Realistically, our only target is Minnesota. Right now (Saturday, Sept. 16), we are 4 games behind Detroit with 15 left to play. In order to just tie Detroit, a scenario like this would have to occur:
Detroit goes: 6-9
Sox go: 10-5
So, in order to force a one-game playoff, Detroit would have to fold and the Sox would have to go on a surge better than any they've had since before the ASB.
Is it possible? Of course. All kinds of things are possible. But this possibility looks extremely unlikely. From time to time, the Sox play really well, but they just can't string wins or a good hot streak together. I'd be surprised if they suddenly put it all together, given the many things that have been wrong with this team.
But we are only 2 games behind the Twins. Without Liriano, they are vulnerable, within reach and we will have the opportunity to take care of them head to head. I don't know if we'll overtake the Twins, but they are our best shot.