The MLB standings continue to provide enjoyment as the season is now just reaching it's final month. The regular season's days are counted and with teams still vying for playoff positioning, momentum is the key. Here's what the MLB standings look like entering Monday.
N.L. Central
The Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals are tied for the top spot in the division. Both teams have the same record and winning percentage, sitting on 76-54 for the year. The Cardinals have all the momentum moving forward. They are coming off a series victory against the Atlanta Braves, taking three of four in their home grounds at Busch Stadium. They will face the tough Cincinnati Reds who are keeping both the Pirates and Cardinals on check, sitting just 2.5 games from first place.
N.L. East
The Atlanta Braves are still dominating the division, though the Washington Nationals were looking to make a run. While the Braves were doing more losing than winning in St. Louis, the Nationals were trying to cut into Atlanta's division lead. The Braves are still the only team in baseball with a double-digit lead in their division. Their 15.5-game lead was down to 12 before the Nationals lost to the Kansas City Royals. The Braves took full advantage of the opportunity and bumped their lead back up to 13 games with 32 left to play.
A.L. East/N.L. West
The Boston Red Sox continue to impress. Though they are playing pressured baseball due to their slim one-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays, they are still playing very well. This weekend, they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are baseball's hottest team overall. However, the Red Sox were not intimidated. While the Rays were busy winning a series against the New York Yankees, the Red Sox rose to the occasion, taking two out of three from the Dodgers. Did we just watch a World Series preview? Both teams remain in first place after the weekend and the Dodgers are cruising in the N.L. West with a 9.5-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks
A.L. Central
The Detroit Tigers made sure their lead didn't shrink. They swept the New York Mets on the road behind great pitching and their dynamic offense. With Miguel Cabrera making a run at the Triple Crown once again and Max Scherzer in the race for the league's Cy Young award, the Tigers are playing exciting baseball. The Cleveland Indians are still within striking distance, sitting six games back in second place. It will be interesting to see if the Tigers can continue playing dominant baseball until the conclusion of the season.
A.L. West
The Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics are really making this division a must-watch season after season. These teams might not provide the traditional excitement as a race between the Yankees and Red Sox or captivate fans across the baseball world like the Pirates and Cardinals, but for a second straight season, the Rangers and A's are deadlocked in the race for the A.L. West pennant. The Rangers continue to hold a 2.5-game lead over the A's, despite losing two straight games. They are the last two teams with a legit chance of making the playoffs. However, teams like the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels, who have talent stacked in their lineups, could play spoilers as divisional matchups will highlight the month of September.
