Monday, September 1, 2008

MLB Pennant Race: September - The Final Stretch



The final picture for who will play in October became a little clearer on some fronts and more confusing on others. Though we will not officially stick the fork in the Yankees yet, how many weird twists of fate would rescue their season? They failed their test against the Red Sox. The Red Sox now are no sure bet for October. The Twins or the White Sox, depending on who finishes first in that division is in the Wild Card Chase. Anyone thinking the Rays would self destruct, well, they've braved some significant injuries but keep going. The American League looks like it belongs to the Rays and the Angels.


The National League still has tight races in the East and the West. It's too early to make calls there. The contenders in the West are doing everything to kill themselves as first place Arizona has lost seven out of its last ten games at 69-67 are only two games over .50o for a first place team. The Dodgers lost eight of ten. So much for "Manny Magic."


The National League Wild Card looks more and more like Milwaukee's. Division rival St. Louis had a a mediocre 4-6 week while the Brewers took charge with an 8-2 mark. The loser in the East has much ground to make up to surpass the Brewers.


The week ahead has the Yankees going to Tampa Bay. This could be the last straw for New York. St. Louis plays Minnesota. The other contenders play teams they would be sure favorites to beat. Next weekend the White Sox face the Angels. The real action is in the National League where the Mets play the Phillies and Arizona faces the Dodgers. These are the red hot battles for the most competitive divisional battles. Stay tuned.

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