Chicago White Sox
Having been swept by the Detroit Tigers just days ago, it is easy to see why some might want to write off September for the White Sox. Some fans feel the South Siders simply do not stack up to Detroit.
The White Sox will win because of a stellar defense, a powerful offense and a pitching staff that discovers a new hero each week.
The Chicago White Sox have played some of the best defense in American League all year. With the third fewest errors and second highest fielding percentage in the A.L, their pitching staff has felt comfortable nearly all year.
Only two American League teams have hit more home runs this year than the White Sox. There is no telling where the White Sox would be without bounce back performances from Alex Rios and Adam Dunn. They should have plenty of offense to make it through September.
The rotation would be among the worst in the league without the bounce back season from Jake Peavy, and the surprise seasons of Chris Sale and Jose Quintana. Those three could carry the White Sox far.
Still, when everyone wakes up the morning of October 4th, the Chicago White Sox will stand alone atop the division.
-David Israel
Detroit Tigers
The American League Central division chase is one of the closest in all of baseball.
It’s a two-team race between the heavily favored Detroit Tigers and the surprise Chicago White Sox.
But sorry White Sox fans the Tigers are going to win the central division.
In the end, Detroit is just too talented from top to bottom and it showed in a sweep of the south siders last weekend.
The combination of Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera provide the Tigers two of the best three-four hitters in baseball.
Each hit for a high average to go along with incredible power.
The Tigers pitching isn’t great, but it’s certainly not awful. Led by the best pitcher in baseball, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello provide a solid three-man rotation.
Ultimately, this division is going to be decided in a 4-game series pitting these two teams starting Monday in Chicago.
If either team wins three or four games that could be the momentum they need to put them over the top.
I have been on the Tigers bandwagon all season. I think they have the talent to not only win this division but make a playoff push.
-Alex Ross
