The sleeper pick in this year’s postseason is the Kansas City Royals, led by four Baseball Factory alumni including Eric Hosmer, Wade Davis, James Shields and Jason Vargas.

James Shields, the ace of the Royals staff, leads the team in wins (14), innings pitched and strikeouts. Not to be overshadowed by the hard throwing right hander Davis, who leads the team with a stellar 0.89 ERA and 106 strikeouts through only 71 innings coming out of the bullpen. Eric Hosmer has made his name known as well, leading the team in doubles. All four will play a vital role in the Royals playoff run!

After a fast start, the Oakland Athletics faltered down the stretch. Despite their struggles as of late, they are looking to make a push into October.

Nine former Baseball Factory players, including star hitters Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss, currently suit up for the Athletics. Donaldson and Moss finished first and second on the team in homeruns and RBI’s, as well as top five in both slugging and on-base percentage. Other utility players including Jed Lowrie, Eric Sogard, Sam Fuld and Stephen Vogt also made valuable contributions to the Athletics’ breakout season.

Sean Doolittle and Dan Otero bolstered an already strong bullpen, bringing a pair of sub-three ERA’s and expected to pitch some very crucial innings as the Athletics look to take the Wild Card spot.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been undoubtedly the best team heading into the postseason. Nine Baseball Factory players, including star outfielder Josh Hamilton, lead the Angels strong offense.

The bullpen includes four Factory alumni, none better than closer Huston Street who has posted a stellar 1.71 ERA through 28 outings. Kevin Jepsen, Joe Thatcher, Michael Roth, and Cory Rasmus have also made valuable contributions along the way to help the Angels into October. Starting catcher Chris Iannetta had a solid season along with the utility play of CJ Cron and Brennan Boesch.

Star-studded Detroit heads into the postseason with high expectations following a couple of second-half trades. David Price joined the Tigers alongside Baseball Factory alumni Rick Porcello and Justin Verlander, to make for an intimating starting rotation. Second baseman Ian Kinsler and third baseman Nick Castellanos have also become key assets to the championship contending team.

The Baltimore Orioles took their first division title in 17 years from the aging New York Yankees and are catching fire at just the right time. Former Baseball Factory star JJ Hardy has helped lead the O’s offense. Other Factory alumni include backup catcher Steve Clevenger, starting pitchers Bud Norris and Kevin Gausman, as well as relief pitcher Ryan Webb.

After the injury to star catcher Matt Wieters, Clevenger has done a great job filling in for the O’s who look to continue their strong play in October.