MLB Magic Numbers
By Editorial Staff
Since we last checked in on the status of MLB’s magic numbers, a pair of clubs have clinched their divisions, the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers. There has been no change regarding the other division leaders, as the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks all still hold the top spots. Let’s see how close these clubs are to joining the ranks of the division winners.
Philadelphia and Detroit wasted little time taking care of business of their slim magic numbers and locking up their divisions. For the Phillies it was their 5th straight National League East crown, while the Tigers haven’t finished a season atop the American League Central since 1987.
The rest of the leaders have improved their magic numbers to the point where division races are all but decided. The two NL leaders, the Brewers and Diamondbacks, have dropped off a bit of late, but had built enough of a cushion that they are not in any real danger of losing the top spot.
Meanwhile, over in the AL, the Yankees and Rangers have turned things up a notch while their competition has sputtered. We all know what the Boston Red Sox have been up to lately, and the Angels haven’t fared much better. Texas finishes up the year with a 3 game set against the Angels, but it’s looking more and more like the Rangers might have things sewn up by the time that series rolls around.
At this point, the only intriguing races remaining are those for the AL and NL Wild Cards. The St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays are each pushing their way into the picture with strong September’s. It is yet to be seen if it will be enough to propel the clubs into postseason play.
But, before the Wild Cards are decided, we’ll have to figure out these division races. So, here are the remaining club’s magic numbers followed by the games they have remaining this season.
New York Yankees – 2 : 8
Texas Rangers – 4 : 8
Milwaukee Brewers – 3 : 7
Arizona Diamondbacks – 3 : 7