the 2ND HALF on the JUNIOR Circuit...who will join the CARMINES in AL at the Top as we head to the "Fight for OCTOBER"?...#Os #Bombers #Rays #SwinginAs #Rangers #Tribe #Tigers #ALBiz #ALDS #ALCS #FallClassic2k13

As we move past the Mid-Summer Classic the Junior Circuit is up for grabs but it is rather top-heavy. The Boston Red Sox appear to be the odds on favorite to win the AL East and get to the ALCS. They have got company though with the Swingin' A's, AL East Division foe the Rays, as well as the O's Yanks, and Rangers. What are the Key Elements to push all these Teams to the "Fight for October" with home field advantage in the World Series.

Top AL Teams to get to Winning Time....
Note: Number is current AL Ranking by Record only

AL East

#Carmines 1st (58-39)...The Bo Sox had it back in gear right after a mini June Swoon. They have "Big Papi" and Back Stop Napoli leading with the Power Numbers and Dustin Pedroia being Pedroia leading the charge. The one key for them moving forward is can they get a Healthy RHP Clay Buchholz back and with at least 14 starts. Buch was 9-0 with an AL Best 1.71 ERA in twelve starts. If the Bo Sox get him back in July or early August book it for the Carmines to win the AL East and get to Winning Time.

#Rays 3rd (55-31)...the Rays are on fire heading into the Break as they have passed both the O's and Yanks as the the number one threat to jump the Carmine sin the East. They have a healthy Evan Longoria, a Closer in Rodney, and Starters 2013 All-Star Moore, Hellickson, and Cobb have been impressive and now they get 2012 AL Cy Young Winner David Price back healthy. They are a serious threat to not only the Carmines but the whole Junior Circuit. Price will be the key....

#Orioles 6th (53-43)...they have all the Hitting and Offense you need to get to win the East and get to the Classic. All-Stars Jones, Davis, and Hardy are having career years at the dish as well as 20-year old All-Star Phenom Manny Machado. Their 2nd half success will hinder on that Starting Pitching Staff and its no more clearer than that.

#BronxBombers 7th (51-44)...The Yanks are sliding and they were sliding right into the Break. They won't have the Captain back but they might get A-Rod back for whatever that's worth. They are in the same position as the O's...Starting Pitching and that's it. But you add a Line Up that heavily depends on Cano and Ichiro.....the Yanks will be busy working towards the MLB Trade Deadline. 

AL Central

#Tigers 5th (52-42)...everyone is waiting for the Tigers to hit the O-Zone Layer and runaway with the division and that has not happened. Their Offense is prolific at times but as good as that is they need one more Arm outside of Verlander and Scherzer to get through the Central as the winner and to Winning Time. Then they have to get that #3 Starter to be on his Best on the Bump for the "Fight for October"....do not count out the Tribe or the Royals for that fact.

#Tribe 8th (51-44).....your hitting the snooze button thinking Masterson is their only Dude on the bump. They are Solid in that Rotation from 2-4 behind Masterson. They are playing well and they are not afraid of those "Mighty Tigers". All-Star Second Baseman Jason Kipnis is all of that and he leads them at the dish. They have gotten over that Hump and they believe the Tigers come September might be wishing they put them and that Drum in Left Field up for the Summer. Keep Pitching and Hitting and they should have a shot in the Central. Remember they have New Skip Terry Francona....hence 2nd in the Central.  

AL West

#SwinginAs 2nd (56-39)...they are a team no one pays attention to from a MLB Standpoint because they are on the  West Coast and their neighbors have won two Chips in the last four years. The A's are real and they are the #2 best team in the AL write it down,. They are also as balanced as anyone on the Junior Circuit from Hitting to Pitching to Fielding. The A's have company in the Rangers as they both are threats to get to Winning Time and the "Fight for October". Starting Pitching is their key...

#Rangers 4th (54-41)...the Rangers are right there where they wanna be as they head into the 2nd half.  RHP and 2103 All-Star Yu Darvish heading to the D.L. right before the Break with a Back Issue is a major concern. It's simple they hit but they need Darvish in that Rotation or they are Dunzo!