MLB Update

After I've spent the whole summer saying that the Bosox were a lock for the playoffs, the boys from Beantown have put their playoff spot in danger with a horrific collapse. After dropping three out of four to Tampa Bay at Fenway this weekend, the Red Sox are 5 1/2 games behind the Yankees. They now lead the Rays by only 1 1/2 games for the AL Wild Card. Even the Angels are creeping up on them:

Boston: 87-66 (0 games behind)
Tampa Bay: 85-67 (1.5)
Los Angeles: 83-69 (3.5)

Here are the remaining games for Boston and Tampa Bay:

9/19: Balt @ Bos, TB day off
9/20: Balt @ Bos, TB @ NYY
9/21: Balt @ Bos, TB @ NYY (doubleheader)
9/22: Bos day off, TB @ NYY
9/23: Bos @ NYY, Tor @ TB
9/24: Bos @ NYY, Tor @ TB
9/25: Bos @ NYY, Tor @ TB
9/26: Bos @ Balt, NYY @ TB
9/27: Bos @ Balt, NYY @ TB
9/28: Bos @ Balt, NYY @ TB

Given that Boston plays six of its last 9 games against the hapless Orioles, while the Rays have to play 7 of 10 against the Yankees, I still give the Red Sox a major edge.

Meanwhile, over in the National League, the Cardinals have closed to within 3 1/2 games of the Braves for the NL Wild Card. But I don't think St. Louis can make up that much ground in less than two weeks.