MLB Update

You may recall that the Brewers came within one game of winning the National League pennant last year.  For most of this year, they didn't do very much, and after a 7-1 defeat on August 30 they were seemingly out of playoff contention with a record of 68-66.  But since then, they have gone 18-4.  Meanwhile, at the end of the day on August 30 the Nats were 75-58 and in sole possession of the top wild card spot.  Since then, they have gone 10-11.  So the Brewers have made up 7 1/2 games on the Nats in less than three weeks, and these two teams are now tied for the top wild card spot in the National League.  But the Brewers have the advantage.  They have six road games left against two of the worst teams in baseball -- the Reds and the Rockies.  Meanwhile, the Nats have eight home games left against two teams struggling to survive -- the Phillies and the Indians.  So I think you can chalk up the top wild card spot for the Brew Crew.  They will host either the Nats or the Cubs, and then I'm pretty sure Milwaukee will be going onto the real playoffs.

Over in the American League, the Swingin' A's are now an eye-popping 94 and 61, and they hold the top wild card spot by 2 1/2 games over Tampa, and by 3 games over the Tribe.  Everyone else is eliminated.  So it appears that Oakland will probably host the wild card game against either the Rays or the Indians.

Everything else is pretty much settled.  The Astros, Yankees, and Twins will be the division winners in the AL.  The Dodgers and Braves have won their divisions in the NL.  The Cardinals' lead over Milwaukee is only 2 1/2 games, and it is possible that the red-hot Brewers will catch St. Louis for the division crown.  But that race, along with the usual wild card scramble, are the only remaining business before we finally get down to watching the really good teams play games that matter.  It's felt like a long exhibition season for months now, and I'm ready for some meaningful action.