The All-Star break is over with, and the trading deadline is quickly approaching as well. Just about two months remain in the 2013 MLB regular season, and as of yet, no team has truly pulled away in their division. Here is a look at each division, with winners picked.
American League East
The Orioles and Yankees may feel as though they have a shot in the division, but it should come down to the Rays and Red Sox. A couple weeks ago Boston seemed to be the team this year, but Tampa Bay’s pitching is too good.
Pick: Tampa Bay Rays
American League Central
Cleveland is hanging around, but Detroit is the class of the AL Central. If Justin Verlander can turn back into a true ace, this team will pull away with the division in the next month, and fantasy baseball fans may forgive him for some poor performances in the 1st half of the season.
Pick: Detroit Tigers
American League West
Don’t look now, but the Oakland Athletics are once again the class of the AL West. The Rangers picking up Matt Garza in a recent trade will certainly help them out, but it is the offense that needs to be better. Oakland holds on, barely.
Pick: Oakland Athletics
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National League East
The Atlanta Braves have the biggest divisional lead in baseball, but that has more to do with the rest of the division being below .500. Washington seems lost at times, and Philadelphia really looks their age. They might not cruise to the finish, but Atlanta wins this division.
Pick: Atlanta Braves
National League Central
The three best records in the National League are all in this division, which means that this has the potential to be the hottest race down the stretch in baseball. Pittsburgh is a great story, but a few injuries have derailed them recently. Cincinnati might be too far back to catch St. Louis with the way the Cardinals are playing.
Pick: St. Louis Cardinals
National League West
San Francisco, fresh off their second World Series in three seasons, appears to just about be out of it. The Dodgers are getting healthier at the right time, and although the Diamondbacks are exceeding expectations this season, Los Angeles will end up with the divisional crown.
Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Dodgers Sweep Phils, Gain Ground in West - May 1, 2017
- Dodgers Struggle to String Together Wins - April 27, 2017
- Inconsistent Bats Lead to .500 Start for Dodgers - April 12, 2017