Ranking Every MLB Division Leader Based on Shock Value of Their 2012 Success

The postseason picture is starting to take shape here in mid-August, as the deadline has passed and team's rosters are more or less set for the stretch run.

While some division leaders are right where everyone expected them to be at this point, others success has been a surprise.

So here is where each division leader ranks from least surprising to most surprising based on preseason expectations.

6. AL West: Texas Rangers (67-48)

Standings

Texas Rangers (67-48)
Oakland Athletics (61-54)
Los Angeles Angels (61-56)
Seattle Mariners (54-64)

Overview

The Angels spent big this offseason, adding Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson, and were immediately viewed as a legitimate title contender.

However, despite those additions, there is little question that the Rangers were the odds on favorites to win the division as they have captured the AL pennant the past two seasons and have the most potent offense in baseball.

The A's have made a strong second-half push to climb into second place, but as it stands the Rangers are right on top as expected.  

5. AL East: New York Yankees (69-47)

Standings

New York Yankees (69-47)
Baltimore Orioles (63-53)
Tampa Bay Rays (63-53)
Boston Red Sox (57-60)
Toronto Blue Jays (55-61)

Overview

The Yankees have been in control of the AL East since June 12 when they overtook the upstart Orioles, and they have extended their lead to six games.

They were certainly the favorites entering the year, but there were questions about their starting rotation and their big lead is a bit of a surprise as a result.

The Orioles have been the real story in the division, as they are tied for second place with the charging Rays, and while they may not win the division this year, they have a promising young core and should be a factor for the foreseeable future.

4. NL Central: Cincinnati Reds (70-46)

Standings

Cincinnati Reds (70-46)
Pittsburgh Pirates (64-52)
St. Louis Cardinals (63-53)
Milwaukee Brewers (52-63)
Chicago Cubs (45-70)
Houston Astros (39-79)

Overview

The Brewers are the reigning NL Central champions, but with Prince Fielder gone it was expected to be a chase between the Reds and the World Series champions.

Both of those teams are in the thick of things, but so too are the Pirates, who have proven that last year's taste of success was no fluke and have one of the best rotations in baseball lead by Comeback Player of the Year candidate A.J. Burnett.

The Reds have put themselves in a position to run away with the division once Joey Votto returns, and while they were one of the favorites coming into the season, their six-game lead is a bit of a surprise.

3. NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers/San Francisco Giants (64-53)

Standings

Los Angeles Dodgers (64-53)
San Francisco Giants (64-53)
Arizona Diamondbacks (58-58)
San Diego Padres (52-66)
Colorado Rockies (43-71)

Overview

After surprising with a division title last season and returning essentially the same roster with the additions of Trevor Cahill and Jason Kubel, the Diamondbacks were the odds-on favorites to win the NL West entering the season.

While they are still very much in the hunt, they are currently chasing the Giants and Dodgers, who were both very active at the deadline and have put themselves in a great position.

Backed by their strong rotation and with Buster Posey back, the Giants are no surprise, but the Dodgers are outperforming expectations thanks to a new ownership group that appears ready to do whatever it takes to build a winner. 

2. AL Central: Chicago White Sox (63-52)

Standings

Chicago White Sox (63-52)
Detroit Tigers (62-55)
Cleveland Indians (54-63)
Kansas City Royals (50-65)
Minnesota Twins (50-66)

Overview

Even before they signed Prince Fielder this offseason, the Tigers had to be considered favorites to repeat as AL Central champions after they advanced to the ALCS last season.

However, they came out of the gates slow and the White Sox have played shockingly well on the strength of bounce back seasons from Adam Dunn, Alex Rios and Jake Peavy, and a breakout year from Chris Sale.

The Tigers have cut the White Sox lead to two games in what should be a good battle down the stretch, but for Chicago to even be in the race at this point certainly qualifies as a shock.

1. NL East: Washington Nationals (72-45)

Standings

Washington Nationals (72-45)
Atlanta Braves (67-49)
New York Mets (55-61)
Philadelphia Phillies (54-62)
Miami Marlins (52-65)

Overview

While most expected the Nationals to improve on their 80-81 performance last season, it is safe to say that few expected to them to have the best record in baseball.

A phenomenal pitching staff has been the root of their success, as the trio of Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and Gio Gonzalez all rank among the best starters in the league.

Their offense can hold its own too, and even with the team planning to shut down Stephen Strasburg, they still appear to be legitimate title contenders.