National League LogoWith nearly 3/4’s of the 2014 MLB season in the books the MLB American League pennant races are certainly heating up! The way that things are shaping up we should have some real dog fights right down to the finish!

The biggest overall surprise and the hottest team in the major leagues come out of the American League West.  The Oakland As currently hold baseballs best record at 71 and 44 and have a 4 game lead over the Los Angeles Angels.  A’s starter, Scott Kazmir has certainly made all the right moves to resurrect his career in Oakland.  Kazmir already has 13 wins under his belt and well on his way to having a shot at being a 20 game winner. The A’s also acquired former Red Sox ace John Lester who earned run average is a low2.44. Lester was acquired for one reason and that’s a serious run for the pennant. Once again the amazing Billy Bean has his boys playing well and buying into his unique system. Come the post season they will be tough to beat and are predicted to go deep in 2014!

In The American League East the Baltimore Orioles are trying desperately to hold off both the Yankees & Blue Jays who are 5 games back.  There is no doubt that this division will tighten up as it comes down to the wire.  An addition that is quickly paying dividends for the 1st place Orioles is that of Nelson Cruz who already has 29 home runs. The Yankees are hoping to get their ace Masahiro Tanaka back in enough time to stay in the race. The Blue Jays Edwin Encarnacion (26) and Jose Bautista (22) are currently both in the top ten home run leaders in the American League. They both will need to keep winging for the fences and connecting if they want to keep pace with the Orioles.

In the American League Central Detroit Tigers are clinging to a slim 2 game lead over the surging Kansas City Royals. Detroit’s pitching staff is arguably the best in the majors and already hosts two 13 games winners with Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer. The Tigers also acquired former Tampa Bay ace David Price to firm up and already incredible staff.  The Royals are playing inspiring baseball but are they peaking too fast remains to be seen but they sure have the Tiger taking notice!