The teams that have fared best in October in recent years haven't been the ones with the most potent offense or even the best starting rotation. More often than not, success in autumn depends on having one or two unhittable top-line starters and a back end of the bullpen that can close out those tight victories.
The teams that have clinched or are in contention for American League playoff spots already have this in mind. For the Yankees, Rangers and Tigers, the focus is on lining up their rotations so their aces are on schedule for Game 1. For the Red Sox and Rays, the focus is merely on getting in via the wild card.
The Yankees have faced questions about their starting rotation behind CC Sabathia all season. Sabathia is as good as ever, carrying a 19-8 record and 3.00 earned run average into the final week. But it's 24-year-old right-hander Ivan Nova who gives the Yankees hope for a second shutdown arm. Nova's overall numbers (16-4, 3.62 ERA) are nice, and he's been even better of late. He's lasted at least seven innings and allowed three runs or less in five of his last six starts.
The Rangers' hurlers came up big in last year's postseason and they're hoping for another clutch performance from a young rotation that now has the experience of a postseason run under its belt. C.J. Wilson has anchored a deep staff with a 16-7 record, 2.97 ERA and just 16 home runs allowed in 221 1/3 innings — quite an accomplishment in homer-happy Rangers Ballpark. Derek Holland, a 24-year-old left-hander, has emerged with 15 wins.
Tigers fans are wondering what they will get out of No. 2 starter Max Scherzer, who has been far from outstanding this season at 14-9 with a 4.37 ERA. Mere mediocrity might be enough from Scherzer, however, as Detroit has the postseason's ultimate trump card in probable Cy Young Award winner and MVP candidate Justin Verlander.
The Rays have two starters who have struck out more than 200 batter apiece this season, so if they can get into the playoffs, they could be a team to be reckoned with. Lefty David Price's 12-13 record is the only blight on a strong stat line: 3.35 ERA, 1.116 WHIP, 215 strikeouts in 220 1/3 innings. There's nothing misleading about James Shields' stats: 15-12 record, 2.84 ERA, 1.043 WHIP, 221 strikeouts and 11 complete games.
That brings us to the Red Sox. For all their struggles in September, the Red Sox can't be counted out in the playoffs thanks to Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. Beckett is 13-6 with a 2.70 ERA while Lester 15-8, 3.15.
Which potential AL playoff team has the best 1-2 pitching punch?
