With about 40 games remaining in the 2014 Major League Baseball season, baseball fans will find out just how good certain MLB teams really are.

The American League has always been the superior league in MLB when it comes to winning the World Series, and the winner of this year's AL Pennant will have home field advantage in the World Series.

But before we get to the World Series, we have to crown an American League champion. Which teams have the stuff to head to the World Series this year? Latin Post.com takes a look at the most likely candidates:

Oakland Athletics

The leading candidate all season has been the Oakland Athletics. The Athletics are currently 72-45 in front of the American League West, and they have the best record in all of baseball. The team recently traded for pitcher Jon Lester to go along with their already star-studded cast. The Athletics are ranked No. 4 in team ERA and No. 1 in total runs scored offensively.

Although general manager Billy Beane is considered one of the best in the game, his Athletics are just 1-7 in the eight playoff series appearances since he came aboard.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Despite the Athletics having the best record in the majors, the Los Angeles Angels are right on their tail. The Angels are just four games back of the Athletics, and fans can thank their bats. The Angels rank No. 2 in total runs scored, but they haven't made the postseason since 2009. Mike Trout is powering this offense with a team-leading 27 home runs and 85 runs batted in. Dominican-born first basemen Albert Pujols is having an underrated year with 22 home runs, which ranks second on the team.

Detroit Tigers

The closest and most exciting postseason race is taking place in the American League Central. The Detroit Tigers made the big move before the trade deadline by acquiring ace pitcher David Price. The team now has three Cy Young award-winning pitchers: David Price, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. But the Kansas City Royals are right there in the mix just half a game behind the Tigers. Although the Royals rank dead last in all of baseball with just 71 home runs hit, they're third in team ERA in the American League.

The Royals haven't made the postseason since 1985, when they won the World Series against the Cardinals.

Baltimore Orioles

Of course, all eyes are on the American League East because of the illustrious history, high-profile players and intense rivalries. The Baltimore Orioles continue to lead the division and are now 67-50. The Orioles are the best home-run-hitting team in the league with 147 hit out of the park. However, the Orioles haven't won the division since 1997, and many skeptics still remain.

New York Yankees

The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees are separated by just two games. Incredibly, the Yankees don't have a single hitter with even 20 home runs or even a .385 batting average. Jacoby Ellsbury leads the team in both statistical categories. It's been a great last year for future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, who ranks third on the team in hits (115) and is now sixth all-time on the career hits list (3,431). For the Yankees to make the playoffs, it would most likely have to be a wild card berth.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have been in a slump lately but still remain two wins ahead of the Yankees. This squad ranks second in the majors with 138 home runs hit. The top seven hitters on the Blue Jays are all born outside of the United States, proving talent can come from anywhere. The Blue Jays haven't made a single postseason appearance since they won the division in 1993 and the World Series to go along with it.

Who is going to the World Series? Vote below and comment on who you think is going to win the American League.

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