The MLB Standings have races getting more interesting by the days. However, over in the N.L. East, the Atlanta Braves are in total control. They are playing some of their best baseball of the year and they will look go build on an already double-digit division lead. Here are all the top teams in baseball as the first week of August wrapped up.
N.L. East: Atlanta Braves (67-45) 12.5 Game Lead
The Braves have played non-stop baseball since July 19 and they probably wouldn't want to stop playing since they are baseball's hottest team. They are winners of 10 straight games after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies. They now go into Washington D.C. to face the second place Nationals and they could quite possibly extend their 12.5 lead. The Braves are the only first place team in baseball with a double-digit lead.
N.L. West Los Angeles Dodgers (61-49) 5.5 Game Lead
It looks as though a team has finally taken control in the West as the once wild division has smoothened out. The Dodgers are sitting on top having won four straight games against the lowly Chicago Cubs. Their front office is seeing their investments come to life and they look pretty comfortable on top of the division. The Arizona Diamondbacks are still within striking distance, sitting just 5.5 games out of first. They will have a chance to make a move this upcoming week as the Dodgers face the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays.
A.L. Central Detroit Tigers (64-45) 3 Game Lead
Credit has to be given to the Cleveland Indians for making the Central interesting, but more credit has to be given to the Tigers. They haven't panicked, remaining on top of the division week after week. They are the second hottest team in baseball, possessing an eight-game winning streak. However, that lead could quickly vanish as the two clubs will hook up for a four-game series at Progressive Field.
A.L. West Oakland Athletics (64-47) 2.5 Game Lead
The A's are proving that last year's late run was not a mistake. They are still leading the division despite struggling in recent days. They have lost five out of their last 10, while the Texas Rangers have surged in recent days, trimming down the A's division lead to only 2.5 games. The Rangers went into Oakland and took two out of three, finding themselves within striking distance of the first-place A's.
N.L. Central Pittsburgh Pirates (67-44) 1.5 Game Lead
The Pirates will begin the week in first place. They took advantage of the St. Louis Cardinals' struggles that were only momentary. The Cardinals are now swinging a hot bat, but the Pirates have been unfazed. Only the Braves and Boston Red Sox have played better baseball in their homes as the Pirates will host the Miami Marlins in search for some breathing room in their division.
A.L. East Boston Red Sox (68-45) 1 Game Lead
Still the tightest division in baseball. The single digit lead the Red Sox have over the division runs all the way down to the fourth-place New York Yankees. However, Boston is only worried about the young Rays, who are keeping up with the Sox. Though it's only August, every game matters as a short losing streak could cost somebody a their place in this division.