MLB Wild Card 2012: 7 American League Teams to Benefit the Most

With news of adding another team to the postseason mix, there must be some teams jumping for joy. Also, MLB will see the benefits by increased attendance and more interest by a larger number of people after the All-Star break. Teams like the Toronto Blue Jays would have an above .500 record and not play a meaningful game in the second half unless they were trying to derail the playoff hopes of a division rival.

Tampa Bay Rays/ Boston Red Sox/ New York Yankees

The same can be said for all three of these teams. By increasing the postseason to include two more teams it creates a safety net for AL East teams. This division usually puts two teams in the postseason and leaves one team with a very good record, sometimes good enough to win another division, out of the playoffs. I'm unable to pick just one it benefits, so these three teams will benefit the most. 

Texas Rangers

Usually a quality team, the Rangers now have Albert Pujols and a revamped starting rotation in L.A. to handle. This will put their chances of repeating as division champs in jeopardy. Now with the wild card usually going to an AL East team, the Rangers can compete without the pressure of needing to win the division.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians competed for much of last year until injuries took hold and the powerful Tiger’s overtook the division. This offseason, the Tribe tried to add insurance with plenty of depth and was in good position to make a run at the division. That was until the Tiger’s added a prince. Turns out the Tiger’s adding Prince Fielder may hurt more than the Cavs losing its King.

Oakland A's

Billy Beane has quietly put together a nice team, again. The addition of many quality veterans has put the A’s in place to make a run towards the postseason this season. If the team can be competitive for the first 50 games, Manny Ramirez will rejoin them, and he has a lot to prove. He is a competitor and would love to show all his doubters he can still hit. The division is tough, but this increased postseason format gives them hope.

Predictions

2012 AL Postseason predictions:

A.L. East: New York Yankees

A.L. Central: Detroit Tigers

A.L. West: LA Angels

Wild Card 1: Boston Red Sox

Wild Card 2: Texas Rangers

So not much will change except the addition of another high quality team to add excitement to the postseason.