MLB: Weaknesses of Current AL Playoff Teams

We’re into the final push of the MLB season, and playoff races will continue to tighten. Teams still have weaknesses that may prevent them from getting to October, we’ll break those down here.

The final two months of the season mean a lot for every team chasing a Ring in October. Every game counts a little bit more, and every injury can completely change the outcome of a season.

Whether it is an injury, a slump, or a player having a bad season, there are weaknesses on every team. Teams hope that they can cover those weaknesses up and that it isn’t that serious.

Many World Series teams in the past have been able to patch up holes in a lineup or in their pitching. In 2013 the Red Sox had a struggling Stephen Drew who was batting ninth in their lineup until they called up Xander Bogaerts to try and spark the offense.

In 2014, the Giants had a tough time putting together a dependable starting rotation. Because of this, they had to pitch Madison Bumgarner in three World Series games. Thankfully for them, he pitched brilliantly and took home the World Series MVP with a 0.43 ERA and 17 strikeouts.

In these cases, weaknesses don’t hurt teams too much, but for others it can desperately ruin a team’s chances to win.

In 2013 the Tigers lost two games thanks to their bullpen in the ALCS. Their relievers had a 4.07 ERA during the playoffs and the opposition hit .250 off of their relievers. The biggest blow came in game two and game six when the Red Sox managed two grand slams to help send them to the World Series.

Teams don’t have many options after the trade deadline, but they can still promote from within and acquire players through the waiver wire. We will be looking at the AL playoff teams (if the season ended today) who still need help and have weaknesses heading into the final stretch of the season.

Next: AL East