Here’s the latest edition of Rant and Rise for October 4, 2012:

New York Yankees Win AL East Title

It came down to the final day, but the Yankees managed to hold on for their 13th AL East title over the last 17 seasons. New York laid a thrashing down on the Boston Red Sox in a 14-2 win as Robinson Cano finished the game 4 for 4 with two home runs and six RBIs.

After weeks of battling the Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees managed to hold off for the title, but that doesn’t mean they won’t see their division rivals in the first round of the playoffs depending on what happens Friday.

Miguel Cabrera Wins Triple Crown

Wednesday was a meaningless game for the Detroit Tigers, but Cabrera was the star of the night as he officially took home Triple Crown honors for the first time in 45 years. Cabrera became the first player to win the Triple Crown since 1967 after batting .330 to go along with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs.

And the best part about this season–Cabrera and the Tigers will be participating in the playoffs.

Oakland Athletics Clinch AL West in Thrilling Fashion 

At the end of June, who would have thought the Athletics would end up on top of the AL West at the end of the regular season considering they were 13 games out of first place? The fact that Oakland beat the Texas Rangers 12-5 on the final day of the regular season to take the division and win nine of their final 11 games is nothing short of amazing.

As one of the hottest teams in baseball, don’t be surprised if they make a strong run at the World Series.

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