers
CONTENDERS: Orioles, Yankees, Rays
