Another Look At The MLB Pennant Races

With eight days left in the regular season, things are becoming a little clearer in the pennant races. Let's take a look.

American League East

The Yankees beat Minnesota this afternoon to open up a 2 game lead on Baltimore. The Orioles host Toronto tonight. Tampa is 5 1/2 games off the pace despite having won 6 straight. It may be too little too late for the Rays who are still alive in the wikdcard race. The Rays are in Boston tonight. The Red Sox and the Blue Jays are OUT.

American League Central

Detroit and Chicago are in a dead heat. It could be that the winner takes all as the team that finishes 2nd probably will not get the wildcard. The Tigers host Kansas City while the Sox host Cleveland tonight. KC, Minny and Cleveland are OUT.

American League West

The Texas Rangers have a 4 game lead on the Oakland A's who remain alive for a wildcard. The Angels are 6 back and are also alive in the wildcard hunt but need to chase down Oakland or Baltimore. Seattle is OUT.

American League Wildcard Standings

Baltimore and Oakland sit atop the AL Wildcard standings. They are being chased by the LA Angels who are 2 games back and Tampa who is 3 back. Detroit and Chicago are 5 back.

National League East

Washington leads Atlanta by 4 with both teams having clinched a playoff berth. The Phillies are barely alive for a wildcard. The Mets and Miami are OUT.

National League Central

Cinci has clinched the division. Milwaukee and Pittsburgh are still in the wildcard chase with time running out. Houston and the Cubbies are OUT.

National League West

San Francisco has clinched the division despite the 50 game suspension handed out to Melky Cabrera earlier in the season. The Dodgers and Arizona are only mathematically still alive in the wildcard race. San Diego and Colorado are OUT.

National League Wildcard Standings

Atlanta who has clinched a wildcard and St. Louis are tied at the top and only a complete collapse would change that. The Dodgers faded and are 4 1/2 back as is Milwaukee. The Phillies and Arizona are 5 1/2 back.

I will update daily until the playoff participants are determined. If you're a baseball fan, it's a great time of the year.