The Chicago Cubs (94-54) are still cruising on top of the power rankings with the best overall record in baseball and home field advantage throughout the National League post season. This squad has dominated on the diamond for the entire season and will enter October as the team to beat.
Washington (88-60) is the only other franchise that has shown the ability to play at the level needed to knock out the Cubs. The Nationals have the pitching to compete against anyone and if they get hot at the right time, the pennant could be out of reach for Chicago for at least another year.
After a slow start to the year, the LA Dodgers (84-64) have taken control of the NL West and are playing their best baseball of the year. This squad is still a dark horse to challenge the other top teams in the National League, especially with Clayon Kershaw now back on the mound for the ‘boys in blue’.
The race for the two wild-card spots has taken a turn over the last week. San Francisco, despite their collapse since the All Star break are still holding one spot. The Giants (79-69) are tied with the NY Mets (79-69), who have won seven of their last ten games to pass St Louis (77-71) for a chance to play in the post season.
The American League East is still the tightest division in the MLB, but Boston (84-64) has taken some control with a three game advantage as the season comes to a close. The Red Sox have also made a jump in the latest power rankings and with their ability to score runs, they become a dangerous side against any opposition in the playoffs.
Cleveland (86-62) and Texas (88-61) have all but clinched their respective divisions and both teams have their strengths. The Indians are among the best in the American League on the mound, while the Rangers have one of the best everyday lineups in the league.
The AL wild-card race is have Toronto and Baltimore leading the way with both teams 81-67 on the year and holding a three game advantage over three other franchises. It will take a cold streak for one or both of these squads to let anyone else in the race, but pressure can do funny things to teams and this is where having a good manager can make a difference.
