At times this season, the Cleveland Guardians have resembled a legitimate contender for the American League pennant. Other times, their play has driven fans to curse or weep or, worse, to sleep.The AL is a spectacle of mediocrity, a land where the slightest hint of above-average potential can have a team dreaming of sellout crowds in late October. To this point, the Guardians have absorbed some punches. They’re still on their feet, even if they’re wobbling a bit. The temperature in the offices at 2401 Ontario Street is about to increase, as the Guardians plot out their next moves.Record: 44-40Record this time last season: 40-44Standing: Tied for first in the AL CentralPlayoff odds: 64.0 percent (FanGraphs), 85.8 percent (Baseball Reference)If the season ended today: The White Sox have the tiebreaker for now since they took two of three from the Guardians last week, so the Guardians would be a wild-card team. Cleveland and Chicago still have 10 more meetings this season, however.Biggest series between now and the deadline: The Guardians and White Sox played three, grueling, thrilling one-run games at Rate Field last week. Can I interest you in four more bouts between these clubs this weekend in Cleveland, with control of the division once again at stake?