The Atlanta Braves' winning streak is over, but after winning another series over the weekend, they are now in possession of the best record in baseball. The Texas Rangers made a huge acquisition, trading for Alex Rios. They might have lost Nelson Cruz, but they now have first place in the A.L. West. All the other divisions are still controlled by the same teams, but let's look at updated MLB standings as we enter the second week of baseball in the month of August.
N.L. East: Atlanta Braves (72-46)
Not only do they have the best record in baseball, but when playing at Turner Field, the Braves are almost unbeatable. When playing at home, the Braves are 40-16, which is the best in baseball. Though their 13-game winning streak was shattered by the Miami Marlins on Saturday night, the Braves rallied back Sunday, beating the Marlins 9-4 in what could be the beginning of another win streak for these first place Braves. They own a 14.5-game lead over the Washington Nationals.
N.L. Central: Pittsburgh Pirates (70-47)
The Central division is still pretty close, though the Pirates have lost three straight games, they remain three games above the second place St. Louis Cardinals. The Cincinnati Reds are currently playing great baseball, as the Pirates and Cardinals have struggled as of late. While the Pirates are 5-5 in their last 10 games, the Cardinals have only won four games in the same time span. The Reds have done a little better, posting a 6-4 record, keeping them within striking distance of the top spot in the division.
N.L. West: Los Angeles Dodgers (67-50)
It is safe to say that the Dodgers have taken control of the division. They are 7.5 games up on the Arizona Diamondbacks and only the Texas Rangers are on a better roll than the Dodgers. LA has won five straight games, while the Rangers are winners of seven straight. Of course anything can happen, but as long as the Dodgers continue to win, the D'Backs don't look capable of making a run as they are barely playing .500 ball with a 59-57 record this season.
A.L. West: Texas Rangers (68-50)
The aforementioned Rangers suddenly don't know what losing is. With the Braves and Detroit Tigers losing over the weekend, the Rangers became the hottest team in baseball. Their acquisition of Rios should be a big boost in that lineup. His ability to hit and run should help the Rangers' offense greatly as they are now without their big bopper, Nelson Cruz. The A's have only won three of their last 10 games, yet, they're only a game back in the division.
A.L. Central: Detroit Tigers (69-47)
After sweeping the Cleveland Indians, taking a then three-game lead up to seven, the Tigers have kept their distance. They still possess a seven-game lead as the Tribe continued to lose over the weekend. If Justin Verlander can return to form, led by Max Scherzer and a consistant Anibal Sanchez, the Tigers' pitching staff should be dominant enough to keep Detroit winning.
A.L. East: Boston Red Sox (71-49)
The Red Sox win, win and win. They are playing carefree baseball though the Tampa Bay Rays continue breathing down their backs. The Red Sox haven't fully taken advantage of the Rays' recent five-game skid, but they have opened things up a bit, taking a three-game lead in the division. The Baltimore Orioles are just 4.5 games back. The O's have remained in the race throughout the season as they are waiting for either the Rays or Red Sox to drop their guard. The New York Yankees might have magical moments this season, but they don't capable of playing October baseball this year.
