FanGraphs Weekly Mailbag Highlights AL Central Race and Playoff Matchups

The latest FanGraphs mailbag addresses various topics, including the competitive AL Central race between the White Sox and the Guardians. Recently, Cleveland secured a narrow lead over Chicago, finishing the regular season with records of 85-77 and 84-78, respectively.

Both teams have had their share of struggles, with the White Sox entering the season with the lowest playoff odds in the American League and coming off three consecutive 100-loss seasons. The Guardians, however, have been consistent postseason contenders, managing to overtake Chicago in the standings during September. As they prepare for ALDS Game 5 in Cleveland, the series has been marked by unusual gameplay, including questionable bullpen strategies and a higher number of hit-by-pitches than home runs.

This week's mailbag also covers questions about the least effective regular-season players on playoff teams and the most promising starting pitcher matchups for Game 3 of the postseason. The mailbag is available exclusively to FanGraphs Members, who can also submit questions for future editions.