My oh my, how things change. In 1987, the Minnesota Twins won the Western Division with a paltry 85 wins, two wins better than the Royals. Minnesota then got hot and won the World Series. Anything can happen if you can just get into the playoffs.
In 1988, the Royals improved slightly, to 84-77, but dropped to third in the West behind Oakland and the Twins. The Twins improved as well, winning 91 games, but that Oakland team was a powerhouse, winning 104, before romping past the Red Sox in the ALCS. Waiting for them were the Los Angeles Dodgers.