As we come closer to the middle of September, we head into one of the most exciting portions of the baseball season. Before any pitch of a playoff game is thrown, before all the bright lights are turned on, fans still must stay tuned for the conclusion of what promises to be an exciting run to the end of the 162-game schedule. With about three weeks of baseball left, the race continues as several teams have only one idea in mind: October.
The American League East has caught the attention of almost everybody within the last week, starting with the 10-game winning streak by the Boston Red Sox. What a difference between seven games back versus two and a half games back behind division leaders New York. The recent losing streak of New York raises some question as to whether or not the team is becoming worn out or not.
If the Yankees are seriously worn out, just exactly how far can they go in the post season? By allowing the gap between themselves and Boston, the Yankees must concentrate on winning as many games as possible. If New York continues to fall, Boston has a real chance of taking that division. Just imagine the potential fairytale ending. Boston wins the AL East, despite losing the bid to Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees prior to the season.
The National League wildcard chase continues to be rather interesting, and never-ending. The Houston Astros, whom two weeks ago appeared to be dead out of the race, have re-emerged and now are right in the race. Within the last few days, both Florida and Houston have gained further ground, and now all five teams are neck-and-neck for the wildcard. With five teams competing for a spot in the postseason, that normally would not have a real chance for the division, how can anyone argue that the wildcard was a bad addition to baseball?
The race in the National League West is closer, with Los Angeles only a handful of games above San Francisco. While the Giants should be pulling for the division, they remain right in the wildcard with San Diego knocking on their door below them.
The National League East, surprisingly, again is a no contest, unless the Atlanta Braves have a complete downfall in the final three weeks. How is it that every year the Braves, through all obstacles, continue to win their division year after year remains beyond me. As previously mentioned, with the Braves seemingly locked to win the division, the Marlins are forced to chase after the wildcard, if they are to repeat as World Series champions.
The American League West remains rather nonchalant. The Athletics are quietly leading that division, with only Anaheim a handful of games behind. Anaheim seems destined to win the American League wildcard, especially considering both the White Sox and Rangers have slowed down since the middle of the season.
As stated, the most interesting aspect of this September seems to come from the AL East and the NL wildcard. The mystique between New York and Boston will never grow old, especially when you consider that it seems a new chapter grows each year to the historic feud. The National League wildcard chase consists of five teams, all within earshot to the post season.
While the playoffs are still three weeks away, the regular season is far from over. If you ignore these final three weeks, in anticipation for the actual postseason, you might miss out on some of the best that baseball has to offer.
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