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.
To continue reading this article by Brian Wright at The Sports Daily, click here.
