MLB Daily Dish: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Network Message: 50% Off: CBS/SB Nation Fantasy Baseball

Olney: AL Race up for grabs?

In Buster Olney's latest blog, he points to faults in the four teams most likely heading to the playoffs: the Yankees, Tigers, Angels, and Red Sox. Without completely ruining the article for you, Olney talks mostly about the pitching problems, whether it  be in the rotation or in the bullpen, for the clubs. 

Yankees ace CC Sabathia will have to prove he can pitch in October when he likely will start Game 1 versus the Tigers. Tigers pitchers Jarrod Washburn and Nate Robertson have been hit with injuries, leaving the back-end of the rotation in question down the stretch. However, scheduling will play in the Tigers' favor as long as Verlander, Porcello, and Jackson can stay healthy. They could work with three pitchers in the divisional series, but definitely need Washburn and Robertson if they make it to the ALCS.

The Red Sox's middle relief is cause for concern because you can expect the Red Sox to be mindful of the innings of Lester and Buchholz. Lester pitched 237.0 innings last season including the postseason and is already at 188.0 this season. Including his time in Triple-A, Buchholz has pitched a career high 176.1 innings this season. Matsuzaka hasn't been able to go the distance this season, not pitching more than 6 innings this season. Red Sox ace Josh Beckett has a 12 million dollar club option next season that the Red Sox would hate to see go to waste if his arm falls off when the season is over (he already has 193.1 innings logged).

Angels closer Brian Fuentes has put up great numbers this season, but a September collapse has Mike Scoscia considering other options. Kevin Jepson will be used in certain situations, but Fuentes has played a key role in the Angels' late inning success this season. If he cannot find his form, the Angels could be in trouble.

So what do you guys think? Which AL team is going to the World Series?

Poll
Which AL team is going to the World Series?
Yankees
121 votes
Red Sox
53 votes
Angels
56 votes
Tigers
21 votes

251 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 0 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from MLB Daily Dish

Offseason Day 1!

Nov 2009 by Eli Greenspan - 0 comments

Comments

Display:

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

A blog about MLB Trades, Signings and Rumors
Start posting on MLB Daily Dish »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

Cbs_fantasy_baseball_promo

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small
Cubs Reliever's Career May be Cut Short by Shoulder Injury
N1155513131_8628_small
Blue Jays sign Kevin Gregg

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

2010 MLB Arbitration Tracker
Who carries MLB packages? Does Direct TV? Dish Network? Any other...
Headline after Sox/Angels
Call of the AL Wild Card
NL Wild Card Predictions
Boras's Take from the 1st Round Signings
Talks ongoing with Matzek as deadline nears : All Things Rockies Colorado
White Sox Acquire Alex Rios
Alex Rios Claimed On Waivers
Dodgers get Sherrill

+ New FanShot All FanShots >


Managers

N1155513131_8628_small Eli Greenspan

Editors

Small Brendan Scolari

Charlie_small Charlie

Paige_small Satchel Price