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The Oakland Athletics are in first place in the AL West through a little more than a quarter of the season. The Athletics have won the division the past two years, but is this the year they finally go deep into the playoffs?

The A’s lost two key pitchers early in the season in A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker, but had a great free-agent signing in Scott Kazmir. If the A’s pitching staff can keep it up, expect to see Bob Melvin and Billy Beane’s club go deep in the playoffs. 

Check out Scott Miller break down the secret to the Athletics’ success in 2014. 

All stats accurate as of May 22.

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We are only through the first quarter of the 2014 season, but some pitchers are already making strong cases for the Cy Young Award.

The Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright is almost always in early-season discussions for the Cy Young. Is this the year he finally finishes the season strong and takes home the coveted National League award? 

Watch Scott Miller break down his favorites to win the 2014 AL and NL Cy Young Awards. 

All statistics accurate as of May 19.

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The Washington Nationals‘ Bryce Harper was benched for not running out a ground ball in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on April 19. The 21-year-old Harper has been criticized for maturity issues in his three years in the majors. Should the Nationals be worried about this latest incident?

Check out Bleacher Report’s Scott Miller break down the latest incident with Bryce Harper and why Nationals fans shouldn’t be worried about their star phenom. 

All stats accurate as of April 24.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com