With all the trade talk surrounding Major League Baseball as they get to their first trade deadline of the season tomorrow, I was trying to break down in my head who I thought put themselves in the best position to make a good run in the final months of the year and make it to the playoffs. I’ll go by league and I’ll start today with the American League.
Before we talk about contenders, let me say that I like the overall direction that Alex Anthopolous is taking the Toronto Blue Jays. For once, they have a G.M. that understands his place in the pecking order and is trying to move up the ladder in a slow/methodical fashion as opposed to trying to compete dollar for dollar with franchises that will outspend them every single year.
I loved the trade for Yunel Escobar from the Atlanta Braves because in trading Alex Gonzalez, they did a classic “buy-low, sell-high” all in one move. And from the outcome of the first few games, both teams are winning in the deal. I was a little stunned at the move to send Brett Wallace away to Houston since the prospect in return is years away and is having a sub-par year, but time will tell. Alex gets a pass for now on that deal since he’s done so much good in the short-term.
As far as contenders, most will look to the New York Yankees as the team to beat. Nothing wrong with that since they have such a rich history of winning and a great ball-club, but if I had to put my life on the line, I would go out West and look at a team that is full of turmoil off the field, but on the field, is sitting comfortably in the AL West.
The Texas Rangers have been the surprise of the season in the American League and the big reason for their success is something that they’ve failed to have as a franchise for the longest time: some decent pitching. It’s actually been better than decent as young guys as starters and relievers have all stepped up their game at the same time to make this team one of the best pitching teams in the majors.
Four of their five starters have an ERA under 3.5 and their relief pitchers have done well enough from the 7th inning to have the 4th best ERA after 7 innings. The pickup of Cliff Lee to be their ace was a huge move for a team that is supposed to be cash-strapped and unable to pull off blockbusters. But with all the talk of the pitching, the hitting is still there 1-9 and got even better with the addition of Jorge Cantu from the Florida Marlins.
The Yankees have an amazing line-up 1-9, but can they get solid pitching? The White Sox and Twins have good hitters, but not enough depth with their pitching. To me, the Rangers represent the complete package in the American League.