The MLB Standings have their usual players at the top of the division. These guys don't want to let go of their lead, regardless of how thin it might be. As we enter the second week of baseball in the month a June and stand about a month before the MLB All-Star Game, here are the top teams in each division.
A.L. East: Boston Red Sox (39-25)
The Red Sox have won 7 of 10 and are maintaining themselves in first place as the New York Yankees refuse to go away. New York is just 1.5 games behind from first place and the Baltimore Orioles lost their second place spot in the division. The Tampa Bay Rays are playing way better and are only four games back and without a doubt, the A.L. East is the most competitive division in baseball as far as teams having the chance to take over first place.
A.L. Central: Detroit Tigers (35-26)
Last week the Tigers were barely holding on to first place and the Cleveland Indians were struggling as they were unable to take over the division. This week, the Tigers can breath a little easier as they are winners of four straight games and are fresh off a sweep against the Tribe. The Indians have lost seven in a row, that's an entire weeks worth of losing, and now stand 5.5 games behind the Tigers.
A.L. West: Texas Rangers (37-25)
At one point, the Rangers were the hottest team in baseball. However, they are 3-5 in the month of June and the Oakland Athletics aren't backing off any time soon. The A's are 38-27, only half a game behind the Rangers in the division. It was a big week for Yoenis Cespedes as he smacked four home runs and hit .345 as he helped power the Athletics against the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers
N.L. East: Atlanta Braves (39-24)
The Braves had an encounter with Yasiel Puig and they survived though he smacked a grand slam against them and then gunned out Andrelton Simmons at third base to fill up his impressive, though brief, resume in the bigs and, of course, provide MLB fans with more highlights. The Braves are now 7.5 games above the second place Washington Nationals. Atlanta is the only team in the division with a record over .500 and they have the biggest lead over a second place team in baseball.
N.L. Central: St. Louis Cardinals (41-22)
You are looking at the only 40-win team in baseball. The Cardinals have had incredible starts from their young pitching and they continue to excel in the division despite having the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates on their backs. As both the Reds and Pirates have struggled in recent games, the Cardinals have built a four-game cushion about both teams.
N.L. West: Arizona Diamondbacks (35-28)
It's hard to believe that the D'Backs are still at the top of the division and it's to believe they will remain there all season long. However, they are finding ways to win as Paul Goldschmidt has Diamondback fans saying "Justin Upton who?" The young slugger is red hot and helped Arizona avoid a sweep against the Giants, who are now 1.5 games back from first place.
