Boston Red Sox (97-65) What a difference Bobby Valentine makes?! A memorable season for Bostonians from the appalling events of the Boston Marathon to Daniel Nava's homerun a week later to a return to the top of the AL East. Grand Theft Ellsbury led the majors in steals, while John Farrell resurrected Lester, Lackey, and Buchholz. Koji Uehara was a revelation as a closer and he made everyone forget the previous #19.
St. Louis Cardinals (97-65) Matt Carpenter's breakthrough season made second Albert Pujolsless season a success. The Cards haven't missed a beat or the playoffs since Pujol's departure. Yadier Molina was the first half team MVP as he builds on what I feel is a Hall of Fame type career.
Atlanta Braves (96-66) One Upton earned his paycheck, while the other was below the Mendoza line. But defense wins championships and Andrelton Simmons will most likely win his first of many Gold Gloves. Will they suffer the same fate as many of those 90s era Braves squads or will the city of Atlanta finally enjoy its second World Series championship.
Oakland Athletics (96-66) The 27th highest payroll proves that Billy Beane is at it again. Yoenis Cespedes best performance was at the Homerun Derby, but Bartolo Colon proved Cy worthy while avoiding more suspension time. Is a first World Series appearance since the Bash Brothers in the books or will my brother's heart be broken again?
Pittsburgh Pirates (94-68) The Buccos enjoyed their first winning season since I was in college with a Wild Card berth. While the Steelers are playing like the Pirates and the Pirates playing like The Family, Pittsburgh is once again a baseball town. Get the Shark tank ready as one of baseball's finest stadiums finally gets to host a playoff game.
Detroit Tigers (93-69) Arguably the best team in baseball with two(!?!?) Cy Young winners, two MVPs, and one Prince Fielder. But about that closer?!They were no-hit on the final day of the season, but are looking for the last hit and final say on the 2013 post-season.
Cleveland Indians (92-70) Swishaliscious and Giambino surface in 'Cleaveland' and everyone is all smiles. Okay, it helped that Terry Francona is in the dugout. The reward for such a fine season? A Wild Card game with the winner heading to Fenway.
Los Angeles (92-70) Don Mattingly went from nearly fired to manager of the year candidate. An historic summer run led by Cuban non-all-star Yasiel Puig had everyone loving LA as Kobe mended his Achilles. Will the curse of the Donbo continue in the World Series?
Texas Rangers & Tampa Bay Rays (91-71) Rays are up 3-1 right now. Rangers had a fine season minus Josh Hamilton. Yu Darvish struck out close to 300 hitters and most likely 100 Astros, but an early September collapse landed them in the play-in game. I've long stated the Rays were the best of the AL East, however they probably called up Wil Myers to late to prove my point.
Cincinnati Reds (90-72) A few weeks ago I picked the Red Machine to win it all based on the fact they have yet to have a great run yet. Plus I think Bronson Arroyo is the coolest ever and would love to see him match up against the Sox in the World Series. 1975 anyone?!?
