We have passed the century mark in games for each team in 2015 and the playoff hunt is still up in the air. Thanks to the second wild card, teams that would usually be giving up are finding themselves still in it. Here is a look at some of the American League teams that still have a shot at making the postseason that are on the outside looking in.
American League Wild Card
Who's in?
Baltimore Orioles (2.0 GB)
The Orioles are in an interesting position in the AL Wild Card. They made one deal at the deadline and that was to acquire Gerardo Parra which helps them solidify their outfield with a gold glove player and a hot left handed bat. In order for them to get back into the playoffs, they will need to follow the hot power bat of Chris Davis who has started to find the same stroke he had two years ago in his breakout campaign. They will also need a healthy Chris Tillman who is sporting a 0.83 ERA since the All-Star break.
Texas Rangers (3.0 GB)
The Rangers made a huge swing at the deadline acquiring Cole Hamels, which gives them a bonafide ace at the top of their rotation. Paired with their power bats and high powered offense, the Rangers look to sneak into the wild card game and with Hamels, they have a real shot at winning the play in game. It is very important that the rest of the rotation follow Hamels and stay healthy. This is a team that has a history of being plagued with injuries ever since their run at the World Series title in 2011.
Detroit Tigers (5.0 GB)
Even though the Tigers did some heavy unloading at the deadline, getting rid of ace David Price, closer Joakim Soria, and All-Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Despite all this, I believe the Tigers still have a shot after I watched their series against the Royals this week where they took 2 out of 3. Plus you can never rule them out when the best pure hitter in the game of baseball Miguel Cabrera is on the mend and will be back in the coming weeks.
Who's out?
Minnesota Twins (3.0 GB)
Despite only being 3 games back in the Wild Card chase, the Twins have been in a freefall ever since the All-Star break and are struggling to find any consistency. Plus with the high powered offenses that are in front of them, it is hard to see them catching up. Their rotation has been nothing but inconsistent and don't seem to have what they need to stay in contention.
Chicago White Sox (5.0 GB)
The White Sox have had a weird year this season. Their are times when you believe that they will find their stride and go on a run, with their lineup as nice as it is, but the fact is the Sox are just not there. Jose Abreu is having a very down year and Adam LaRoche has not been at all been what they had invisioned. Their pitching has hit a wall, Chris Sale has not been himself his past two starts, Carlos Rodon is incredibly inconsistent and the rest of the staff is so up and down. It will be hard to see them make up the ground to chase down the Blue Jays.
