All the excitement below them in the standings didn't seem to affect the Tigers over the past month, as they went 16-9 and appear to be cruising towards the division title. Their success is a team effort, as Ivan Rodriguez, Brandon Inge and Magglio Ordonez are all having great offensive years. Justin Verlander has been a force on the mound.
Outlook:
There's no reason to think that the Tigers will collapse, as they're solid from top to bottom.
Chicago White Sox
Currently:
The White Sox are in a bit of trouble. What once seemed like a solid hold on the Wild Card is now tenuous at best. The White Sox stumbled to a 10-15 record over the past 30 days, and it would be worse if not for the efforts of Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye. Ozzie Guillen's antics and resulting distractions haven't helped.
Outlook:
The White Sox are still the World Champions, and they should have the mettle to turn it around. They'd better get moving soon though or they'll be left out of the postseason altogether.
Minnesota Twins
Currently:
The Twins are on an incredible roll. They've gone 18-8 over the past 30 days, and that includes an eight-game winning streak and a sweep of the White Sox in Chicago. Joe Mauer is having an enormous year from the plate, and star pitchers Francisco Liriano and Johan Santana make the Twins awfully tough to beat. Baseball tickets are all the rage in Minnesota these days, and there are some very good reasons for that.
Outlook:
It's hard to imagine any team continuing this pace long-term, but everyone thought the Twins were out of it early on in the season and look where they are now. They also finish the season with a three-game set against the White Sox, and that could decide the Wild Card.
Cleveland Indians
Currently:
The Indians suffered through another tough month, posting only a 10-16 record over the past 30 days, and it's getting to be about time to put this season to bed and start building for 2007. Travis Hafner continues to be a bright spot, but the rest of this division is just too good to catch up now.
Outlook:
The Indians know how to build a team, so look for them to rebound next season.
Kansas City Royals
Currently:
When you're talking about the Royals, you need to measure progress in relative terms. The Royals went 12-15 over the past month, which is actually not that bad compared to their overall record. Regardless, the season is over, and the Royals are simply playing out the string.
Outlook:
The season is over, but fans in Kansas City are loyal, so they'll still use their baseball tickets to get a look at the future.
