This is a new feature here at the OC that we’re going to post until the playoffs start….so, for a week and a half or so. In it, we’re going to look at what the current playoff picture in the MLB looks like, and who could use a little help at getting into the playoffs. Pretty much, this is your all-inclusive look at the 2011 playoff race. Note: the magic numbers I have listed clinch a tie for the playoff spot. Add one to the number for an outright win of the berth.
American League
If it ended today…
Rangers @ Yankees, Red Sox @ Indians
THE RACES
AL East
Yankees 91-60 —
Red Sox 87-65 4.5
Rays 85-67 6.5
AL Central
Tigers have clinched with a 89-64 record.
AL West
Rangers 88-65 —
Angels 83-69 4-5
AL Wild Card
Red Sox 87-65 —
Rays 85-67 2
Angels 83-69 4
The Race for Homefield Advantage
Yankees 91-60 —
Tigers 89-64 3
Rangers 88-65 4
Magic Numbers (to clinch playoff berth)
Yankees: 6
Rangers: 5
Red Sox: 8
Upcoming Matchups
Yankees: vs Minnesota, 1:05. AJ Burnett vs Scott Diamond
Red Sox: vs Baltimore, 1:05 and 7:05. Kyle Wieland vs Jeremy Guthrie and John Lackey vs Brian Matusz
Rays: off
Rangers: off
Angels: @ Toronto, 7:07. Jerome Williams vs Ricky Romero
National League
If it ended today…
Diamondbacks @ Phillies, Braves @ Brewers
THE RACES
NL East
Phillies have clinched with a 98-53 record
NL Central
Brewers 90-63 —
Cardinals 83-69 6.5
NL West
Diamondbacks 88-65 —
Giants 83-70 5
NL Wild Card
Braves 87-66 —
Cardinals 83-69 3.5
Giants 83-70 4
The Race for Homefield Advantage
Phillies 98-53 —
Brewers 90-63 9
Diamondbacks 88-65 11
Magic Numbers (to clinch playoff berth)
Brewers: 3
Diamondbacks: 4
Braves: 6
Upcoming Matchups
Braves: @ Florida, 7:10. Mike Minor vs Ricky Nolasco
Brewers: @ Chicago, 8;05. Chris Narveson vs Chris Coleman
Cardinals: @ Philadelphia, 7:05. Kyle Lohse vs Roy Halladay
Diamondbacks: vs Pittsburgh, 9:40. Ian Kennedy vs Jeff Karstens
Giants: off
