Post by Free Agent GM on Nov 10, 2008 15:44:05 GMT -5
The AL West may only have four teams, but it has turned out some of the most exciting baseball over the course of this season. 3 out of the four teams are still in what appears to be the only playoff spot still up for grabs. The Mariners have done it with a lineups full of veterans, only one everyday guy is under the age of 27. Anaheim has doe it with a murderers row type of offense with Garret Anderson, Tim Salmon, Mo Vaughn, and Troy Glaus combining for 92 home runs between them. Texas has gone a different direction boasting what is most likely the best starting staff in the game. Unfortunately they can't pitch all 9 everyday as they have had to sit on the bench an endure watching 18 blown saves and 28 losses by the bullpen. But it's not over by any stretch. All 3 teams play each other at least 3 more games. One sweep and your the new first place team.
In the AL Central we have a new division lead. The Twins have gone 15-5 in their last 20 to pull ahead of the Indians. While both teams are almost certain a playoff spot, the importance of this division title should not be underestimated. The loser of the division is going to have to play in Fenway against the .650 winning percentage of the mighty Blue Jays while the winner will get to host the western division winner, currently the Mariners with a .550 winning percentage. Not saying it's an automatic win but I don't think either team wants to play Toronta.
In the NL San Francisco, Florida, and St. Louis have all pulled away with 9+ game leads. In the Wild Card Pittsburgh is 6.5 over Atlanta. But the fun part is there are still 10 games left to be played between the Braves and Bucs. While the Braves have an uphill climb, they do hold their own destiny if they can get a few sweeps against their rival. If the playoffs started today it would be the "David" Giants against the "Goliath" Cardinals and a Bucs/Fish series that is sure to be a thriller.
Lineups are due for the next sim Wednesday night. Good luck if your still in it. If your out of it then start looking over your pending free agents to see who needs to be locked up and what guys need to go, Before you know it the off season will be here.