By Jay Nault
The American League is extremely competitive in 2006, and nearly all of the postseason positions could come down to the final week of the regular season. All of the races at this point are too close to label a clear favorite, but history and trends in general will create a potentially riveting September for any of several teams.
AL East Winner:
Boston Red Sox
Why they’ll win the division:
This will likely be the most-watched race for the rest of the season because the way it’s shaping up, the Wild Card will come from the AL Central. As such, the division pennant will be akin to a sudden-death playoff in September. The Red Sox get the edge simply because they’re younger, healthier and play better together than the Yankees, who have questions all over their roster.
AL Central Winner:
Detroit Tigers
Why they’ll win the division:
The Tigers have been the surprise of baseball in 2006, and they’ve played so well so far that it’s unlikely they’ll collapse to the point where they fall out of contention. Teams that sit more than 30 games over .500 at the break almost always wind up in the postseason, and their chemistry and pitching, which leads the AL in team ERA, will carry them through to the division title.
AL West Winner:
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Why they’ll win the division:
This will be a three-team race for the rest of the season between the Angels, Rangers and A’s, but the Angels get the nod for a couple of reasons. First, they have a more talented roster than their competition. Secondly, the Angels have a recent history of playing well in the second half and peaking at the right time. Third, the A’s and Rangers have been scrapping their way to respectable records, while the Angels have been far from satisfied with their play, and they have the ability to bring their collective game to a level that’s unreachable by the other teams.
Wild Card:
Chicago White Sox
Why they’ll win the Wild Card race:
In just about any other season or in just about any other division that didn’t include the white-hot Tigers, the White Sox would hold a comfortable lead. However, the Tigers are having an unbelievable year, and the White Sox have a lot of internal turmoil to go with their talent. The defending champs will defend that title in the postseason, however, as their record is too far above the Yankees/Rangers/A’s to have to worry about being caught at the end. They’ll also be an extremely tough “out” in the playoffs, as they obviously have the experience to present an enormous challenge to anyone they face in October.
After another look at each of the divisions over the next few weeks, we’ll revisit this issue and let you know who we think will win it all in October. Until then, sit tight and enjoy the ride – it’s going to be a fun second half in the American League.
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