The 2013 Major League Baseball season has reached its unofficial halfway point, and the All Star Game unfolded in recent days. The break occurs almost 100 games into a 162-game schedule, meaning that all teams have had plenty of time to form their identity. Here’s a look at some of the strongest teams heading into the final 60+ games of the year, plus a look ahead to an interesting weekend series.
It would be difficult and foolish to refute the accomplishments of the Oakland Athletics. Once again, the front office has done more with less out West, building a contender by way of a payroll that pales in comparison to some of the perennial contenders in the AL East. Oakland has gained a small lead in the AL West by way of excellent starting and relief pitching, which has excited a large and passionate fan base. Grant Balfour pitched a solid inning of middle relief in the All Star Game on Tuesday night, and American League hitters are plenty familiar with the Oakland closer’s impressive abilities.
The Boston Red Sox continue to be the pacesetters in the aforementioned AL East. It appeared that the New York Yankees were in a position to battle them for the rest of the season as recently as a month ago, but the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles have since surpassed the Bronx Bombers in the standings. The National League is already a three horse race, as long as you’re willing to dismiss the five teams in the National League West. The Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates are clearly a cut above the league’s other dozen teams, and it is very likely that one of these three will represent the National League in the 2013 World Series.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will square off against the Washington Nationals this weekend in a battle of two teams initially poised to do big things this season. Both squads are full of talent and only a few games out of first-place, making them worthy candidates to spoil the party of a team that has been cruising this far. How this series plays out will obviously have an impact on both division races, and a sweep could mean major momentum for either team.