If Bud Selig wanted another exciting race to October then his wish was conceded. There are currently six teams in the American League and four in the National League that have a chance of making the playoffs through the new Wild Card system.
The Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox have sole possession of their divisions. Meanwhile the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are tied for first in the East.
So who is in and who is out come October in the American League?
IN
DETRIOT TIGERS
Love what Robin Ventura is doing out in the Windy City. He has turned the White Sox into fighters, but how could a team with a Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander not be in the playoffs? The Tigers are currently only a game behind the White Sox and though struggling, are doing slightly better than the Sox in their past 10 games. The White Sox are 3-7 and the Tigers are 5-5.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
They have the best pitching staff in the American League. They have dynamic young hitters who can come through in the clutch. Add the fact that they have experience creating last minute miracles and can perform under pressure as their young stars have shined brightly under the microscope.
NEW YORK YANKEES
I choose to disbelieve that the Yankees will fail. They have done this in the past and always managed to get into the playoffs. Yeah, they end up losing once they are there, but their offense is full of veterans that have been in the playoffs before. They know what it takes to win and although Jeter is not the typical guy who can carry a ballclub by himself, he might just do it to further immortalize his name.
OUT
Baltimore Orioles
I dislike their pitching even though I am rooting for them to go all the way. Buck Showalter and his orange birds will be the story of the baseball year regardless if they make the playoffs or not, but getting there would make the season extremely memorable. They have destroyed the Yankees as of late, so maybe they have the guts to pull it, but in the end, aside from a shady starting rotation, they have one of the streakiest lineups in baseball.
Chicago White Sox
As mentioned above, the White Sox have been great so far this season, but the Detroit Tigers are just a game behind and this late in the season. The Tiger veterans have what it takes to carry team into the playoffs.
