The final two weeks of the regular season isn’t just a time for playoff positioning. It’s also a stretch in which the unproven clubs can make a statement – or take a step back.
With that, here are teams with legitimate threats to play (at least) deep into October and the teams that are merely a mirage.
Contenders
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
A logical comparison heading into the postseason would be to foresee the dominant starting pitching pair of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke as similar to that of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling circa 2001.
But even though this Dodger duo is putting up remarkable numbers together, their years won’t be considered successful without success beyond the 162-game slate. Fortunately for Kershaw, the St. Louis October bugaboo may be avoided. Los Angeles figures to meet the Mets in the Division Series, while the Pirates and Cubs can very well topple the Cards.
With an offense that is hit-or-miss and a back end of the rotation that’s tremendously questionable, the burden rests squarely on the two aces – both poised for (and capable of) a long-awaited breakthrough.
2. Toronto Blue Jays
While the Dodgers can prove the notion that “good pitching beats good hitting,” the Blue Jays possess sluggers that no arms can hold down.
Ever since this past off-season began, GM Alex Anthopoulos has been flawless in his transactions. In a fateful trade for Oakland, he acquired the eventual AL MVP in Josh Donaldson. His insertion into a lineup that already boasted the power of Jose Bautista and eventually included the deadline addition of Troy Tulowitzki (who could return for the playoffs) helped make Toronto tops in runs scored, slugging percentage and on-base percentage – all leading to the franchise’s first postseason berth since the World Series season of 1993.
But all these right moves haven’t just been made to the offense. By nabbing David Price in late July, the Jays got an pitcher who is accustomed to the playoff atmosphere and has proven more than capable of fulfilling the team’s lofty ambitions. In nine starts, he is 7-1 with a 2.17 earned run average (ERA).
1. Chicago Cubs
Their place in the playoffs is secure, but these young Cubs are entering uncharted waters. Therefore, doubts may creep up about their ability to measure up. Let’s swiftly put aside those reservations.
Not only has Chicago posted the third-best record in the National League, the Cubs are 23-15 since Aug. 1 and 42-33 away from Wrigley Field – belying a typical stereotype of an inexperienced team.
For added proof of its maturity, Joe Maddon’s bunch did more than just stand tall against the Pirates and Cardinals last week. The Cubs took five out of seven contests.
If they manage to get past the one-game Wild Card showdown (presumably versus Pittsburgh), it could mark the start of something special. Just ask the Giants.
Cubs swagger is back after blazing hot August and September http://t.co/0RBPClHSJ4
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 22, 2015
Pretenders
3. New York Mets
A season that’s taken enough turns to make one dizzy created its latest nauseating moment on Sunday with Matt Harvey’s early removal after five stress-free shutout innings against the Yankees. The bullpen quickly relinquished the 1-0 lead, and the doomsayers arose.
The Mets’ 6.5-game edge in the N.L. East over Washington appears safe, even to a panic-stricken fan base traumatized by the collapses of 2007 and 2008.
But even if they get to the playoffs, how seriously can we take a team that is mainly feasting on a very weak division? And still lingering is the question of whether “Half-Hearted” Harvey will be able to give a full effort on the postseason stage or if his self-proclaimed “Dark Knight” image is really a facade.
2. Houston Astros
To make the leap from perennial bottom feeder to the top of its division is a feat that has already made this year a success. Houston’s season-long reign over the AL West, however, slipped away when Texas overtook the Astros in a key four-game series.
Despite the sweep, the Rangers’ lead is now stands at one. Houston has an opportunity to return the favor when the two teams meet at Minute Maid Park for a three-game set beginning on Friday. There’s a good chance that could happen, especially since the Astros are 51-25 at home.
Take them away from their friendly confines, and Houston becomes mortal (29-46). A prime example is Dallas Keuchel, with a 4-8 road record. It isn’t a comforting thought for the natives to know that the likelihood of the Astros having home-field advantage in a Wild Card match-up or a Division Series is slim.
1. Minnesota Twins
It was nice while it lasted. Under first-year manager Paul Molitor, the Twins were the surprise of baseball during the initial two months of the 2015 campaign. But in the marathon that is a season, Minnesota has evolved into more tortoise than hare over the summer.
Only a mediocre American League has kept the Twins breathing, even though they are seven games below .500 since the start of June. Multiple starting pitchers, including Mike Pelfrey and his 7.04 September ERA, have wilted down the stretch.
The offense has also regressed. All-Star Brian Dozier, who had 19 home runs and 50 runs driven in at the break, has just eight homers and 20 RBI since. As a team, the Twins have combined to hit .240 in the second half (next-to-last among AL teams).