As we sit on this Thursday morning, September the 19, we pretty much have the divisional winners wrapped up, National and American League, but these Wild Card scenes, particularly in the American League, literally have had me on Twitter (when I work at night) and tuned into the MLB Network any second I get. Right now Texas and Tampa Bay are doing everything in their power to absolutely throw away their seasons. And as it's been worn out since really the beginning of the month, the Tribe is making the most of a soft schedule as we hit the home stretch.
Don't look now, but the Orioles have a nice win streak going and are just a game out.
Also playing themselves into the picture down the stretch are the Kansas City Royals. And believe it or not, the Yankees are right there. However, I think the Royals and Yankees have to win out to really have a chance.
What's even more intriguing about all this, coming up this weekend, the Indians host Houston, BUT, Tampa hosts Baltimore and Texas is at Kansas City!
What does that mean? Cleveland is in somewhat of a tough spot if they can't take at least two games against Houston. If they lose, they basically lose ground on the Wild Card and could get bunny-hopped by Baltimore.
These weekend series' are biggest for Baltimore, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Texas. Cleveland really stays in the picture no matter what happens, but winning, a sweep specifically, basically gets them into the one of the Wild Card spots.
Honestly, running through all the scenarios would take all morning to go through.
The Rays wrap up their series with Texas this tonight and Matt Moore and Yu Darvish will toe the rubber for their respective clubs. What a game that should be. If the Rays pull out the win today, they will put Texas two out of that top spot. If the Tribe wins tonight, they bunny-hop Texas and would be in great position heading into the weekend.
The Wild Card picture could get extremely murky after tonight. Especially if Cleveland, Baltimore, and Kansas City all win. Again all the scenarios are just crazy to think about.
We have a long ways to go obviously, but we could ultimately see two play in games just for the play in game.
Things are getting crazy. It's unfortunate, because I like Texas a lot, but I think Cleveland by the end of the weekend could be in that second Wild Card spot. After tonight, I think the Rays get back on track. I think we see Tampa's pitching carry them through the weekend and keep them in the top spot.
The best part about this weekend's matchups: Each team has the opportunity to put themselves in the driver's seat and the give themselves the ability to control their own destiny... If they win.
Baseball fans of all types most likely will be tuned into Twitter or the MLB Network all weekend as the September drama continues to get more and more intense with each passing out.
The Wild Card puzzle could come together a little more come Sunday night, but it is very unlikely. It's looking like we could have another down to the last at bat in 2013.
A couple other quick baseball notes:
- While Washington is just about eliminated, they sure made a great run at the Wild Card. Given the history of Pittsburgh, I wouldn't count Washington out until they're officially eliminated.
- If the season ended today, both Chicago teams would have a top 5 pick in next June's draft. The Astros would have the #1 spot. (That is all but locked up by them at this point) Miami would have the #2 pick. I'll have a post next week on who I think has the strongest minor league systems and who can expect their talent to get them into contention the quickest.
- The Jose Abreau frenzy is right around the corner as he established residency away from Cuba. With the success of players like Puig and Cespedes, I look for him to be a very pricey investment for some team in October at the earliest.
I mentioned I'm on a new blog site, check out some of my other posts.
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