• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
MLB MVP

American League Playoff Picture

May 29, 2018
Faneca: Hines Ward “Absolutely, 100 Percent Deserves” to Be A Hall of Famer

Faneca: Hines Ward “Absolutely, 100 Percent Deserves” to Be A Hall of Famer

March 3, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Wyatt Davis

March 3, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Raiders TE Foster Moreau

Raiders Backup TE Fight for Snaps

March 3, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dyami Brown

March 3, 2021
Possible Chicago Bears trade target Russell Wilson

Chicago Bears: Desperation Could Help Team Land Big Quarterback

March 3, 2021
Matt Mitrione: Showcasing that NFL and MMA  Crossovers Can Work

Matt Mitrione: Showcasing that NFL and MMA Crossovers Can Work

March 3, 2021
Why Not Eight? Tom Brady Already Focused On 2021

Why Not Eight? Tom Brady Already Focused On 2021

March 2, 2021

This Or That: Jon Feliciano Or David Andrews?

March 2, 2021
Could Miami Replace Stability Center Ted Karras with Green Bay’s Corey Linsley?

Could Miami Replace Stability Center Ted Karras with Green Bay’s Corey Linsley?

March 2, 2021
Former Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine

Chicago Bears: Team Makes First Move To Add Salary Cap Space

March 2, 2021
How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”

How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”

March 2, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: CB Ronald Darby

Giants Free-Agency Targets: CB Ronald Darby

March 2, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home MLB

American League Playoff Picture

Ben Rolfe by Ben Rolfe
May 29, 2018
in MLB
Reading Time: 6min read
0
MLB MVP
1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Last week I reviewed how the National League Playoff Picture was shaping up. Now that we have passed Memorial Day it is time we took a look at the American League. However, while the NL has not gone at all how predictions saw it, the American League has gone more to form. Additionally, when we look at the wildcard picture things are more complicated here. In the NL there are still 12 teams who could claim a wildcard spot. In the American League, there are probably only seven or maybe eight teams that have a realistic shot at making the playoffs.

AL East

Team Wins Losses GB
Boston 37 17 –
NY Yankees 33 17 2.0
Tampa Bay 26 26 10.0
Toronto 25 29 12.0
Baltimore 17 37 20.0

 

More FromFPC

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

February 26, 2021

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021

Mets Add Taijuan Walker Another Cost Cutting Measure

February 20, 2021

The Favorites

There have been no real surprises on this division especially with the Boston Red Sox who have been fairly consistent most of the season. They came out of the gates fast and were always going to slip back into the hands of the Yankees. They have a run differential of +82 and you could argue their pitching has not yet really been at its best. That tells you just how good this offense has been and they are going to be a lot of fun to watch in 2018.

The Yankees did stumble out of the gate but came roaring back and at one point led this division. Their pitchers also have more to give but their offense has been strong. This should be a really fun back-and-forth between these two teams all season.

The Wildcards?

The Rays have done what they always seem to do and have defied many people’s expectations to sit third. However, they are 10 games back from the division lead and 6.5 back from the wildcard. We have already seen their intentions as they shipped their closer and veteran outfielder to Seattle this week. Do not be surprised to see more selling from this ball club.

The Blue Jays have flashed some good but they are close to being out of the playoff picture. They are 8.5 games back in the wildcard standings but it feels like a long shot they make it at this stage. Do not be surprised if we see the Blue Jays sell off some veteran names such as Josh Donaldson. We have already seen this team turn to youth in 2018 and we could soon see more of it.

The Bottom Dwellers

There is no nice way to phrase this, the Orioles have sucked in 2018. Outside of Manny Machado their offense has been terrible and their pitching has actually been worse. The most interesting thing about this team is will they sell Machado off as a rental and who to?

AL Central

Team Wins Losses GB
Cleveland 27 25 –
Detroit 24 29 3.5
Minnesota 22 27 3.5
Kansas City 18 36 10.0
Chicago WS 16 35 10.5

 

The Favorites

As I predicted to start the year the Indians have not run away with this division. However, I thought that would be because the Twins would push them all the way. In reality, it has been that this has just been the worse division in baseball. The Indians are the only team with a positive run differential and the only team over .500. The Indians cannot afford to slip up now because winning the division may be their only route into the playoffs.

The Contenders

The Detroit Tigers have actually surprised me and many others in 2018. I fully expected the Tigers to be completely out of this and among the worst teams in the majors. Some of the reason they are still in it this season is because the Indians and Twins have let the game slip. The Tigers have a tough decision to make here: commit to the rebuild or push for the playoffs in 2018. Honestly, they would be foolish to try and make the playoffs because even if they win this division they will come up against one of the juggernauts of the AL in the first round of the playoffs.

The Twins have been the most disappointing team for me. I fully expected them to be pushing the Indians. Instead, they are 3.5 games behind the Indians who have yet to hit their straps. The Twins will be extremely disappointed but they have a relatively young team who can challenge in the future. They are certainly not out of the division race but I think the Indians pull away from this bad division.

The Bottom Dwellers

I did expect the Royals to be near the bottom of this division so this is no surprise. Their whole roster has been disappointing and we know they are already looking to sell. The glory days have well and truly gone for the Royals.

The White Sox have been a little bit disappointing. I hoped their young team would be able to be close to .500 and maybe look like challengers a year early. That has not been the case. The White Sox are a fun team to a watch with a lot of talent. Do not be surprised if they end the season strong in 2018.

AL West

Team Wins Losses GB
Houston 35 17 –
Seattle 33 17 1.0
LA Angels 29 26 5.5
Oakland 28 29 6.5
Texas 22 34 13.5

 

The Favorites

The Houston Astros are leading their division, but not quite in the dominant fashion they should be. However, their run differential is +126 which leads the majors. This indicates that they could pull away from this division across the rest of the season. They have an amazing young team and their only weakness is too much faith in their bad closer. If anyone is going to take on the Red Sox and Yankees then this is the team to do it.

The Contenders

The Mariners have been somewhat of a surprise package this season and are in pole position for the second wildcard spot. The Mariners are already taking steps to boost their roster for a playoff push. However, they are a long way behind the top three teams in this conference. Without some major injuries to the Red Sox, Yankees and Astros I struggle to see them winning a playoff series. Right now their pitching is carrying them and that does present an issue. They have scored the least amount of runs in the division and will need to find some more offense if they are to sustain this push.

The Angels came out of the gate fast and then faded. They have two of the most interesting players in the majors in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani so I want to see them in the playoffs. If they want to challenge the upper echelon of this conference they need more from their offense. Their rotation also probably needs a couple more pieces before they are true challengers. These would be my bet right now for the wildcard.

The Athletics are much like the Tampa Bay Rays, pleasantly surprising. Every year we expect nothing from this team and every year they seem to hang around. The trouble is they do not excel at anything and that will make it hard for them to claim that second wildcard spot.

The Bottom Dwellers

The Rangers are in a real mess. Their offense is boom or bust and their rotation is mostly just flat out bust. The Rangers have already started looking towards the future in some positions. Their biggest bright spot has been the play of Nomar Mazara who is having his breakout season in 2018.

Tags: AL CentralAL EastAL WestAmerican LeagueBaltimore OriolesBoston Red Soxchicago white soxCleveland IndiansDetroit TigersHouston AstrosKansas City RoyalsLos Angeles AngelsMinnesota TwinsMLBNew York YankeesOakland AthleticsSeattle MarinersTampa Bay RaysTexas Rangerstoronto blue jays
Share596Tweet373
Previous Post

Cowboys Roster Prediction (Defense)

Next Post

Projecting the Buffalo Bills 2018 Offensive Starters

Ben Rolfe

Ben Rolfe

Next Post
Dec 10, 2017; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball defended by Indianapolis Colts strong safety Matthias Farley (41) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo defeated Indianapolis 13-7 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Projecting the Buffalo Bills 2018 Offensive Starters

Oakland Raiders LB Tahir Whitehead

Raiders Choices: Why Veterans Make Sense for Oakland

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 32: HOFer Alan Faneca Joins the Shows
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 5:11 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43721848/eyetest_ep32.mp3
  • Ep.196: Karendacity, Southern Unhospitality, Hot Dogs
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3050453055.mp3?updated=1614787762
  • 3/3 - Car Stories; Veterans Released; Patriots QB in 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3395676457.mp3?updated=1614789665
  • Ep.71: 2021 Preview: Week One
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 9:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7736742284.mp3
  • The Most Dangerous Lead in Hockey - Mar. 2, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/6F48GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5459284023.mp3?updated=1614718406
  • Ep #95: A Look At Latest Comments From Brett Veach
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7560364991.mp3
  • Ep 31: A Conversation With Former HOF Voter Ira Miller
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43706342/eyetest_ep31.mp3
  • Ep. 195: The Creep, the Sheep, the Sleep
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 5:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7267001388.mp3
  • Ep.194: Cascading Waterfall of WTF
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 7:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4347396937.mp3
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 11 - LeBron vs. Ibrahimović; Why Kobe Isn't the Right Choice for NBA Logo
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 1:59 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43696480/pick_and_roll_3_1.mp3

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 2, 2021 at 4:49 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Lashley Finally Did It […]

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

More Wrestling News

  • Dinamo Riga Sack Peteris Skudra
    by Aivis Kalnins on March 3, 2021 at 7:46 pm

    After a massive failure during the regular season which led to a historically bad finish - Dinamo […]

  • Don’t Look Now, But Islanders Are Tied For First In Division With The Capitals
    by Curtis Rush on March 3, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    The New York Islanders have pulled into a tie with the Washington Capitals for first place in the […]

  • Jarry Shines as Penguins Defeat Rival Flyers
    by Luke Talotta on March 3, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    Tristan Jarry was stellar in goal for the Pens and continues to show that his early-season […]

  • Par for the Course: Desert Aesthetic Highlights Palm Springs Arena
    by FPC AHL Staff on March 3, 2021 at 4:47 pm

    The arena plan calls for groundbreaking in May near Palm Desert, aiming for completion in time for […]

  • How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”
    by Murray Pam on March 2, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    Drake Batherson potted another two goals Monday in the Ottawa Senators 5-1 romp over the Calgary […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage