The MLB Standings continue to entertain as the final month of baseball has just concluded its first full week of action. As eliminations continue to shrink, teams at the top of the standings get more comfortable as the playoffs are just a few wins away. Who's enjoying themselves at the top of their division entering Monday? Here are the MLB standings.
N.L. Central: St. Louis Cardinals (83-60)
The Pittsburgh Pirates fell short to the Cardinals on three consecutive tries, giving the red birds first place. St. Louis has a 1.5-game lead over the Pirates and the blazing Cincinnati Reds. It's a bit of a milestone to be in first place in this division as it's provided stiff competition throughout the year. Who will finish on top? We'll have to continue playing baseball in order to find out.
A.L. East: Boston Red Sox (87-58)
After barely holding on to first place in August, the Red Sox turned it up a notch. They now have a 7.5-game lead over the second place Tampa Bay Rays, while the third-place Baltimore Orioles are 9.5 games back. The Red Sox aren't celebrating however, since they have experienced heartbreak after owning a big lead in the standings. The A.L. East has provided some competition in 2013, but as the Red Sox near 30 games over .500, they are in possession of the best record in baseball.
N.L. West: Los Angeles Dodgers (83-59)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are only two games over .500. Now you do the math. The Dodgers have lost four in a row, but they are 24 games over .500. When the math boils down, it basically means the Dodgers have a huge lead. Heading into Monday's action, the Dodgers have an 11-game lead over the Diamondbacks and they will look to increase their lead as the two teams lock up in a three-game series.
N.L. East: Atlanta Braves (85-57)
Like the Dodgers, the Braves have hit a big time skid. They are losers of four straight as they continue struggling on the road. Their stretch of road game continues and they hope to keep their cushion in the N.L. East as the Washington Nationals are still 12 games back.
