Hello,
The Dodgers went into their 4 game series at home against the Giants with a solid chance to clinch the NL West. However the Dodgers offense failed to show up and the NL West coronation wasn't meant to be. The Dodgers lost 3 of 4 games and hopefully were feeling a little embarrassed as they flew to Arizona. Despite their recent struggles LA's magic number remains at 4. And it's still not a matter if they win the NL West, it's only a matter of when they win their division.
LA has lost 3 in a row, 4 of 5 and 7 of 10 games. Their offense remains inept, only scoring 3 runs in this game. LA has scored 12 runs in the last 5 games. By comparison the team closest to the Dodgers in the NL West, Arizona, has scored 29 runs in their last 5 games. In the MLB, LA has slipped to 17th place for runs scored, they trail the 14th place Diamondbacks by 24 runs.
Of course that points to how good of a pitching staff that the Dodgers have. Of course that LA pitching staff has struggled a bit as well, especially in that 19 run debacle. LA needs Hyun-Jin Ryu, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw and Ricky Nolasco in that order to step up this week. Fortunately for LA as they are playing Arizona, the Dodgers can reduce their magic number quickly. Or of course they'll give the Diamondbacks a bit more hope with a shaky performance.
In the NL Central, both the Pirates and Cardinals won and remain tied for first place. The Reds have fallen back a bit, they trail the NL Central co-leaders by 3.5 games. Quite likely the Cardinals or Pirates will win the division and the other team will host the Reds in the 1 game playoff. For the NL Wild Card we know that it's highly likely that two NL Central teams will be playing. The next closest team is the Nationals, who are 4.5 games back of Cincinnati. It continues to shape up to be a tight race to the very end of the season. Listening to sports radio yesterday they were talking about the possibilities of needing to play tie breakers. That would cause complete chaos and make the playoffs even more fun than usual.
In a great show of class the Red Sox gave presents to Mariano Rivera last night as a tribute to the great career he has had. It's a fitting tribute to the kind of player, the kind of person and the kind of career that Rivera has had. In last night's game, Rivera shook hands with fans when he went out to the bullpen last night. That was one of several very nice moments last night. Bravo to the Red Sox and Rivera. Thanks to the Sandman, Rivera, for his many memorable moments. Honestly I can's say I'll miss him and his cut fastball that much though. I think it would also be a nice moment if the Red Sox win a World Series title to further honor Rivera. (Obviously something similar won't be done for Alex Rodriguez, no one will be happier than the Yankees when he's no longer playing professional baseball.)
While the Dodgers aren't playing well, thankfully they aren't falling apart as bad as the Rangers, the Red Sox are steamrolling anyone that gets in their path. Boston swept the Yankees and scored 22 runs in those 3 games. (That's 10 more runs than the Dodgers scored in their last 5 games.) Boston leads the Rays by 9.5 games in the AL East. More importantly they lead the A's by 3 games for best record in the AL. The Red Sox remain red hot by winning 3 games in a row and 8 of 10 games.
They get a well deserved day off on Monday. Then they start a 6 game home stand on Tuesday, the Red Sox will continue to sharpen their claws on the AL East as they welcome the Orioles and the Blue Jays.
Next to the NL Central race, the most exciting playoff race appears to be in the AL Wild Card. Both Texas (1-9 their last 10) and Tampa Bay (4-6 their last 10 games) continue to fade but still hold on to the Wild Card lead. Cleveland looks to be the surprise team of the season if they can sneak into the playoffs. Terry Francona has done a hell of a job with the Indians as they are only 1/2 game behind the AL Wild Card co-leaders. Baltimore is only 2.5 games back, too bad they have to play the red hot Red Sox 3 games in Boston. New York is 3 games back, but their injuries continue to pile up. Do the Yanks have enough healthy players and resolve to mount a late charge? Kansas City is 3.5 games back, but probably out of it.
With 5 of my teams likely participating in the playoffs I look forward to a great finale to this season.
themusicaddict
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