American Uncertainty
It happens every summer…teams the experts never gave a chance to win the World Series force their way into the fall classic discussion. This season’s been even more unique with 2 franchises without devoid of recent post season success in firm control of their own post season destiny. As of this morning Kansas City was actually listed as a slight favorite to win the AL Central at 5Dimes and ESPN’s playoff probability indicator gave Seattle nearly a 75% chance of getting into the postseason. What the casual fan fails to realize with both of these clubs is the consistency of their respective pitching staff’s. The emergence of Danny Duffy and Yordano Ventura to slot behind ace James Shields goes a very long way while Seattle has taken run prevention to historic lows behind their tandem of aces. The other constant between the two teams? Bullpens that nail games down in the late innings. Future odds indicate how improbable the crazy roller coaster ride for Seattle over the last month. Little to say the Tigers misfortune has worked to their benefit.
| Royals | Mariners | |
| 21-Oct | 30 | 60 |
| 6-Jan | 30 | 25 |
| 24-Mar | 30 | 50 |
| 12-May | 40 | 40 |
| 23-Jun | 20 | 40 |
| 14-Jul | 40 | 25 |
| 4-Aug | 40 | 50 |
| 11-Aug | 20 | 30 |
| 18-Aug | 12 | 18 |
| 25-Aug | 10 | 18 |
