Sleepers
New York Yankees
When the Yankees declared themselves sellers at the August 1 trade deadline, shipping off key assets for major value in the farm, few expected Joe Girardi’s team to flirt with relevancy. Sure enough, they stand within striking distance in the wild card race and, more importantly, at a respectable deficit in the AL East. Given that 30 or their final 38 games come against divisional opponents, destiny is in their hands. Do not be surprised if the newly found youthful winning mystique carries over, leading the Bronx Bombers to a playoff berth in a wide open American League.
New York Mets
Sure, the Mets have struggled mightily all year and particularly of late, largely underachieving with regards to prior expectations. At the moment, the 2015 National League champions would miss the playoffs thanks to a bundle of injuries and a surprisingly underwhelming pitching staff. With that said, an extremely soft September schedule can provide the difference as the Metropolitans attempt to erase a 4.5 game wild card deficit. The slate will feature meetings with the likes of the Reds, Braves, Twins, and Phillies, comprising of 19 of their final 29 games. If they come up short, they will have no one to blame but themselves.
Kansas City Royals
Do not write off the two-time defending AL Champions and, most notably, defending World Series champs. KC, a huge failure given the high expectations that come with a ring, has greatly picked up the pace of late, winners of eight in a row and nine of 10. The torrent stretch flipped the page from four games under to four games over .500. Everything is finally starting to click at the most ideal of times. With the AL Central being a pipe dream, the wild card is the most probable avenue in order to pursue the promise land once again. Four games currently separate the Royals and targeted O’s, a deficit that can be surmounted within days if Kansas City’s recent stretch persists.
