In a fairly stagnant week in baseball, I ponder the question: “Who wants it?” It’s been a waiting game to see who pulls out in front and after the hectic spectacle that was the trade deadline, it’s been fairly disappointing, as we look at who wants a MLB Playoff Spot.
(All stats via MLB.com)
The Tops
1. Oakland A’s (72-45, lead AL West by 4 games)-
It hasn’t been anything that impressive (6-4 in the last ten games), but it’s been enough. The A’s have extended their division lead back up to four games over the Halos. Losing Cespedes (a deal I will never agree with for the record) will undoubtedly hurt the offense in the near future. Stay tuned…
2. Baltimore Orioles (67-50, lead AL East by five games)-
Without question the hottest team in baseball. They dismantled the Cardinals in the first two games of the weekend series, scoring 10+ in each of them. 7-3 in their last ten, the break looks like exactly what the doctor ordered. With Buck at the helm, the East is theirs to lose.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (68-49, trail Oak by four games)-
It was a rough week for the Halos (4-6 in their last ten), but the good news is that I don’t see any reason why they won’t bounce right back. Pujols will never put up the St. Louis averages again, but the power has returned. One of the wild card spots will most likely be taken up by the loser of the AL West race, so the pressure is off in that aspect. My only question: did they make a mistake in staying put at the deadline?
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-52, lead NL West by 4.5 games)-
Again, not the best results, but enough to hold off the pack and extend the lead. They duked it out with some of the best in the NL (including Milwaukee) and held their own. I was not particularly impressed by anything, but the week proved that they are ready to compete and the West is not softening them up.
5. Washington Nationals (63-52, lead NL East by 4.5 games)-
Okay, I’ll admit….I was caught sleeping on the Nats. They have solidified themselves as the team to beat in the East and are not looking back. They took care of business with the Braves and took advantage of the Braves losing nine out of their last ten. After some moves at the deadline, they are peaking at the absolute perfect time.
Rest of the League-
6. Toronto Blue Jays
7. Detroit Tigers
8. Kansas City Royals
9. Saint Louis Cardinals
10. Seattle Mariners
11. San Francisco Giants
12. Milwaukee Brewers
13. New York Yankees
14. Pittsburgh Pirates
15. Cincinnati Reds
16. Cleveland Indians
17. Atlanta Braves
18. Tampa Bay Rays
19. Miami Marlins
20. New York Mets
21. Chicago White Sox
22. Philadelphia Phillies
23. San Diego Padres
24. Boston Red Sox
25. Chicago Cubs
26. Minnesota Twins
27. Arizona D’Backs
28. Houston Astros
29. Texas Rangers
30. Colorado Rockies
Before I leave: My prayers go out to Kevin Ward Jr. after the horrific accident that occurred Saturday night. My hope is that the focus can remain on what is important and we can celebrate a young life of speed. Rock on Kevin RIP.
For more on sports injuries, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
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