Could we see the Rangers doing this in late October next year?
Congratulations to the New York Yankees for winning the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies. Baseball fans can say they bought the title all they want, but they are the best team and deserve the title. Now… on to next year. Next year could give us a chance to see perennial losers contend and some middle of the road teams head towards the top as well. Here is a look at five usually unlikely teams that could contend for a title next year.
Minnesota Twins - The Twins really ended the year strong before being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the future world champions. This year’s regular season success should carry over to next year and really give the Twins a chance to contend, especially if Francisco Liriano can get back on track. The Twins will be my early favorite to win the central division and at least secure a spot in the playoffs. After all, when you have guys like Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in your lineup, you can contend with just about anybody.
Texas Rangers - That’s right, the Texas Rangers will again be in contention next year. Except next go around don’t be surprised to see the Rangers lock into a playoff spot. The Rangers were in contention this year up until the last couple of weeks of the season, and they had the Angels number all season. They will again need that advantage. For once the Rangers pitching will be exceptional with vet Kevin Millwood and young arms Derek Holland, Tommy Hunter, and Neftali Feliz. The Rangers always have one of the best offenses in the league. If the Rangers can get into the playoffs, look out because they could be dangerous.
Tampa Bay Rays - The Rays will go into next year with a very talented team. In terms of talent, one could argue that the team possesses more talent than the one that went to the World Series last year. They just need to get back to playing ball. If the pitching rotation would just pitch at two-thirds the level they are capable of, then this team will be in contention even if the offense is sub-par.
Atlanta Braves- The Braves starting rotation led the majors this year with a 3.52 era. That has to be exciting to a Braves team that has missed out on the postseason 4 years straight (after winning 14 straight division titles). If the Braves can hang on to LaRoche then that will help things immensely. Plus, you know that Bobby Cox will have his team fired up to make the post season so that he can retire on a good note.
Florida Marlins - This season the Marlins only finished 6 games back of the NL champion Phillies. They are a young team and will have another year under their belt entering next season, not to mention Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins will really need Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco to get off to a good start so that they don’t fall out of contention too early. If they can hang around until late season, they may just be able to squeak out enough games to get into the playoffs.
I’m sure that the perennial winners (spenders) will meet once again in the playoffs, but every year there are a couple teams that jump up and shock everybody. I don’t think that fans would necessarily be shocked if one of these teams reached the playoffs but I’m talking a World Series ring here, and each one of these teams will have the talent to get their next year, it’s all about the will to win.
