***UPDATED Magic Numbers as of Friday Morning
MLB Magic numbers are shrinking in some divisions, while other teams are finding it hard to simply get theirs into single-digits. Don't look too far, the N.L. Central is currently a combat zone as the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds are only separated by three games. Check out all the magic numbers from all the teams in first place as the month of September is almost reaching its halfway point.
St. Louis Cardinals: Magic Number- 17
There is nothing magical about this number. It is the highest magic number in baseball. The Pirates and Reds are not playing games. The Pirates seem to play better baseball after losing first place, while the Reds have been extremely patient all season long and it's finally paying off. Adding more pressure to the Cardinals, the Reds' elimination number is sitting at 14. Clinching in St. Louis might come in the final days of the year.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Magic Number- 6
We go from the highest magic number to the lowest in baseball. The Dodgers are taking advantage of the Arizona Diamondbacks' struggles and took two of three from them in their most recent series. No worries in L.A., if the Dodgers don't clinch this weekend, they see the D'Backs four teams next week in Arizona. It will be the perfect opportunity to clinch, especially on a division rival's turf.
Atlanta Braves: Magic Number- 7
The Braves formerly possessed the lowest magic number before the Washington Nationals went nuts and decided to start winning. Now there are talks about comebacks and MVP awards being handed to National players. The Braves are trying to quiet those talks, especially as they get ready to play weaker teams like the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers in the following weeks.
Oakland Athletics: Magic Number- 15
The A's probably don't care what their magic number is. They are just happy to be in first place in the A.L. West. It has been a roller coaster ride for both the A's and Texas Rangers. However, as the season's end draws closer, the A's might have the upper hand. They stole the division from the Rangers last season and this might still be fresh on the Rangers' minds.
Detroit Tigers: Magic Number- 11
The Tigers have kept their distance from the Cleveland Indians. They are probably more worried about the Kansas City Royals, who are streaking and wreaking havoc in the standings. The Royals are trying to get out of third place, standing only half a game behind the Indians and two games behind from a spot in the A.L. Wild Card.
Boston Red Sox: Magic Number- 8
With the lowest magic number in the A.L., the Red Sox are trying to close out a once tight division. The Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are all vying for a playoff spot. The Red Sox are trying to win the division, forcing these guys to enter the playoffs through the Wild Card.