SB Nation Cleveland - MLB Standings Update September 26: The Final Countdown

MLB Standings Update: The Final Series Of The Year And Both Wild Cards Are Up For Grabs

2011-09-26T15:09:51Z

It has come down to this: all of the divisional races have been decided, but man oh man, the Wild Cards in both leagues truly are up for grabs, with two different teams clinging to a one-game lead as we head into the last three games of the regular season.

Here then is a look at who's in, who plays whom among teams battling for playoff positioning, and of course, where we stand in the Wild Card races.

First for the American League:

New York Yankees (97-62) -- The Yankees have clinched the best record in the American League and will have the home field advantage in any series in the playoffs until the World Series. New York, at present, would face the Detroit Tigers in the first round, since the Red Sox are in the same division and the team with the best record cannot play a team in its own division in the first round.
Texas Rangers (93-66) -- The Rangers lead the Tigers by one game, and at present would face the Red Sox in the first round of the playoffs. Texas will finish the regular season at Los Angeles against the Angels, who have just a breath of a chance left.
Detroit Tigers (92-67) -- The Tigers, as noted above, would play the Yankees if the playoffs started today. Detroit finishes the regular season with a three-game series at home vs. the Indians.
Boston Red Sox (89-70) -- The Red Sox hold a slim one-game lead for the AL Wild Card and conclude the regular season with a series in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.
Tampa Bay Rays (88-71) -- The Rays are giving it their all in the Wild Card chase, but must finish the season with three games at home against the Yankees. If Tampa Bay wins the Wild Card, they would play either Detroit or Texas in the first round, depending upon which team finishes with the second-best record in the AL.
Los Angeles Angels (86-73) -- The only way that the Angels could be in the postseason mix would be if they sweep the Rangers while the Red Sox are swept by the Orioles and the Rays lose at least two-of-three to the Yankees. If the Angels survive to make it into a Wild Card playoff and end up winning the Wild Card, they would play New York in the opening round.

And now for our final look at the National League:

Philadelphia Phillies (99-60) -- The Phillies have clinched the best record in the National League and have home-field advantage all the way through the World Series. As it stands at present (and subject to change), Philadelphia would face the Diamondbacks in the first round, since the Braves at present own the Wild Card spot and the Phillies and Braves -- being from the same division -- could not meet in the first round.
Milwaukee Brewers (94-65) -- The Brewers, if the playoffs started today, would have a very interesting matchup in the first round with the Braves -- who of course left Milwaukee over 40 years ago for Atlanta. The Brewers finish the regular season at home against the Pirates.
Arizona Diamondbacks (93-66) -- Arizona is at present in the unenviable position of having to play the Phillies in the first round if the playoffs began today. The Diamondbacks wrap up the regular season at home vs. the Dodgers.
Atlanta Braves (89-70) -- The Braves are hanging on by a thread with a one-game lead over the Cardinals heading into the last three days of play in the regular season. Atlanta is at home for a season-ending series vs. the Phillies, who may have much to say about who their opponent will be in the first round. If the Braves hang on and win the Wild Card they would play either Milwaukee or Arizona in the first round, depending upon which of those teams finished with the second-best record in the NL.
St. Louis Cardinals (88-71) -- The Cardinals have a distinct advantage even though they trail the Braves by a game, as Atlanta must finish with Philadelphia while St. Louis goes to Houston to play the 104-loss Astros. Should St. Louis earn the Wild Card they would play Philadelphia in the first round.

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I hope, if you have been following along through the course of the season, that you have enjoyed these updates. There has been trial-and-error and experimentation along the way, and I am sure that next season things will be more refined from the get-go.

One thing is for certain: it has been fun for me to take this ride and watch things begin to clear up, and then to fall into place as week has followed week.

If you have any suggestions on how this would be "better" or "more pleasing" for you to read next season, please let me know.

MLB Standings Update: Tigers, Phillies And Yankees Are In

2011-09-23T16:00:59Z

Now that there is less than a week left in the regular season, it is time to zoom in with the microscope and focus not on the standings in general, but in the positioning of those teams that are in, and those that are close to in, or in contention. The sum total of those teams has shrunk significantly.

I will be looking at positions 1-4 in each league, and then at those teams just behind but still very much alive, and will be running down who each team will be facing in the next-to-last series of the regular season.

First for the American League

1. New York Yankees 95-60, 1st place AL East and have clinched the division. The Yankees have a magic number of three to clinch the home field advantage through the American League playoffs, and played Tampa Bay on Thursday night. New York hosts the Boston Red Sox this weekend.

2. Detroit Tigers 90-65, 1st place AL Central and have clinched the division. The Tigers still have an opportunity to catch the Yankees for the best record in the AL, but could slip as low as third in the playoff seeding. Detroit is playing a four-game series at home against the Orioles this weekend.

3. Texas Rangers 90-66, 1st place AL West and have a magic number of 3 to clinch the division. The Rangers also have a magic number of 5 to win a Wild Card, should they lose the division. Texas will be at home against the Mariners beginning Friday night.

4. Boston Red Sox 88-68, 2nd place AL East and have a magic number of 5 to clinch the Wild Card, assuming that they do not overtake New York. Boston is at New York this weekend.

If the playoffs began today, the Yankees would host the Rangers and the Tigers would host the Red Sox. Although the Wild Card usually plays the division winner with the best record, two teams from the same division cannot play each other in the first round. If any team besides Boston won the Wild Card, they would play New York, and Detroit and Texas would play in the first round.

Now for the teams still in contention:

Tie 5. Los Angeles Angels 85-70, 2nd place AL West. The Angels trail the Rangers by 4.5 games for the AL West lead, and trail the Red Sox by 2.5 games for the Wild Card. Los Angeles played at Toronto vs. the Blue Jays on Thursday, and will open a series at home against the Athletics on Friday.

Tie 5. Tampa Bay Rays 85-70, 3rd place AL East. The Rays' only hope of making the playoffs is to catch Boston, whom they trail at present by 2.5 games. Tampa Bay played in New York on Thursday and will come home to take on the Blue Jays beginning Friday night.

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Now for a look at the National League:

1. Philadelphia Phillies 98-57, 1st place NL East. The Phillies have clinched the best record in the National League.

2. Milwaukee Brewers 91-65, 1st place NL Central. The Brewers have a magic number of 3 to clinch the Central Division. Milwaukee will be home to take on the Marlins this weekend.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks 90-66, 1st place NL West. The Diamondbacks have a magic number of 2 to clinch their division and will have a chance to do that head-to-head this weekend when they take on the Giants at home starting on Friday.

4. Atlanta Braves 88-68, 2nd place NL East. The Braves cannot catch the Phillies, but have a magic number of 5 to clinch the National League Wild Card. Atlanta is at Washington to face the Nationals this weekend.

If the playoffs began today, the Phillies would host the Diamondbacks and the Brewers would host the Braves. As with the American League, since the Braves are in the same division with the team with the best record, they could not play Philadelphia in the first round. Should any team other than the Braves win the Wild Card, they would play the Phillies while the Brewers would play Arizona in the first round.

Now for the teams still in contention:

5. St. Louis Cardinals 86-70, 2nd place NL Central. The Cardinals trail the Braves by two games and their elimination number is 5. St. Louis is at home this weekend vs. the Chicago Cubs.

6. San Francisco Giants 84-71, 2nd place NL West. The Giants are down to an elimination number of 4 for the Wild Card, and to 2 for elimination from the division race. San Francisco played in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Thursday and will start a series in Arizona on Friday night.

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We will see you one more time this season, on Monday, when we will break down the last series of the season for all teams still in contention, either for a playoff spot or for postseason positioning.

MLB Standings Update: AL Wild Card Set Up To Be A 'Wild' Finish

2011-09-19T15:47:15Z

With only ten days left in the regular season, lo and behold we have seen a couple of races develop where it looked like their would be no drama at all.

In the American League the Wild Card race is suddenly a dogfight, and the San Francisco Giants in the National League are determined not to give up their world championship status without a fight.

Let's take a look and see how things are shaking out with a week and a half to go. As always, we will give you the upcoming schedule for all teams still in contention...though that list gets shorter and shorter.

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Detroit	89	64	.581	0	Won 1
Cleveland	75	75	.500	12.5	Won 3
Chicago	74	78	.486	14.5	Won 1
Kansas City	67	87	.435	22.5	Lost 1
Minnesota	59	92	.390	29	Lost 8

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:15 AM EDT)

The Tigers are in, and the Indians are, believe it or not, still alive for the Wild Card (see below). Detroit currently has the second-best record in the American League, and if the season ended today would be facing the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the playoffs.

Detroit begins a series at Kansas City against the Royals on Tuesday, while the Indians play a make-up game against the Mariners on Monday before opening a home series vs. the White Sox on Tuesday with a day/night doubleheader.

AL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
New York	91	60	.602	0	Lost 1
Boston	87	65	.572	4.5	Lost 2
Tampa Bay	85	67	.559	6.5	Won 2
Toronto	77	75	.506	14.5	Won 1
Baltimore	62	89	.410	29	Lost 1

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:18 AM EDT)

The Yankees have a magic number of 7 to clinch a playoff spot, while Boston and the Tampa Bay Rays are in a sudden duel for the Wild Card spot in the AL (see below).

New York currently has the best record in the league, and if the season ended today would be facing Texas in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Yankees are home to Minnesota on Monday, while the Red Sox are hosting Baltimore. Tampa Bay begins a series in New York on Tuesday.

AL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Texas	88	65	.575	0	Won 2
Los Angeles	83	69	.546	4.5	Won 1
Oakland	69	84	.450	19	Lost 1
Seattle	63	89	.414	24.5	Lost 2

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:22 AM EDT)

The Rangers currently have the worst record of a division leader in the AL, and if the season ended today would open the playoffs in New York. (The reason that the Yankees, with the best record, would not be playing the Wild Card winner in the first round is that a team cannot play another team in its own division in the first round, and as the Red Sox at present hold the Wild Card lead, they could not play the Yankees first.)

Texas has a magic number of 6 to win the West, while the Angels are still alive for the Wild Card as well as their division.

The Rangers are at Oakland to face the Athletics beginning Tuesday, while the Angels begin a series in Toronto vs. the Blue Jays on Monday.

American League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Boston	87	65	.572	0	Lost 2
Tampa Bay	85	67	.559	2	Won 2
Los Angeles	83	69	.546	4	Won 1
Toronto	77	75	.506	10	Won 1
Cleveland	75	75	.500	11	Won 3
Chicago	74	78	.486	13	Won 1
Oakland	69	84	.450	18.5	Lost 1
Kansas City	67	87	.435	21	Lost 1
Seattle	63	89	.414	24	Lost 2
Baltimore	62	89	.410	24.5	Lost 1
Minnesota	59	92	.390	27.5	Lost 8

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:26 AM EDT)

Toronto and Cleveland are both mathematically alive for the Wild Card, although the "tragic number" for elimination is 1 for each club.

Boston's magic number to win the Wild Card stands at 9, but the way the Rays are coming on, don't be shocked if Tampa Bay makes Boston pay for their slow start so many months ago. And the Angels are hovering in the wings, ready to pounce should the Red Sox and the Rays falter down the stretch.

Now for the Senior Circuit:

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NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Milwaukee	90	63	.588	0	Won 3
St. Louis	83	69	.546	6.5	Won 1
Cincinnati	74	79	.483	16	Lost 3
Pittsburgh	68	85	.444	22	Lost 3
Chicago	67	86	.437	23	Lost 1
Houston	52	100	.342	37.5	Won 1

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:29 AM EDT)

The Brewers have been pushed a bit by the Cardinals, yet still Milwaukee's magic number is 4 to win the Central. St. Louis is still alive for the NL Wild Card (see below).

Milwaukee has the second-best record in the NL, and with the same situation as in the American League (best record and Wild Card leader from the same division), if the season ended today the Brewers would host the Wild Card-leading Braves in the opening round.

The Brewers begin the week in Chicago to face the Cubs on Monday, while St. Louis finishes a series in Philadelphia, also on Monday. The Cardinals then come home to face the Mets beginning Tuesday.

NL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Philadelphia	98	53	.649	0	Lost 1
Atlanta	87	66	.568	12	Lost 1
New York	73	80	.477	26	Won 1
Washington	72	79	.476	26	Won 1
Florida	69	84	.450	30	Lost 1

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:35 AM EDT)

The Phillies have clinched the NL East, while Atlanta is the Wild Card leader. Philadelphia's magic number to clinch the best record in the National League is 2, and if the season ended today, the Phillies would be hosting the Diamondbacks in the opening round.

Philadelphia finishes a series with St. Louis on Monday and then hosts the Nationals starting Tuesday, while Atlanta begins a series in Florida on Monday vs. the Marlins.

NL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Arizona	88	65	.575	0	Won 1
San Francisco	83	70	.542	5	Won 8
Los Angeles	76	76	.500	11.5	Won 3
Colorado	70	82	.460	17.5	Lost 4
San Diego	65	88	.424	23	Lost 1

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:39 AM EDT)

Arizona continues to hold on in the est, with a magic number of 5 to clinch the division. If the season ended today the Diamondbacks would face the Phillies in the opening round. The Giants, meanwhile, have won eight straight to stay alive in both the division and Wild Card races, but they are running out of time.

Arizona begins the week at home on Monday vs. the Pirates, while San Francisco will be in LA to face the Dodgers beginning Tuesday.

National League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Atlanta	87	66	.568	0	Lost 1
St. Louis	83	69	.546	3.5	Won 1
San Francisco	83	70	.542	4	Won 8
Los Angeles	76	76	.500	10.5	Won 3
Cincinnati	74	79	.483	13	Lost 3
New York	73	80	.477	14	Won 1
Washington	72	79	.476	14	Won 1
Colorado	70	82	.460	16.5	Lost 4
Florida	69	84	.450	18	Lost 1
Pittsburgh	68	85	.444	19	Lost 3
Chicago	67	86	.437	20	Lost 1
San Diego	65	88	.424	22	Lost 1
Houston	52	100	.342	34.5	Won 1

(updated 9.19.2011 at 11:42 AM EDT)

Only three teams are left alive for the National League Wild Card. Right now the Braves' magic number to clinch is 7 over the Cardinals and 6 over the Giants.

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And there we have it as the last full week of the season dawns. Be sure to check back on Friday for another update, as the season will head into its final two series for each club still in contention.

MLB Standings Update: Phillies Are In, With Others Soon To Follow

2011-09-16T16:20:42Z

Since last we met, the Philadelphia Phillies have clinched a playoff spot, and other teams are getting close, with the Detroit Tigers right on the cusp.

Here is our Friday look at the Major League standings with a little less than two weeks to go in the regular season. We will give the "who's playing whom" for all teams still in contention.

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Detroit	87	63	.580	0	Lost 1
Chicago	73	76	.489	13.5	Lost 5
Cleveland	72	75	.489	13.5	Lost 3
Kansas City	65	86	.430	22.5	Won 5
Minnesota	59	89	.398	27	Lost 5

(updated 9.16.2011 at 11:53 AM EDT)

Although the White Sox are technically in second place, Chicago has already been eliminated from any chance at the division title, as have the Royals and the Twins. Only the Indians have a "chance", and that chance will vanish with Cleveland's next loss or the Tigers' next win.

The Indians are in Minnesota this weekend, while the Tigers continue a series in Oakland.

AL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
New York	90	58	.608	0	Lost 1
Boston	86	63	.577	4.5	Lost 2
Tampa Bay	83	66	.557	7.5	Won 1
Toronto	75	74	.503	15.5	Won 1
Baltimore	60	88	.405	30	Won 2

(updated 9.16.2011 at 11:56 AM EDT)

The Orioles and the Blue Jays have no chance to win the East, although Toronto is still barely alive in the Wild Card race (see below).

The Rays are facing the Red Sox in a battle royale over four days, with Tampa Bay having won on Thursday and climbing closer to Boston. The Yankees are in Toronto over the weekend, with a magic number of 10 to win the division.

AL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Texas	86	64	.573	0	Won 4
Los Angeles	82	67	.550	3.5	Won 2
Oakland	68	82	.453	18	Won 1
Seattle	62	87	.416	23.5	Won 1

(updated 9.16.2011 at 11:59 AM EDT)

The Athletics and the Mariners are both out of contention, but the Angels still have a shot at both the division title and a Wild Card (see below).

The Rangers, with a magic number of 10, are in Seattle this weekend, while Los Angeles is in Baltimore.

American League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Boston	86	63	.577	0	Lost 2
Tampa Bay	83	66	.557	3	Won 1
Los Angeles	82	67	.550	4	Won 2
Toronto	75	74	.503	11	Won 1
Chicago	73	76	.489	13	Lost 5
Cleveland	72	75	.489	13	Lost 3
Oakland	68	82	.453	18.5	Won 1
Kansas City	65	86	.430	22	Won 5
Seattle	62	87	.416	24	Won 1
Baltimore	60	88	.405	25.5	Won 2
Minnesota	59	89	.398	26.5	Lost 5

(updated 9.16.2011 at 12:01 PM EDT)

Technically, six teams are still alive in the Wild Card race in the AL, but in reality it is down to a three-team fight.

The Red Sox have a magic number of 11 to clinch at least a spot in the playoffs, and are embroiled in a series with the Rays all weekend in Boston. The Angels are in Baltimore, the Blue Jays are entertaining the Yankees, the White Sox (who will be out with a Boston win or a loss themselves) are in Kansas City, and the Indians are in Minnesota.

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Now for a look at the National League:

NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Milwaukee	87	63	.580	0	Lost 1
St. Louis	81	68	.543	5.5	Won 2
Cincinnati	74	76	.493	13	Won 3
Pittsburgh	68	82	.453	19	Won 1
Chicago	65	85	.433	22	Lost 3
Houston	51	98	.342	35.5	Lost 1

(updated 9.16.2011 at 12:05 PM EDT)

The Cardinals have come back to make a race of it in the Central, but the Brewers magic number is down to 8, and all four other teams in the division are already eliminated.

Milwaukee is in Cincinnati to face the Reds this weekend, while St. Louis has what might be a mixed blessing as they head to Philadelphia. The Cardinals will be hoping that the Phillies take it easy, having already clinched a playoff spot.

NL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Philadelphia	97	51	.655	0	Won 3
Atlanta	86	64	.573	12	Won 2
Washington	71	77	.479	26	Won 5
New York	71	79	.473	27	Lost 6
Florida	67	83	.446	31	Lost 4

(updated 9.16.2011 at 12:09 PM EDT)

The Phillies, as stated more than once in this report, have clinched a playoff spot, and their magic number to win the East is down to 2. The Braves, far from being despondent, are sitting pretty with the Wild Card lead (see below).

All other East teams are officially out of any playoff contention.

Philadelphia entertains St. Louis this weekend, while the Braves are home to take on the Mets.

NL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Arizona	87	63	.580	0	Lost 1
San Francisco	80	70	.533	7	Won 5
Los Angeles	73	76	.489	13.5	Lost 1
Colorado	70	79	.469	16.5	Lost 1
San Diego	63	87	.420	24	Lost 3

(updated 9.16.2011 at 12:11 PM EDT)

Arizona is hanging on while the defending champion Giants are getting hot in a last ditch effort to return to the playoffs. The Diamondbacks have a magic number of 6 to win the West.

Arizona is in San Diego this weekend to take on the Padres, while San Francisco is on the road to take on the Rockies.

National League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Atlanta	86	64	.573	0	Won 2
St. Louis	81	68	.543	4.5	Won 2
San Francisco	80	70	.533	6	Won 5
Cincinnati	74	76	.493	12	Won 3
Los Angeles	73	76	.489	12.5	Lost 1
Washington	71	77	.479	14	Won 5
New York	71	79	.473	15	Lost 6
Colorado	70	79	.469	15.5	Lost 1
Pittsburgh	68	82	.453	18	Won 1
Florida	67	83	.446	19	Lost 4
Chicago	65	85	.433	21	Lost 3
San Diego	63	87	.420	23	Lost 3
Houston	51	98	.342	34.5	Lost 1

(updated 9.16.2011 at 12:14 PM EDT)

Cincinnati and Los Angeles would both be eliminated with a loss or an Atlanta win, so this -- like in the American League -- is realistically down to a three-team race.

Atlanta's magic number to win the Wild Card is 9.

The Braves are home to the Mets this weekend, while the Cardinals are in Philadelphia. San Francisco is in Colorado, while the Reds are home to Milwaukee and the Dodgers are hosting the Pirates.

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Be sure to check back on Monday. By then it is pretty clear that things will have sorted out even more than they are sorted out now.

MLB Standings Update: A Little Over 2 Weeks Left, And Things Are Heating Up

2011-09-12T17:29:21Z

Last Friday, I lamented on the lack of drama in the final weeks of the regular season in the Major Leagues, and lo and behold, both Wild Card races went and tightened up over the weekend, and suddenly, there is indeed drama. And just in time too, what with the Indians about out of it and the Tigers running away with the AL Central.

Here then is the latest standings update as we near only two weeks left in the season:

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Detroit	84	62	.575	0	Won 9
Chicago	73	72	.503	10.5	Lost 1
Cleveland	72	72	.500	11	Won 1
Kansas City	62	86	.418	23	Won 2
Minnesota	59	87	.404	25	Lost 3

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:08 PM EDT)

There is no drama here, and no chance for the White Sox or the Indians as far as the Wild Card goes, but alas, it was not a bad ride this year, and the Tribe has a shot to finosh .500 or better. And hey, that would be a twelve-game improvement over 2010.

The Tigers have a magic number of 7, and the Royals and the Twins have been eliminated.

AL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
New York	88	57	.606	0	Won 1
Boston	85	61	.582	3.5	Lost 5
Tampa Bay	81	64	.558	7	Won 4
Toronto	74	73	.503	15	Won 2
Baltimore	58	87	.400	30	Lost 2

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:10 PM EDT)

This division suddenly is starting to heat up. While the Yankees have a pretty firm grip on a playoff spot, Tampa Bay could still make a run at New York, what with the way the Rays are playing.

The Yankees begin the week in Seattle on Monday, while Boston hosts Toronto starting Tuesday. The Rays are at Baltimore beginning tonight.

New York has a magic number of 14 to win the East, while the Red Sox own the Wild Card lead at present (see below).

Only Baltimore is officially eliminated in this division.

AL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Texas	83	64	.564	0	Won 1
Los Angeles	80	66	.547	2.5	Lost 1
Oakland	66	80	.452	16.5	Lost 1
Seattle	61	85	.417	21.5	Lost 2

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:13 PM EDT)

The Angels continue to hang tough in the West, and also have an outside chance at a Wild Card (see below).

The Rangers entertain the Indians starting Tuesday night, while Los Angeles begins a series in Oakland on Monday.

Texas' magic number is 14, and the Athletics and the Mariners have both been eliminated.

American League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Boston	85	61	.582	0	Lost 5
Tampa Bay	81	64	.558	3.5	Won 4
Los Angeles	80	66	.547	5	Lost 1
Chicago	73	72	.503	11.5	Lost 1
Toronto	74	73	.503	11.5	Won 2
Cleveland	72	72	.500	12	Won 1
Oakland	66	80	.452	19	Lost 1
Kansas City	62	86	.418	24	Won 2
Seattle	61	85	.417	24	Lost 2
Minnesota	59	87	.404	26	Lost 3
Baltimore	58	87	.400	26.5	Lost 2

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:15 PM EDT)

This is a three-team race that has, indeed, become a race. Boston, as noted above, takes on the Blue Jays beginning Tuesday, while Tampa Bay is at Baltimore starting tonight, and Los Angeles is at Oakland.

Boston's magic number to clinch the Wild Card (at least) is 14. Oakland, Kansas City, Seattle, Minnesota and Baltimore have all been eliminated from postseason consideration.

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And, in the National League...

NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Milwaukee	86	62	.581	0	Won 1
St. Louis	79	67	.541	6	Won 5
Cincinnati	71	75	.486	14	Lost 2
Pittsburgh	66	80	.452	19	Lost 3
Chicago	64	82	.438	21	Won 2
Houston	49	97	.335	36	Lost 1

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:18 PM EDT)

This division was a runaway a few days ago, but has tightened up quite a bit.

The Brewers begin the week at home against the Rockies on Tuesday, while the Cardinals are in action tonight in Pittsburgh.

Milwaukee's magic number to clinch the Central is 10, and the Pirates, the Cubs and the Astros have all been eliminated.

NL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Philadelphia	94	49	.657	0	Lost 1
Atlanta	84	63	.571	12	Lost 3
New York	71	75	.486	24.5	Lost 2
Washington	67	77	.465	27.5	Won 1
Florida	66	79	.455	29	Won 3

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:21 PM EDT)

Philadelphia is just about ready to be crowned as the champs of the East, and yet the Braves have the lead in the Wild Card (see below).

The Mets, the Nationals and the Marlins have all been eliminated.

NL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Arizona	85	62	.578	0	Lost 1
San Francisco	76	70	.520	8.5	Won 1
Los Angeles	72	73	.496	12	Lost 1
Colorado	69	77	.472	15.5	Won 2
San Diego	63	84	.428	22	Won 1

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:22 PM EDT)

The world champion Giants are just about gone, as the Diamondbacks' magic number has shrunk to 8.

Arizona is at the Dodgers to begin the week, while San Francisco is at home to face the Padres.

Colorado and San Diego have both been eliminated from the West race.

National League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Atlanta	84	63	.571	0	Lost 3
St. Louis	79	67	.541	4.5	Won 5
San Francisco	76	70	.520	7.5	Won 1
Los Angeles	72	73	.496	11	Lost 1
Cincinnati	71	75	.486	12.5	Lost 2
New York	71	75	.486	12.5	Lost 2
Colorado	69	77	.472	14.5	Won 2
Washington	67	77	.465	15.5	Won 1
Florida	66	79	.455	17	Won 3
Pittsburgh	66	80	.452	17.5	Lost 3
Chicago	64	82	.438	19.5	Won 2
San Diego	63	84	.428	21	Won 1
Houston	49	97	.335	34.5	Lost 1

(updated 9.12.2011 at 1:24 PM EDT)

The Cardinals got much closer to the Braves and are making a Wild Card race of it after all, and the Giants are still breathing, though just barely, for the fourth playoff spot.

Atlanta starts a series at home vs. Florida on Monday, while St. Louis is at Pittsburgh and San Francisco is at home to take on San Diego.

*************************************

And there we have it, looking ahead to our next update on Friday. Two divisions are still up in the air and both Wild Card races have become interesting. Not much to look forward to, yet much more to look forward to than there was last Friday.

See you next time.

MLB Standings Update: The Season Winds Down With Very Little Drama

2011-09-09T16:01:12Z

There is not a lot of drama left in Major League baseball's regular season, with a little less than three weeks to go. There is talk of perhaps adding another Wild Card sometime in the near future, and that is all well, fine and good -- unless you are a traditionalist and prefer not to see maybe 16 teams in the postseason, as there are in hockey and basketball.

However, we are not here to talk of the future, but the present, and here is another look at the standings, as well as the weekend schedule for those teams which are either pretty much in, or are still realistically alive.

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Detroit	81	62	.566	0	Won 6
Chicago	72	70	.507	8.5	Won 1
Cleveland	70	71	.496	10	Lost 4
Kansas City	60	85	.413	22	Lost 2
Minnesota	59	84	.412	22	Won 1

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:27 AM EDT)

Unfortunately for Indians fans, the Tribe needs to be counted out, painful as that is. The Tigers are at home this weekend vs. the Twins, while the White Sox continue their home series against Cleveland.

Detroit's magic number is 12, and the Royals and Minnesota are mathematically eliminated.

AL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
New York	87	55	.612	0	Lost 2
Boston	85	58	.594	2.5	Lost 2
Tampa Bay	78	64	.549	9	Won 1
Toronto	72	72	.500	16	Won 2
Baltimore	57	85	.401	30	Won 2

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:29 AM EDT)

Here is one race that is alive, but not with much drama. Why? Because the second-place finisher in the East almost certainly will be the Wild Card, and it may come down to a second-place team with a chance to win a division resting players down the stretch instead of "trying" to claim a division title.

The Yankees are out West to play the Angels, while the Red Sox square off with the Rays in Tampa Bay. Although I am inclined to say that the Rays are finished, a good weekend could keep them in the hunt.

New York's magic number to take the East is 18. We will discuss Boston's magic number for the Wild Card after the Wild Card standings.

Baltimore is the only East team that has been mathematically eliminated from the playoff race.

AL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Texas	81	63	.562	0	Lost 1
Los Angeles	78	65	.545	2.5	Won 1
Oakland	65	78	.454	15.5	Won 1
Seattle	60	83	.419	20.5	Won 1

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:33 AM EDT)

Although there is the same gap between first and second in the West, the drama is completely different, as the second place team will probably have no shot at a Wild Card.

The Rangers entertain the Athletics this weekend, while Los Angeles is at home vs. the Yankees. Texas has a magic number of 17.

The Mariners have been mathematically eliminated from all playoff contention.

American League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Boston	85	58	.594	0	Lost 2
Tampa Bay	78	64	.549	6.5	Won 1
Los Angeles	78	65	.545	7	Won 1
Chicago	72	70	.507	12.5	Won 1
Toronto	72	72	.500	13.5	Won 2
Cleveland	70	71	.496	14	Lost 4
Oakland	65	78	.454	20	Won 1
Seattle	60	83	.419	25	Won 1
Kansas City	60	85	.413	26	Lost 2
Minnesota	59	84	.412	26	Won 1
Baltimore	57	85	.401	27.5	Won 2

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:42 AM EDT)

The AL Wild Card race is a three-team battle, though Boston has a pretty healthy advantage, and has a magic number of 14 to clinch -- unless they overtake New York for the AL East crown.

Oakland, Seattle, Kansas City, Minnesota and Baltimore all have no shot at a Wild Card.

Now to the National League:

*****************************

NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Milwaukee	85	60	.586	0	Lost 3
St. Louis	76	67	.531	8	Won 2
Cincinnati	70	73	.489	14	Lost 1
Pittsburgh	66	77	.461	18	Won 1
Chicago	62	81	.433	22	Won 1
Houston	48	95	.335	36	Lost 1

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:37 AM EDT)

Yet another two-team race, and yet another race where there is really no drama.

The Brewers have lost three straight and might be showing a dent in their armor, but even so, Milwaukee's magic number is 11.

Milwaukee faces the Phillies through this weekend, while the Cardinals are at home against the Braves.

The Cubs and the Astros have both been mathematically eliminated from all postseason contention.

NL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Philadelphia	92	48	.657	0	Won 4
Atlanta	84	60	.583	10	Won 2
New York	70	73	.489	23.5	Lost 2
Washington	65	76	.460	27.5	Lost 2
Florida	63	79	.443	30	Lost 2

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:40 AM EDT)

Philadelphia just keeps rolling along and has reduced their magic number to 11. But the Braves have much to play for even though they will not catch the Phillies. Atlanta has a healthy lead for the NL Wild Card, which we will look at below.

Only the Marlins have been eliminated from playoff contention.

NL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Arizona	83	61	.576	0	Won 2
San Francisco	75	68	.524	7.5	Lost 1
Los Angeles	70	72	.492	12	Won 2
Colorado	67	76	.468	15.5	Lost 1
San Diego	62	82	.430	21	Lost 1

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:45 AM EDT)

The final of the two-team races is in the NL West, where the Diamondbacks have reduced their magic number to 12. Arizona takes on the Padres at home this weekend, while the defending champion Giants try to hang on to flickering hopes as they face the Dodgers, also at home.

Only San Diego has been mathematically eliminated.

National League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Atlanta	84	60	.583	0	Won 2
St. Louis	76	67	.531	7.5	Won 2
San Francisco	75	68	.524	8.5	Lost 1
Los Angeles	70	72	.492	13	Won 2
Cincinnati	70	73	.489	13.5	Lost 1
New York	70	73	.489	13.5	Lost 2
Colorado	67	76	.468	16.5	Lost 1
Pittsburgh	66	77	.461	17.5	Won 1
Washington	65	76	.460	17.5	Lost 2
Florida	63	79	.443	20	Lost 2
Chicago	62	81	.433	21.5	Won 1
San Diego	62	82	.430	22	Lost 1
Houston	48	95	.335	35.5	Lost 1

(updated 9.9.2011 at 10:47 AM EDT)

As in the American League, the NL has a three-team race for the Wild Card -- and like the AL, the Senior Circuit has basically no drama here.

Atlanta's magic number for the Wild Card is 12. Florida, the Cubs, San Diego and Houston are all eliminated.

******************************

We will be back on Monday for another update, Maybe something will happen this weekend to amp up one or two of the battles for playoff spots -- or maybe by Monday it will be down to just a few teams with any real chance.

Major League Standings Update September 5: Do-Or-Die In Cleveland?

2011-09-05T15:58:04Z

So it all comes down to this: the Indians welcoming the Tigers to Progressive Field, and needing to win at least two-of-three -- perhaps needing even to sweep.

As we take our beginning-of-the-week look at the standings in the Major Leagues, and at who plays whom in games that really matter for contenders, it is impossible to find a series any bigger than Indians-Tigers.

But there are other teams fighting for their lives, and other big games to be played.

So let us proceed:

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Detroit	78	62	.557	0	Won 3
Cleveland	70	67	.510	6.5	Won 1
Chicago	68	69	.496	8.5	Lost 4
Minnesota	58	81	.417	19.5	Lost 2
Kansas City	58	83	.411	20.5	Lost 1

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:35 AM EDT)

Obviously, if you are on this particular page, you know who plays whom beginning Monday afternoon in Cleveland, but the White Sox also have an outside chance, although they basically played their way out of contention when they were swept over the weekend.

Chicago heads to Minnesota and begins a series vs, the Twins with a doubleheader on Monday.

Detroit's magic number to clinch the Central stands at 18, while Chicago's elimination number is 16, the Twins is 4, and the Royals is 2.

AL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
New York	85	53	.615	0	Won 4
Boston	84	55	.604	1.5	Lost 1
Tampa Bay	76	63	.546	9.5	Won 2
Toronto	69	71	.492	17	Lost 3
Baltimore	55	83	.398	30	Lost 2

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:38 AM EDT)

This division is the tightest race left right now, with the Yankees in Baltimore on Monday and the Red Sox in Toronto. The Rays, who are literally about an update away from being considered "out of it", are home to the Rangers.

New York's magic number is 23, and whichever team finishes second in this division will probably get the Wild Card.

AL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Texas	80	61	.567	0	Won 1
Los Angeles	76	64	.542	3.5	Won 2
Oakland	64	76	.457	15.5	Won 4
Seattle	58	81	.417	21	Lost 4

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:40 AM EDT)

The Rangers are still the team to beat in this division, with a magic number of 19, but the Angels don't want to go away and are hanging peskily in there. Unfortunately for the Angels, it is pretty much down to "catch the Rangers or watch the playoffs at home".

Texas, as noted above, is at Tampa Bay to start the week while Los Angeles entertains the Mariners.

American League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Boston	84	55	.604	0	Lost 1
Tampa Bay	76	63	.546	8	Won 2
Los Angeles	76	64	.542	8.5	Won 2
Cleveland	70	67	.510	13	Won 1
Chicago	68	69	.496	15	Lost 4
Toronto	69	71	.492	15.5	Lost 3
Oakland	64	76	.457	20.5	Won 4
Minnesota	58	81	.417	26	Lost 2
Seattle	58	81	.417	26	Lost 4
Kansas City	58	83	.411	27	Lost 1
Baltimore	55	83	.398	28.5	Lost 2

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:43 AM EDT)

As can be seen by a cursory look at the Wild Card standings, the Red Sox are pretty much in the driver's seat, with a magic number of 16 to clinch the fourth American League playoff spot. And of course Boston is very much alive for the East crown.

And in the National League...

NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Milwaukee	84	57	.595	0	Won 3
St. Louis	74	66	.528	9.5	Lost 1
Cincinnati	69	71	.492	14.5	Won 1
Pittsburgh	64	76	.457	19.5	Lost 1
Chicago	60	80	.428	23.5	Won 1
Houston	47	93	.335	36.5	Lost 3

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:45 AM EDT)

It is just about over in the NL Central, with the Brewers' magic number shrunken to 13. The Cardinals are in desperate condition, as they are well behind the Braves for the Wild Card.

Milwaukee goes to St. Louis to begin the week, and this race could literally be over in the next week or so.

The Cubs and Astros are already eliminated, while the Pirates and Reds will likely be gone from the race before the end of the week.

NL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Philadelphia	88	48	.647	0	Lost 2
Atlanta	82	57	.589	7.5	Won 1
New York	68	70	.492	21	Won 1
Washington	64	74	.463	25	Lost 1
Florida	62	77	.446	27.5	Won 2

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:48 AM EDT)

The Phillies have hit a little bump with two straight losses, but still their magic number is 18 to win another NL East crown.

Philadelphia will get a chance to just about put this division away when they take on Atlanta at home with a series beginning today.

Florida is out, and the Nationals will be eliminated with their next loss, or the next Phillies' win.

NL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Arizona	80	60	.571	0	Won 2
San Francisco	73	67	.521	7	Lost 2
Los Angeles	68	71	.489	11.5	Lost 1
Colorado	66	74	.471	14	Lost 1
San Diego	61	79	.435	19	Won 1

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:51 AM EDT)

Arizona decreased their magic number to 16 by taking two-of-three from the Giants over the weekend. The Diamondbacks now head to Colorado to face the Rockies, while the defending champs from San Francisco are on the road to take on the Padres.

National League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Atlanta	82	57	.589	0	Won 1
St. Louis	74	66	.528	8.5	Lost 1
San Francisco	73	67	.521	9.5	Lost 2
New York	68	70	.492	13.5	Won 1
Cincinnati	69	71	.492	13.5	Won 1
Los Angeles	68	71	.489	14	Lost 1
Colorado	66	74	.471	16.5	Lost 1
Washington	64	74	.463	17.5	Lost 1
Pittsburgh	64	76	.457	18.5	Lost 1
Florida	62	77	.446	20	Won 2
San Diego	61	79	.435	21.5	Won 1
Chicago	60	80	.428	22.5	Won 1
Houston	47	93	.335	35.5	Lost 3

(updated 9.5.2011 at 11:53 AM EDT)

The Braves are just about out of contention in the NL East -- yet are looking good for the Wild Card, for which their magic number is 15.

Only Houston has actually been mathematically eliminated, but a slew of teams are likely to be history before our next update...

...which will be available for your perusal on Friday.

MLB Standings Update: Falling Leaves (And Teams) Of September

2011-09-02T16:01:10Z

The Major League regular season has made it to September, and as leaves begin to fall in this last partial month of summer, so teams begin to fall out of playoff races.

The Indians, with whom we are most concerned, are still alive, very much alive, but teams such as the Orioles and the Astros are already looking toward next year, with no hope of the postseason even should they win every game for the remainder of the season.

Here is our Friday look at the standings and also who plays whom among teams with a legitimate chance. Right now that includes (in my opinion) any team within ten games of either first in a division or a Wild Card spot.

Soon, of course, even that criteria will have to be altered. But for now...

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Detroit	75	62	.547	0	Lost 1
Chicago	68	66	.507	5.5	Lost 1
Cleveland	68	66	.507	5.5	Lost 1
Minnesota	57	79	.419	17.5	Won 1
Kansas City	57	81	.413	18.5	Won 1

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:11 AM EDT)

This three-team horse-race may become a little clearer over the weekend, or it could become truly muddy. A lot will depend on what happens in Detroit, where the White Sox begin a series with the Tigers on Friday. The Indians, meanwhile, are in Kansas City to face the Royals, who are playing well the role of spoiler.

The elimination number for the Royals is 7; for the Twins it is 9; and for the Indians and White Sox it is 22.

AL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Boston	83	53	.610	0	Lost 1
New York	82	53	.607	0.5	Won 1
Tampa Bay	74	62	.544	9	Lost 1
Toronto	69	68	.503	14.5	Won 2
Baltimore	54	81	.400	28.5	Lost 2

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:14 AM EDT)

This is essentially a two-team race, with Tampa Bay being on the farthest fringe of contention. The Rays can still be a Wild Card, but would have to catch either Boston or New York to have a chance.

The Red Sox are home to the Rangers this weekend, while the Yankees host the Blue Jays. The Rays are also at home vs. the Orioles.

Baltimore has been eliminated from the post-season. Toronto's elimination number is 12 (for the East); and Tampa Bay's is 18

AL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Texas	78	60	.565	0	Won 1
Los Angeles	74	63	.540	3.5	Won 1
Oakland	61	76	.445	16.5	Won 1
Seattle	58	78	.426	19	Lost 1

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:18 AM EDT)

The true picture of a two-team race can be found in the West. The Rangers, as noted above, are in Boston this weekend, while the Angels are home to take on Minnesota.

The Mariners' elimination number is 7; the Athletics' is 9, and Los Angeles's is 22.

The Angels, however, also have an outside shot at the Wild Card.

American League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
New York	82	53	.607	0	Won 1
Tampa Bay	74	62	.544	8.5	Lost 1
Los Angeles	74	63	.540	9	Won 1
Chicago	68	66	.507	13.5	Lost 1
Cleveland	68	66	.507	13.5	Lost 1
Toronto	69	68	.503	14	Won 2
Oakland	61	76	.445	22	Won 1
Seattle	58	78	.426	24.5	Lost 1
Minnesota	57	79	.419	25.5	Won 1
Kansas City	57	81	.413	26.5	Won 1
Baltimore	54	81	.400	28	Lost 2

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:20 AM EDT)

Let us use the same criteria for the Wild Card race as we do in the divisions: any team not within ten games might as well pack it in as far as postseason hopes.

Thus we have a three-team race here, and with New York's lead, it is a tepid "race" indeed.

Baltimore and Kansas City are eliminated from the Wild Card. Here are the elimination numbers for all teams still alive: Minnesota 2: Seattle 3; Oakland 5; Toronto 13; Cleveland and Chicago 15; Los Angeles 18; and Tampa Bay 19.

****************************************

Meanwhile, in the Senior Circuit...

NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Milwaukee	81	57	.586	0	Lost 3
St. Louis	73	64	.532	7.5	Won 4
Cincinnati	67	70	.489	13.5	Lost 4
Pittsburgh	62	75	.452	18.5	Lost 5
Chicago	59	78	.430	21.5	Lost 1
Houston	47	90	.343	33.5	Won 4

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:25 AM EDT)

The Brewers were running away with this division, but have allowed the Cardinals some hope of still making a race of it.

Milwaukee is in Houston this weekend, while St. Louis takes on the Reds at home.

(We will dispense with magic numbers for the National League, and will just let you know who is officially done for as far as any hope goes, for either a divisional crown or a Wild Card. In the Central, that would be the Astros.)

NL East Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Philadelphia	87	46	.654	0	Won 4
Atlanta	81	55	.595	7.5	Won 2
New York	66	69	.488	22	Won 2
Washington	63	72	.466	25	Lost 2
Florida	60	76	.441	28.5	Lost 2

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:28 AM EDT)

Another exclusively two-team "battle", if such a word can be applied when there is an almost eight-game gap between teams.

The Phillies are in Florida to take on the Marlins this weekend, while the Braves (who own the Wild Card lead at present) are in Atlanta to entertain the Dodgers.

NL West Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Arizona	78	59	.569	0	Won 9
San Francisco	72	65	.525	6	Won 1
Los Angeles	66	70	.485	11.5	Won 4
Colorado	64	73	.467	14	Lost 3
San Diego	60	77	.437	18	Lost 7

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:30 AM EDT)

Finally we have the NL West, where the defending champion Giants are in serious trouble, needing to catch the red-hot Diamondbacks to really have a chance, since their deficit behind Atlanta is even larger.

Arizona goes for 10 in a row on Friday night in San Francisco in what is close to a do-or-die series for the Giants.

National League Wild Card Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Atlanta	81	55	.595	0	Won 2
St. Louis	73	64	.532	8.5	Won 4
San Francisco	72	65	.525	9.5	Won 1
Cincinnati	67	70	.489	14.5	Lost 4
New York	66	69	.488	14.5	Won 2
Los Angeles	66	70	.485	15	Won 4
Colorado	64	73	.467	17.5	Lost 3
Washington	63	72	.466	17.5	Lost 2
Pittsburgh	62	75	.452	19.5	Lost 5
Florida	60	76	.441	21	Lost 2
San Diego	60	77	.437	21.5	Lost 7
Chicago	59	78	.430	22.5	Lost 1
Houston	47	90	.343	34.5	Won 4

(updated 9.2.2011 at 11:32 AM EDT)

Here (as in the American League) is a three-team race for the Wild Card. And again, to use such a term might be a stretch (alright, it is a stretch).

Atlanta, as noted above, is at home for the Dodgers over the weekend, while the Cardinals are home to Cincinnati and the Giants host Arizona.

*****************************************

As has been seen, some races could really blow up this weekend -- or become closer. Will Detroit hold an almost nine-game lead come Monday? Or will the White Sox and the Indians close the gap before Detroit heads to Cleveland on Monday? Will the Giants hold serve at home and put the pressure on the Diamondbacks?

Check back Monday to find out.