We are here at the final three games of the 2013 regular season, still with much to be decided as far as postseason baseball goes.
The chase for the American League Wild Card has gotten, less 'wild' shall we say, with the Royals, Orioles and Yankees all eliminated this past week. There is still much to be decided this weekend however, with the remaining three teams (Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Texas) all within two games of each other.
Tampa Bay currently holds the 1st wildcard spot and is a game ahead of Cleveland. (The current 2nd wildcard team) All Tampa Bay has to do this weekend is win 2 of 3 against the Blue Jays (very likely, lets all admit) and the top wildcard berth is theirs. As far as tiebreakers go, Tampa has the advantage over Cleveland (4 games won to 2 lost) but the disadvantage to Texas (3 games won to 4 lost). If the Rays don't win 2 of 3, they're going to need some help, although a single Rays win and Rangers loss clinches them a playoff spot.
Cleveland holds the second wildcard and are a game ahead of Texas for it. Considering they have owned Texas (5 games to 1) they hold the tiebreaker there but still need to take care of their own business against Minnesota this weekend. If the Indians win 2 out 3 against the Twins, they also clinch a playoff spot.
Texas has the hardest road into the playoff picture, as even if they sweep the LA Angels at home they still aren't guaranteed anything. They definitely need to win 2 of 3 (sense a trend yet?) to even have a chance, otherwise they're toast. Warm, buttery toast.
The National League wildcard teams have already been decided (and really have been since early July) but these two teams play each other in a huge weekend series in Cincinnati. The Pirates lead the Reds by a game but the season series is tied 8-8. This means if Cincinnati takes at least 2 of 3 (hopefully) they win the season series and thus clinch the first wildcard spot, meaning home-field in the one game playoff.
Okay, I think I got all that right. Anyhow, should be an exciting weekend of baseball.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20130927171203782