MLB Standings 2014: Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals And Favorites to Win AL Central [Poll]
With about a quarter of the regular season remaining, every game is critical going forward.
The three American League divisions are all preparing for a wild September, to crown their division champions. The closest race in Major League Baseball this season has taken place in the American League Central. Although we are 120 games into the season, the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals are separated by just half a game.
All five teams are still alive for a potential playoff berth, so every game is critical. The Tigers have won this division the last three seasons, but this year could play out different, as other teams are looking like they can challenge for the AL Central crown:
Kansas City Royals
It's incredible that a team that ranks dead last in home runs (71) is actually in first place in their division. For some perspective, the Baltimore Orioles have 150 home runs so far this season.
The Royals have been red hot lately, winning eight of their last 10 games and find themselves in first place. The Royals are 64-54, and are in the middle of a series with the Oakland Athletics. Even though the Royals haven't been hitting the long ball, they have five batters with more than 100 hits on the season already. Dominican born pitcher has emerged onto the scene this year and James Shields has been great. They have a combined 20 wins. Royals fans have been waiting a long time to see their team make the playoffs -- 29 years to be exact.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers made a huge addition by trading for David Price just minutes before the trade deadline this season. However, the Tigers have been struggling lately as they are 3-7 in their last 10 games. It comes as a huge surprise that the Tigers now rank 22nd overall in team ERA. Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is showing signs of weakness. Venezuelan hitters Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez lead the team in home runs, hits, batting average, doubles and RBIs. The Tigers are currently 63-54, and are in the second wild card spot just behind the Angels.
Cleveland Indians
Even if the Indians miss the playoffs, Cleveland fans still have the thrill of watching LeBron James return and Johnny Manziel play. The Indians are currently 59-59, and their offense has been carrying them. The Indians' offense ranks fifth in total runs scored and 10th in home runs hit. Carlos Santana leads the Indians with 20 balls hit out of the park. It's unlikely the Tribe will win the AL Central, but the AL wild card spot is still there for the taking.
Chicago White Sox
It hasn't been a very good baseball year in the Windy City. The White Sox are 57-63, and the Cubs are, well, the Cubs. Even though it doesn't look like the White Sox will make it far this year, their future looks bright. Alexei Ramirez and Jose Abreu power the seventh-best hitting team in baseball. Chris Sale has been the only standout pitcher for the White Sox this season. At 57-63, the White Sox are six wins back of the Tigers for the second wild card spot.
Minnesota Twins
With just 53 wins on the season, it looks as if the Twins will miss the postseason for the fourth consecutive season. The Twins rank 22nd in home runs hit and 28th in team pitching. They haven't done very well in divisional play either. The next 15 game will be the most crucial part of the Twins season, as 14 of them will be against the Royals, Indians and Tigers. Brian Dozer is the Twins best hope of a possible miracle run for the postseason.
Feel free to vote in our poll below on who you think is going to win the American League Central
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