With 10 days left on the MLB Schedule, it’s time we took a look at where each division stands, and see who’s in, and who’s out of the 2011 MLB Playoffs. Might as well start with the most hotly contested.
**AMERICAN LEAGUE **
AL EAST
The New York Yankees hold a comfortable 4.5 game lead, although with 10 games left against the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox, no lead should feel comfortable. But assuming the Yanks don’t pull a monumental choke-job, they’ll hold home-field advantage throughout the American League Playoffs. In which case, the Red Sox and the Rays will be left to fight over the Wild Card nomination. Currently, the Red Sox hold a two-game lead over the Rays, with both teams set to play the Yankees down the stretch. It’s anyone’s guess as to what will unfold over the next week-and-a-half.
AL CENTRAL
Thanks to the MVP-worthy pitching of Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers have run away with the AL Central. They currently hold a 12.5 game lead over the Cleveland Indians, and have already begun preparations for what Jim Leyland hopes will be an extended Playoff run. Whether or not they have the firepower capable of keeping up with the likes of the Yankees and Red Sox is debatable, but with Verlander and Miguel Cabrera on the roster, anything is possible. Or so Tigers fans keep telling themselves.
AL WEST
Last year’s American League representative in the World Series, the Texas Rangers, currently hold a 4.5 game lead over the Los Angeles Angels. The Rangers and Angels face each other in the final series of the season, so as long as the Angels can keep it close over the next week, that final series could have serious intrigue.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL EAST
The Philadelphia Phillies have long since wrapped up the NL East division, and are well on their way to a 100 win season. The Phils will be the prohibitive favorites entering the NL Playoffs, and with the fearsome foursome on the mound, it’s obvious why. Of course, anything is the possible in the postseason, but if you’re a betting man, the Phillies are certainly the safe choice to win the National League Pennant. The Atlanta Braves are second in the NL East, but do hold a 3.5 game lead in the Wild Card, although the St. Louis Cardinals have gained serious ground of late.
**NL CENTRAL **
The Milwaukee Brewers have stretched their lead to 6.5 games over the Cardinals, and are positioned to be the biggest threat in the NL to challenge the Phillies in October. The Cardinals, meanwhile, looked to be out of contention two weeks ago, but have since made a furious charge, and are only three games back in the Wild Card.
NL WEST
Surprisingly, the Arizona Diamondbacks have held off the San Francisco Giants, and hold a five game lead with 10 left to play. Unless the Diamondbacks completely fall apart, there will be home playoff games hosted at Chase Field in 2011. Not too many, though. Most expert agree that the Diamondbacks just don’t have enough depth or experience to compete with teams like the Phillies, Brewers, and Braves.
For more MLB Playoff News, keep checking back with The Sports Jury throughout the rest of September and on into October.