Down the Line and Into the Corner: All About Division/Wild Card Races
Alrighty...I'm back on schedule with this bitch. Lots of changes in the NL East standings, some teams are getting closer to elimination, and 2 new teams joining in the Official elimination parties. That's really all I got here.
AL East: After what looked like a promising series for the Red Sox after the drubbing administered to Scott Kazmir, the Rays took the last 2 games of the series to bring themselves back to a 2 game lead. So that looks pretty badly off. The Red Sox are still, however, in double digits with the Elimination Number, so there's some optimism there. Meanwhile the Yankees and Blue Jays could be eliminated within the next couple nights. Baltimore still remains eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
Tampa Bay -- X -- X
Boston -- 2.0 GB (-2) -- 10 (-6 (from 9/11))
Toronto -- 10.0 GB (-.5) -- 2 (-2)
New York -- 10.0 GB (+1) -- 2 (-2)
Baltimore -- ELIMINATED
AL Central: Chicago has gained another game on Minnesota in the ever changing lead margins on this race. Minnesota is still hanging in there however their time is running low given they're not within the single digits of Elimination Numbers. Meanwhile Cleveland is barely still waiting with their number down to 2. Detroit has joined the group of Eliminated Teams while Kansas City is still there.
Elimination Numbers
Chicago -- X -- X
Minnesota -- 2.5 GB (+1) -- 9 (-3)
Cleveland -- 9.5 GB (+1) -- 2 (-1)
Detroit -- ELIMINATED
Kansas City -- ELIMINATED
AL West: We get it -- Los Angeles is there, they're the AL West Champions. That's all that there is to be said about this one.
Elimination Numbers
Los Angeles -- AL WEST CHAMPIONS
Texas -- ELIMINATED
Oakland -- ELIMINATED
Seattle -- ELIMINATED
NL East: The Philadelphia Phillies are some tough sonofabitches. They have overtaken the lead for the NL East and only have a half a game between them and New York. The Elimination number is still in double digits but the Mets have been falling slowly so this could be a bad thing for them. Meanwhile, the Marlins keep lurking away at 5.5 games back but their number is at 6. They're making their presence be felt, however, even if it is in the Wild Card race. Atlanta and Washington are still eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
Philadelphia -- X -- X
New York -- 0.5 GB (-1) -- 11 (-2 from Philly)
Florida -- 5.5 GB (+.5) -- 6 (-2)
Atlanta -- ELIMINATED
Washington -- ELIMINATED
NL Central: Yep, Chicago is pretty much running away with this. I think it's safe to say they'll be representing the NL Central in this race, barring some epic EPIC collapse which while Chicagoans know the stories, I don't think those stories will come from this season. Milwaukee is still the same amount of games back and their number has gone down by 2. Houston should be eliminated from this any day now while St. Louis has joined Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the Eliminated Pile.
Elimination Numbers
Chicago -- X -- X
Milwaukee -- 8.0 GB (+0) -- 4 (-2)
Houston -- 11.5 GB (-1) -- 1 (-3)
St. Louis -- ELIMINATED
Cincinnati -- ELIMINATED
Pittsburgh -- ELIMINATED
NL West: Meanwhile, in the NL West, the Dodgers still have a healthy lead over Arizona, despite dropping 1 game. Their number is within the single digits now so that's pretty cool for them. Colorado looks to be eliminated any day now while San Francisco has joined San Diego in the Eliminated group.
Elimination Numbers
Los Angeles -- X -- X
Arizona -- 3.5 GB (+1) -- 8 (-1)
Colorado -- 9.5 GB (+1) -- 1 (-1)
San Francisco -- ELIMINATED
San Diego -- ELIMINATED
And now for some Wild Card Race updates!
AL Wild Card: This looks like Boston's for the taken(if they don't end up taking the AL East which is STILL possible and in which case then it'd be Tampa Bay's spot). The one bright spot of this past series is that Minnesota has sucked just about as much as Boston has. So there's that. The numero is getting lower by the day and the other two teams still remain in contention but their numbers are getting lower too. Everybody else is still eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
Boston -- X -- X
Minnesota -- 7.0 GB (+0) -- 4 (-2)
Toronto -- 8.0 GB (+1) -- 3 (-1)
New York -- 8.0 GB (+1) -- 3 (-1)
Cleveland -- ELIMINATED
Texas -- ELIMINATED
Detroit -- ELIMINATED
Oakland -- ELIMINATED
Kansas City -- ELIMINATED
Baltimore -- ELIMINATED
Seattle -- ELIMINATED
NL Wild Card: And now the Mets' hopes can fall upon the tight Wild Card race. Milwaukee is not that far behind with a half a game out. Houston's rise to becoming a factor was nice while it lasted but they are now 4 games back which puts them probably into a more Dark Horse candidacy. Florida also lurks in that category with St. Louis. Arizona is by a thread and everybody else is eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
New York -- X -- X
Milwaukee -- 0.5 GB (-.5) -- 11 (Honestly, I have no effing clue)
Houston -- 4.0 GB (-1.5) -- 8 (-5)
Florida -- 5.0 GB (+.5) -- 7 (-1)
St. Louis -- 6.0 GB (-1.5) -- 6 (-3)
Arizona -- 9.0 GB (+.5) -- 3 (-1)
Cincinnati -- ELIMINATED
Colorado -- ELIMINATED
San Francisco -- ELIMINATED
Atlanta -- ELIMINATED
Pittsburgh -- ELIMINATED
Washington -- ELIMINATED
San Diego -- ELIMINATED
Because I have time, I'll go and do up the whole Matchups of Interest.
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay: This is what is called the "Boston Can't Lose" series. No matter what happens, it'll end up a gain of some sort for Boston...well depending on if they do their job in Toronto for at least the AL East implications. The Twins have been sucking lately and Tampa has not really as much...so this should be worth interest...also the Twins miss Garza. Anyways the Twins throw Perkins, Blackburn, Slowey, and Liriano against Shields, Jackson, Kazmir and Sonnanstine. Well all things considering. Looking at the matchups, I'd probably give the first one to the Rays, the second one will probably go to the Twins, third game depends really on Tampa's crowd because Kazmir gets all sucktastic in front of large crowds, and the last one is probably towards the Twins...though Sonnanstine could end up doing well.
St. Louis @ Chicago: The old rivalry gets up and at them again with a three game set(could be 4 and I can't see for shit). St. Louis is looking to gain some ground in the NL Wild Card while Chicago looks to clinch in front of their home crowd. Should be quite the matchup and most likely by this time there'll come a clinching celebration for the Cubbies. Cards put Wainwright, Pineiro and Looper up against Zambrano, Lilly, and Dempster. The Cubs look good for games 1 and 3. The second one is a tossup depending on how Lilly will fare. He tends to be a little on the hit or miss side...however if he pretends they are Boston, then the Cards are doomed.
Boston @ Toronto: The last road series of the year for Boston and it's against the Jays who are pretty damn good with their pitching at least. It'll be interesting to see what goes on in this series. Even though they can't REALLY lose anything with the Tampa and Minnesota series going on, it is still imperative that they pick up a few wins to keep themselves to, you know, not suck. They have Byrd, Lester and Matsuzaka going this series against Burnett, Halladay, and a starter who has not been named just yet. Okay the first game is not even funny. That goes to Toronto. Byrd has faced the Blue Jays wayyyy too many fucking times and Burnett is a certified Red Sox killer. This game isn't even fair. The second game can go either way. Lester has been very very good and did beat Halladay last time out. The Red Sox have shown they CAN beat Halladay but dude, it's Roy Fucking Halladay. Come the fuck on, just because they have beaten him before doesn't mean they will again. The last game goes probably to Boston, however, they may have to wait and see who exactly the Jays throw out there. Regardless of this series, as long as the Red Sox win, they can't really lose....wow I just sounded really badly like Tim McCarver there.
Philadelphia @ Florida: Philly takes on the Marlins in a 3 game set in Miami. The Phils look to add onto their half game lead and Florida looks to stay competitive. The Marlins played a particularly evil spoiler to the Mets in 07 which was much appreciated to the Philly fans. Can the Marlins do a face heel turn here and do the same to the Phillies? Who knows. They are stubborn delirious mofos...and don't underestimate the power of the delirious for it's the faith they have and the reality they lack. Philly has Myers, Blanton and Moyer against Johnson, Sanchez, and Volstad. I believe Volstad has been pretty good for Florida and Moyer is old and unpredictable...so I think that last game could go to the Marlins. Actually, to be honest, I think these games could go any which way. I think Philly will at least take 2/3 here. I could be wrong because I mean the Mets got swept by the friggin Nats recently!
New York @ Atlanta: The Braves have packed it up and packed it in while the Mets are keeping ahold of their half a game lead in the NL Wild Card and are also looking to take back the NL East lead. Atlanta, however, can be a tough team if need be. I think. Keep in mind I suck at the NL. The Mets have Perez, Martinez, and Pelfrey up against the Braves' Reyes, Campillo, and Parr. The Mets have a pretty good chance of taking 2/3 but sometimes the inexperienced pitchers can own you pretty badly due to the fact that you've never seen them before. It's really a big old question mark, just like my knowledge of the NL.
Milwaukee @ Cincinnati: The Brew Crew look to try to regain some ground in the NL Wild Card standings which stand at only half a game. They have replaced manager Ned Yost with Dale Sveum, who is not exactly the most experienced dude out there. Not to mention the fact that he did not make for a good third base coach. But regardless, the Brewers are looking to bounce back after their worst week ever. It's McClung, Suppan, and Sabathia for the Brewers and Ramirez, Cueto, and Arroyo for the Reds. I think the first is a tossup, the second game goes to Cincinnati and the third goes to Milwaukee. So this series could be a good thing for the Brewers...I think. As I said I suck at this a lot of times.
And now for those who don't want to read my nonsensical insights.
Booking Their Tickets and Hotel Rooms
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Counting Down the Magic Numbers Cautiously
Chicago Cubs
Los Angeles Dodgers
In The Mix
Tampa Bay Rays
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Minnesota Twins
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets
Milwaukee Brewers
Interesting Dark Horse Candidates
Arizona Diamondbacks
Houston Astros
Florida Marlins
St. Louis Cardinals
Hanging By A Thread
Toronto Blue Jays
New York Yankees
Cleveland Indians
Colorado Rockies
Officially Eliminated
Baltimore Orioles
Kansas City Royals
Detroit Tigers
Texas Rangers
Oakland Athletics
Seattle Mariners
Atlanta Braves
Washington Nationals
Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates
San Francisco Giants
San Diego Padres
That's all I got
AL East: After what looked like a promising series for the Red Sox after the drubbing administered to Scott Kazmir, the Rays took the last 2 games of the series to bring themselves back to a 2 game lead. So that looks pretty badly off. The Red Sox are still, however, in double digits with the Elimination Number, so there's some optimism there. Meanwhile the Yankees and Blue Jays could be eliminated within the next couple nights. Baltimore still remains eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
Tampa Bay -- X -- X
Boston -- 2.0 GB (-2) -- 10 (-6 (from 9/11))
Toronto -- 10.0 GB (-.5) -- 2 (-2)
New York -- 10.0 GB (+1) -- 2 (-2)
Baltimore -- ELIMINATED
AL Central: Chicago has gained another game on Minnesota in the ever changing lead margins on this race. Minnesota is still hanging in there however their time is running low given they're not within the single digits of Elimination Numbers. Meanwhile Cleveland is barely still waiting with their number down to 2. Detroit has joined the group of Eliminated Teams while Kansas City is still there.
Elimination Numbers
Chicago -- X -- X
Minnesota -- 2.5 GB (+1) -- 9 (-3)
Cleveland -- 9.5 GB (+1) -- 2 (-1)
Detroit -- ELIMINATED
Kansas City -- ELIMINATED
AL West: We get it -- Los Angeles is there, they're the AL West Champions. That's all that there is to be said about this one.
Elimination Numbers
Los Angeles -- AL WEST CHAMPIONS
Texas -- ELIMINATED
Oakland -- ELIMINATED
Seattle -- ELIMINATED
NL East: The Philadelphia Phillies are some tough sonofabitches. They have overtaken the lead for the NL East and only have a half a game between them and New York. The Elimination number is still in double digits but the Mets have been falling slowly so this could be a bad thing for them. Meanwhile, the Marlins keep lurking away at 5.5 games back but their number is at 6. They're making their presence be felt, however, even if it is in the Wild Card race. Atlanta and Washington are still eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
Philadelphia -- X -- X
New York -- 0.5 GB (-1) -- 11 (-2 from Philly)
Florida -- 5.5 GB (+.5) -- 6 (-2)
Atlanta -- ELIMINATED
Washington -- ELIMINATED
NL Central: Yep, Chicago is pretty much running away with this. I think it's safe to say they'll be representing the NL Central in this race, barring some epic EPIC collapse which while Chicagoans know the stories, I don't think those stories will come from this season. Milwaukee is still the same amount of games back and their number has gone down by 2. Houston should be eliminated from this any day now while St. Louis has joined Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the Eliminated Pile.
Elimination Numbers
Chicago -- X -- X
Milwaukee -- 8.0 GB (+0) -- 4 (-2)
Houston -- 11.5 GB (-1) -- 1 (-3)
St. Louis -- ELIMINATED
Cincinnati -- ELIMINATED
Pittsburgh -- ELIMINATED
NL West: Meanwhile, in the NL West, the Dodgers still have a healthy lead over Arizona, despite dropping 1 game. Their number is within the single digits now so that's pretty cool for them. Colorado looks to be eliminated any day now while San Francisco has joined San Diego in the Eliminated group.
Elimination Numbers
Los Angeles -- X -- X
Arizona -- 3.5 GB (+1) -- 8 (-1)
Colorado -- 9.5 GB (+1) -- 1 (-1)
San Francisco -- ELIMINATED
San Diego -- ELIMINATED
And now for some Wild Card Race updates!
AL Wild Card: This looks like Boston's for the taken(if they don't end up taking the AL East which is STILL possible and in which case then it'd be Tampa Bay's spot). The one bright spot of this past series is that Minnesota has sucked just about as much as Boston has. So there's that. The numero is getting lower by the day and the other two teams still remain in contention but their numbers are getting lower too. Everybody else is still eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
Boston -- X -- X
Minnesota -- 7.0 GB (+0) -- 4 (-2)
Toronto -- 8.0 GB (+1) -- 3 (-1)
New York -- 8.0 GB (+1) -- 3 (-1)
Cleveland -- ELIMINATED
Texas -- ELIMINATED
Detroit -- ELIMINATED
Oakland -- ELIMINATED
Kansas City -- ELIMINATED
Baltimore -- ELIMINATED
Seattle -- ELIMINATED
NL Wild Card: And now the Mets' hopes can fall upon the tight Wild Card race. Milwaukee is not that far behind with a half a game out. Houston's rise to becoming a factor was nice while it lasted but they are now 4 games back which puts them probably into a more Dark Horse candidacy. Florida also lurks in that category with St. Louis. Arizona is by a thread and everybody else is eliminated.
Elimination Numbers
New York -- X -- X
Milwaukee -- 0.5 GB (-.5) -- 11 (Honestly, I have no effing clue)
Houston -- 4.0 GB (-1.5) -- 8 (-5)
Florida -- 5.0 GB (+.5) -- 7 (-1)
St. Louis -- 6.0 GB (-1.5) -- 6 (-3)
Arizona -- 9.0 GB (+.5) -- 3 (-1)
Cincinnati -- ELIMINATED
Colorado -- ELIMINATED
San Francisco -- ELIMINATED
Atlanta -- ELIMINATED
Pittsburgh -- ELIMINATED
Washington -- ELIMINATED
San Diego -- ELIMINATED
Because I have time, I'll go and do up the whole Matchups of Interest.
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay: This is what is called the "Boston Can't Lose" series. No matter what happens, it'll end up a gain of some sort for Boston...well depending on if they do their job in Toronto for at least the AL East implications. The Twins have been sucking lately and Tampa has not really as much...so this should be worth interest...also the Twins miss Garza. Anyways the Twins throw Perkins, Blackburn, Slowey, and Liriano against Shields, Jackson, Kazmir and Sonnanstine. Well all things considering. Looking at the matchups, I'd probably give the first one to the Rays, the second one will probably go to the Twins, third game depends really on Tampa's crowd because Kazmir gets all sucktastic in front of large crowds, and the last one is probably towards the Twins...though Sonnanstine could end up doing well.
St. Louis @ Chicago: The old rivalry gets up and at them again with a three game set(could be 4 and I can't see for shit). St. Louis is looking to gain some ground in the NL Wild Card while Chicago looks to clinch in front of their home crowd. Should be quite the matchup and most likely by this time there'll come a clinching celebration for the Cubbies. Cards put Wainwright, Pineiro and Looper up against Zambrano, Lilly, and Dempster. The Cubs look good for games 1 and 3. The second one is a tossup depending on how Lilly will fare. He tends to be a little on the hit or miss side...however if he pretends they are Boston, then the Cards are doomed.
Boston @ Toronto: The last road series of the year for Boston and it's against the Jays who are pretty damn good with their pitching at least. It'll be interesting to see what goes on in this series. Even though they can't REALLY lose anything with the Tampa and Minnesota series going on, it is still imperative that they pick up a few wins to keep themselves to, you know, not suck. They have Byrd, Lester and Matsuzaka going this series against Burnett, Halladay, and a starter who has not been named just yet. Okay the first game is not even funny. That goes to Toronto. Byrd has faced the Blue Jays wayyyy too many fucking times and Burnett is a certified Red Sox killer. This game isn't even fair. The second game can go either way. Lester has been very very good and did beat Halladay last time out. The Red Sox have shown they CAN beat Halladay but dude, it's Roy Fucking Halladay. Come the fuck on, just because they have beaten him before doesn't mean they will again. The last game goes probably to Boston, however, they may have to wait and see who exactly the Jays throw out there. Regardless of this series, as long as the Red Sox win, they can't really lose....wow I just sounded really badly like Tim McCarver there.
Philadelphia @ Florida: Philly takes on the Marlins in a 3 game set in Miami. The Phils look to add onto their half game lead and Florida looks to stay competitive. The Marlins played a particularly evil spoiler to the Mets in 07 which was much appreciated to the Philly fans. Can the Marlins do a face heel turn here and do the same to the Phillies? Who knows. They are stubborn delirious mofos...and don't underestimate the power of the delirious for it's the faith they have and the reality they lack. Philly has Myers, Blanton and Moyer against Johnson, Sanchez, and Volstad. I believe Volstad has been pretty good for Florida and Moyer is old and unpredictable...so I think that last game could go to the Marlins. Actually, to be honest, I think these games could go any which way. I think Philly will at least take 2/3 here. I could be wrong because I mean the Mets got swept by the friggin Nats recently!
New York @ Atlanta: The Braves have packed it up and packed it in while the Mets are keeping ahold of their half a game lead in the NL Wild Card and are also looking to take back the NL East lead. Atlanta, however, can be a tough team if need be. I think. Keep in mind I suck at the NL. The Mets have Perez, Martinez, and Pelfrey up against the Braves' Reyes, Campillo, and Parr. The Mets have a pretty good chance of taking 2/3 but sometimes the inexperienced pitchers can own you pretty badly due to the fact that you've never seen them before. It's really a big old question mark, just like my knowledge of the NL.
Milwaukee @ Cincinnati: The Brew Crew look to try to regain some ground in the NL Wild Card standings which stand at only half a game. They have replaced manager Ned Yost with Dale Sveum, who is not exactly the most experienced dude out there. Not to mention the fact that he did not make for a good third base coach. But regardless, the Brewers are looking to bounce back after their worst week ever. It's McClung, Suppan, and Sabathia for the Brewers and Ramirez, Cueto, and Arroyo for the Reds. I think the first is a tossup, the second game goes to Cincinnati and the third goes to Milwaukee. So this series could be a good thing for the Brewers...I think. As I said I suck at this a lot of times.
And now for those who don't want to read my nonsensical insights.
Booking Their Tickets and Hotel Rooms
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Counting Down the Magic Numbers Cautiously
Chicago Cubs
Los Angeles Dodgers
In The Mix
Tampa Bay Rays
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Minnesota Twins
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets
Milwaukee Brewers
Interesting Dark Horse Candidates
Arizona Diamondbacks
Houston Astros
Florida Marlins
St. Louis Cardinals
Hanging By A Thread
Toronto Blue Jays
New York Yankees
Cleveland Indians
Colorado Rockies
Officially Eliminated
Baltimore Orioles
Kansas City Royals
Detroit Tigers
Texas Rangers
Oakland Athletics
Seattle Mariners
Atlanta Braves
Washington Nationals
Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates
San Francisco Giants
San Diego Padres
That's all I got