Franimal Magnetism

Well, it finally happened. After weeks of leadup, the Indians and White Sox finally dethroned the Twins from the top of the AL Central. Chicago has taken first, Cleveland has solidified second. 

Now what?

Well, for starters, all three teams are likely heading to the playoffs. The Twins are still in the race, the Indians are right up there with the division leaders, and all three are among the top 5 seeds if the season ended now. I'm not saying an AL Central team is heading to the World Series, but there's a greater chance than any other division right now. 

The Indians, though...they have an interesting case. Last year they were too worn out to be a playoff threat, they exchanged their aging team for a youthful, underdog-type one and are now chasing the big boys. Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale are running this rotation. Franmil Reyes is the hard-hitting DH [I always forget that he's only 24, which is MY AGE for the record]. Cesar Hernandez, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez are still in their prime and playing really well. James Karinchak is making serious waves as a relief specialist. Keep in mind that a competitive Indians team looked completely different just TWO YEARS AGO. The fact that a team can revitalize and recoup within two years is...genuinely impressive.

I just worry about seeding at this point, because they'd be 4th if the season ended today, and that'd pit them against the Twins. So playing the Twins or Blue Jays in a few weeks...sounds interesting, and they could definitely do it, but will this team feel as strong and intimidating in October? Will the momentum hold for the next few weeks? I kind of hope it does.

Coming Tomorrow- There was a rookie of the year candidate out of Milwaukee that I'd never heard of, so I looked him up. Some fantastic relief stuff in the wake of Jeremy Jeffress' leave. Wish there was a better team around him, though.