I just wanted to post a quick update here about the various MLB pennant chases that I’ve been following. I know most of my recent posts have been about football (because I’m VERY excited that the season is finally starting!) but I’m still tracking baseball as well.
The Chicago Cubs are barely holding on to their lead in NL Central. They haven’t been playing well at all in the past few weeks (5-5 in their last 10 games) but it’s been good enough to stay on top of their weak division. Currently, they’re tied with Milwaukee for the division title, with the Cardinals hovering 1.5 games back. The Cubs need to win the division in order to make it to the postseason because they’re a full 5 games back in the Wild Card standings.
The other team I’m following closely is the Seattle Mariners. They were doing so well after the All-Star break, but a couple weeks ago things started to fall apart. They had been leading the AL Wild Card race and were just a few games behind the Angels in the AL West. Then they went through a major meltdown, losing 9 games in a row at one point. They’re just 1-9 in their last 10, and it seems like they’ve run out of steam. I know it’s not over yet, but the Mariners should think about dusting off their golf equipment as they get ready for another year without a playoff appearance. What a disappointment that would be!
The most surprising aspect of the pennant chase is the late-season surge by the Yankees. Remember how bad they were doing in April and May? It looks like they have a great chance of taking the AL Wild Card and making it into the playoffs — again. Wow.