American League Update: Opposite of N.L.
Unlike the National League, the American League is full of surprises so far this season. If we go back to the preseason and look at the predictions as to how the teams would finish, and they still might because there is a long way to go, the standings today would look almost nothing like them.
The Toronto Blue Jays were picked by most to win the A.L. East. As of today they are in dead last place at 10-21. This has to make Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria feel a bit vindicated. He traded three of his star players to the Jays for prospects, sending Marlins fans into a rage.
The Boston Red Sox were picked by many to struggle in the A.L. East, yet they are leading at 20-10. The Tampa Bay Rays were supposed to contend, but they are in fourth at 13-16 including 1-6 in games started by defending A.L. Cy Young winner David Price.
The A.L Central has the Kansas City Royals near the top, a place they haven’t been for a long time. They are 16-10 and have won three straight and seven of ten. Last season, the Chicago White Sox led the division for most of the season. This year so far they are in fifth place.
The West is probably the most surprising division so far. The Los Angeles Angels were supposed to be the favorite here. Many thought this team would win it all with Josh Hamilton, Mike Trout and Albert Pujols leading the attack. But right now they sit in fourth place at 11-19. If the lowly Houston Astros were not in the same division, they would be the worst team in it.
Some things are going according to plan. The Detroit Tigers look like a good bet to repeat as American League Champions as they lead the Central at 18-11. Again, Miguel Cabrera is a hitting machine as he is near the top of the standings in average and RBIs.
The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are hanging in with the Red Sox. The Yanks are currently 1.5 back and the Orioles are 2.5 behind.
The Texas Rangers don’t seem to miss Hamilton much. They are leading the West at 19-11 while the Oakland A’s are right behind them at 17-14.
The big questions in the American League are will the Jays, Rays and Angles get things turned around in time to get back into the race. They will need Hamilton, Price, and Jose Bautista to get cranked up and start contributing. None of them has been playing up to his potential thus far.
One team that impresses us, and we have not seen many of their games, is the Royals. These guys can really hit all through the lineup. Also, no lead seems to be safe with these guys. They come from behind and make it look easy. Watch them all season. They could be a team with favorable odds that will have a chance to do damage.
