MLB Playoffs: Minnesota Twins and 5 Teams Poised To Make a Run

As the MLB Playoffs draw near, some quality teams still need to make a run to earn a playoff spot.

As of August 2nd, each of these teams are currently on the outside looking in. Still, there are two months left in the season, and a lot can happen.

Some teams are further out than others, but I wouldn't be surprised if more than one of these teams make the playoffs.

They have the talent, they have the schedule, or in some cases, they are chasing choke-artists.

Whatever the situation, each of these teams are gearing up for a serious run at the postseason.

Cincinnati Reds

Some people seem to forget that the Cincinnati Reds won the National League Central last season.

With a similar team, there is no reason they can't make a run. Although the rest of the division seems stronger, the Reds have plenty of talent. They are still a young team, which could hinder their run. However, I think they hit the ball too well to be overlooked.

The Reds have 12 games left with the teams in front of them, and they have 13 games with the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. That schedule is setting them up for a chance to return to the top. I wouldn't be surprised if they get hot over the last two months.

Cleveland Indians

Although the Cleveland Indians have been sliding, they are still only four games back of the Detroit Tigers. With a few good stretches, the Indians will be right back in first place.

The Indians don't have much experience, but the Tigers have fallen apart before. Only two years ago, the Tigers held a seven game lead on the sixth of September. They even had a three-game lead with four left.

Why can't that happen again?

Obviously, the Tigers are a different team, but that memory could sneak into the back of their minds. If the Tigers start to waver, the Indians could swoop into first.

The Indians started off hot, and they could catch that hot streak once again. Although they (more than likely) won't make any noise in the playoffs, the Indians could have a division title under their belt by October.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

While I'm writing this article, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are still behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West.

Not by very much.

The Angels have a good rotation (their top four starters all have sub-4.00 ERAs) that is led by Jered Weaver. They have a decent offense (ranked 17th in the majors for team batting average). Plus, they have experience in winning divisions (five titles in the last seven years).

Although the Rangers won the division and the American League pennant last year, the Angels are still a force to be reckoned with.

Based on their good starting pitching, clutch hitting and successful track record, I think the Angels are going to make a serious run at the AL West title.

Minnesota Twins

Under Ron Gardenhire, the Minnesota Twins have developed a reputation of late-season runs. Now, they need to make a serious run.

The Twins are currently fourth in the AL Central. They will have to jump four teams, and they will have to do all that without much pitching.

The Twins normally pride themselves in a strong pitching staff. Not this year. The Twins have been losing close games, and usually, it's after the bullpen lets them down. Without consistent pitching, it is easy to doubt the Twins.

But, don't ever write off the Twins! Gardenhire gets his team to play better in the later months, and they make up serious ground. Their hitting has slowly started to catch fire, and that will be the key to their potential run.

Joe Mauer and Michael Cuddyer are starting to carry the offense, which will be imperative if the Twins hope to score runs.

The Twins are in some trouble. However, if they can find some magic, they could make a run at their seventh division title in 10 years.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have not played very well this season. Still, they are within striking distance of the NL Central crown.

The Cardinals have one of the best offenses in the majors. If their pitching ever comes close to that, they could be a serious threat in the National League.

Nevertheless, you can't ever count out a team with Albert Pujols. "The Machine" has the ability to carry the offense for a week at a time. When you factor in Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday, the Cardinals have a very scary offense.

Without pitching, the Cardinals won't make it very far in the playoffs, especially in the National League. Still, with their high-powered offense, I wouldn't be surprised if they catch and pass the Milwaukee Brewers.