Tonight we’re going to break down the playoff races to see what’s carrying teams into October baseball.

The Angels and Yankees might just be a preview of what we will see in October. Last night the Angels seemed to put it all together, and there’s no better time than now.  With all the injuries to key players, inconsistency, and the tragic death of Nick Adenhart, there have been two keys which have carried the Angels:
Bobby Abreu’s consistency and patience in the line up.
Mike Scioscia’s professional approach to managing the ballclub.

It’s remarkable what they have done this season.

With Joe Girardi giving his players time off, the Yankees haven’t been cruising into October, but with 9 games left, it’s time for them to get focused, and revved up so they don’t stall in the playoffs. 

In the Central, the Tigers will have a big test tonight against an Indians team they have dominated all season.  Let’s see if Edwin Jackson can bounce back tonight, because with Jarrod Washburn’s bad knee, and an inconsistent offense, the Twins are knocking loud and hard on the door atop the AL Central.

And let’s talk about those Twins who have been simply amazing, mainly because they have been doing it without that “wow” guy going out there every five days.  Their pitching staff reminds me a lot of Brad Radke, getting hitters out with sinkers, and backed by the always consistent defense, this year led by Orlando Cabrera.

The Twins seem to have taken a page from the Angels’ book on playing winning baseball. They have won with a patient approach and guys stepping in for injured stars.  Joe Mauer, MVP???  Guys like Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have really stepped up since Justin Morneau was shut down with a bad back.  They need to keep playing well going into their crucial series in Detroit.

Denard Span has also been a huge part of the Twins offense.  I’m interested in seeing how Span comes back from being hit in the head last night.  I got hit early in my career and it took me a while to get comfortable in the batters box. 

One guy to keep and eye on tonight is Zack Greinke. If he wants to win the CY Young, he’s going to have to pitch well against playoff teams.  This is also his 1st appearance since being drilled on the elbow, so let’s see if he can get the job done. 

Turing to the NL race, it’s do or die for the Giants.  Tonight against the Diamondbacks they’ve got to take care of business, especially against Mark Reynolds, who has 43 Home Runs going into tonight.

In San Diego the Rockies are going up against a Padres team which has been playing well of late.  Can they do to the Rockies what they have done to the Giants and Dodgers?  Or can the Rockies hold on to what they’ve got, with Jorge De La Rosa on the hill tonight, a hot Troy Tulowitzki, and a resurgent Jason Giambi?

See you next time- Barry Larkin