The baseball season is entering its final week, and the playoff races are heating up. The New York Mets finally clinched the National League East division crown last week, the Phillies control their own playoff destiny for the first time in thirteen years, and the American league races are some of the most hotly contested in recent memory. Here is a look at each division as the boys of summer enter the home stretch and look towards playing deep into October. The N.L. East: Mets clinched, enough said. This has been a forgone conclusion since May so it was no surprise when they finally sealed the deal. Now New York has an opportunity to rest some of their starters. The Mets have two issues for the playoffs. Will they have the ability to turn the juice back on once the playoffs begin? Question two, what about the health of Pedro Martinez? Will his strained right calf be healthy enough come playoff time? In one start since coming off the DL in Pittsburgh, Martinez was largely ineffective against a poor hitting club.
The Phillies have played themselves into the wild card lead as of Sunday and since the trade-deadline have been one of the hottest teams in all of baseball. By taking two of three from the Cubs, the Phillies have catapulted themselves back into contention. With an off day prior to the pivotal three series against the Marlins, Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel has the opportunity to set his pitching rotation the way he wants for the rest of the season. The Phillies do not need to sweep any of the series’ left, however they must win each one to keep the pressure on the teams out west.
The N.L. Central: The Cardinals all but have the division wrapped up. Their playoff run is going to be predicated on the health of Mark Mulder. With Mulder’s shoulder still ailing their quality pitchers dip down to Chris Carpenter and closer Jason Isringhausen. Their playoffs will more then likely end in the first round when they run up against a superior staff of which everyone in contention has over the Red Birds.
The N.L. West: This is the most interesting of the National League divisional races, due to the quality of both starting rotations. However the Padres have the edge when it comes to a more experienced back end of the bullpen. The Padres have to be concerned with the health of Khalil Greene he took BP last week, but his injured right middle finger didn’t feel any better. Without a lot of pop anywhere else in the lineup, losing a legitimate offensive threat hurts down the stretch. David Wells is still nursing a sore ankle after jamming it last week covering first.
The Dodgers are not quite as banged up then the Pods. However their biggest long ball threat, Jeff Kent, is still ailing from an oblique muscle injury which landed him on the DL earlier. Nomar is still slumping batting just over .200 in his last 30 AB’s. Betement has not been quite the pickup the Dodgers where hoping for; however, Rafael Furcal is putting together another solid season. The Dodgers were relying heavily on their starters with Lowe, Maddox, and Penny getting stronger down the stretch.
The A.L. East: The Yankees are back in their usual spot atop the East and vying for the best record in the A.L. The A-Rod vs. Giambi grudge match that looks to be brewing will be interesting to keep an eye on. For the first time since Derek Jeter’s run as captain there are locker room issues threatening the Yankees. Hideki Matsui is set to return Sept 26th, this will bolster the starting outfield and put a good bat in Melky Cabrera on the bench to pinch hit in key situations.
The A.L. Central: This has been by far the most intriguing division, with the upstart Detroit Tigers leading the way most of the year. Minnesota and Detroit are going to the playoffs the only thing left to determine is the order. Detroit has fallen back, however, due to some tired young arms. Jason Virlander has had a remarkable season, but well above his previous high for innings so his fastball has lost a little pop. Jeremy Bonderman dominated the White Sox in his last start which bodes well for the Tigers considering he has lost eight of his last ten starts. A solid back end of the pen is a strength for the Tigers which features some young and tired arms in the starting rotation.
Since starting the season Minnesota has been arguably the best team in baseball. With an ace the likes of Johan Santana, the Twins are guaranteed a win every fifth day. The Twins pitching is banged up with rookie phenom Francisco Liriano and wily veteran Brad Radke on the DL. Radke is set to return from a stress fractor in his foot which gives Minnesota a big boost. There isn’t enough room to talk about the year that Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer are having. Morneau should be the A.L. MVP if the writers actually notice him and keep the N.Y. stars out of their eyes.
The A.L. West: Oakland has very quietly put together a fantastic season. Without much noise from the Angels after the All-Star break, the Athletics opened up a sizable lead and have yet to look back. Pitching and defense is the name of Oakland’s game, considering they rank among the league worst in B.A., HR, and runs scored. The Athletics will be help by the return of Rich Harden and Bobby Crosby for the final weekend of the season.