The MLB standings have flipped again. This time, more noticeably, in the A.L. East. While the Tampa Bay Rays are disrupting the standings and taking over first place, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Texas Rangers are doing what the Boston Red Sox have been unable to accomplish. Also making news once again and trying to join the playoff picture are the New York Yankees. Alex Rodriguez might be old and worn out, but he's given NY a kick. Here are the standings entering Wednesday action.
A.L. East: Rays (72-54), Red Sox (74-54), Orioles (67-58), Yankees (66-59)
The difference between first and fourth place in this division is 6.5 games. The Rays are proving that pitching wins ball games, while the Yankees are now trying to power their way back and become a relevant force in the A.L. East. The Yankees have won three straight games and are 8-2 in their last 10. Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano and Robinson Cano are providing heavy duty offense in the Bronx. The Red Sox are struggling and the Rays have taken advantage.
A.L. West: Rangers (73-53), Athletics (71-54)
The Rangers did not pull a Red Sox and allow the Oakland A's to take the division lead. They continue to be a great team on the road, winning at Houston on Tuesday night. Unfortunately for the A's, they couldn't keep up with the Rangers after losing to the Seattle Mariners 7-4. With the Rangers win and A's loss, the difference between first and second place is 1.5 games. The Mariners are not a threat as they stand 14.5 games behind in third place.
N.L. Central: Pirates (74-51), Cardinals (72-53), Reds (71-55)
The Pirates can sigh in relief. With their second straight victory over the San Diego Padres, they keep the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds at bay, no pun intended. The Padres were no match for the Pirates bats as the Bucs won 8-1 behind A.J. Burnett. It was only their fourth victory in their last 10 games, but it was huge following the Cardinals' 3-6 lost to the Milwaukee Brewers and the Reds loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Things in the N.L. West remain the same. The Dodgers are still leading the division by 7.5 games and, along with the Yankees, are one of baseball's hottest teams. The N.L. East is still being dominated by the Atlanta Braves as they hold a 15-game lead over the Washington Nationals. The A.L. Central is now a little closer as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Los Angeles Angels as the Tigers were defeated by the Minnesota Twins 6-3 on Tuesday night.
P.S.- Elimination numbers are already being handed out by MLB.com. Stay tuned as we bring you that article in a couple of minutes.
