To the Wire

With just a little over a week left in the 2007 regular season, it's crazy how close several of these races to the playoffs have become. At this time there are 16 teams (by my count) that could still make the playoffs--it would take a big win streak for a couple to realistically make it (Atlanta and Seattle)--but you have to admit it's exciting.

I'm not here to brag, but the Red Sox lead is now down to 2.5 games. Doug already harped on the Boston writers, but it's amazing how on May 29th the Yankees were at their low point 14.5 games behind the Red Sox and now are the closest to them then they've ever been. It would blow my mind if the Yankees won the AL East but as I've said if they just make the playoffs as the Wild Card team, that would be pretty special, and their 13th playoff appearance in a row.

It looks like the Angels will win the AL West pretty soon seeing Seattle faded this month and are now 8.5 games behind. The Angels have been a successful team since 2002 and have appeared each year except for 2003 and 2006. They're also the favorite right now to go to the World Series and as a Yankee fan I find them a bit scary to play.

The Tigers who were closing in again on Cleveland and the Yanks have dropped two to the Tribe and wrapping up that series today. But although they are 6.5 behing the Indians and 4.5 in the Wild Card, they could still come back as they play the Royals and Twins to finish off the season. I do think the Indians should win the central and we'll finally get to see this rebuilt team who nearly made the playoffs two years ago display its young talent.

Once again the Mets are losing ground to the Phillies and have to contend with all of those NL West teams for a playoff spot. The Mets to me are a weak playoff team even if they make it, so if they happen to lose the NL East in these final days I wouldn't be suprised.

As for the NL Central, those Cards faded pretty badly, but it's a neck and neck race between the Brew crew and Cubbies. Unfortunatly, whoever loses doesn't get into the playoffs. The Cubs have the easier schedule here on out (Pirates, Marlins, and Reds) but anything is possible. Even if they are tied in W-L at the end of the year, the Cubs would win it since they lead the season series with the Brewers 9 games to 6.

Since 2004, the NL West has always been close. This year the Rockies have been the better team in the mix. A key series is going on this upcoming weekend as the D Backs play the Dodgers--this will determine the Dodgers fate for sure. I'm suprised the D Backs are leading this thing because San Diego is the better team to me. But the injury of Chris Young on SD has had an impact. This one's in the air.

Whatever happens we'll know in less than two weeks, and while the football season is getting more attention, I think these baseball playoff races are the thing to watch in sports right now.