MLB magic numbers practically don't exist as four of the six divisions have been claimed. However, there are still a few teams attempting to either secure their division or at least guarantee they will play beyond September as they attempt to clinch a playoff berth. Find out who's in the 2013 playoffs, who is out of the playoffs and who remains to clinch a spot as the MLB postseason is right around the corner.
N.L. & A.L. Central: St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers
Those middle children are always so problematic. From a geographical and standings point of view, the N.L. and A.L. Central are like those middle children. This year, they are having a hard time clinching. The Cardinals are already in the playoffs, but they have their sights set on the division. They own a two-game lead and their magic number is sitting on five as the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are right behind them in the standings.
In the A.L. Central, the Tigers' magic number is down to two as they possess a five-game lead over the Cleveland Indians, who have surged and overtaken the A.L. Wild Card's second spot. The Tigers might have to lock up the division themselves as the Indians are not going to lose many times as the season comes to a close. The Indians face off against the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins in their last five games of the year.
Who is Still Alive?
Numerically speaking, the A.L. Wild Card is stacked with teams who have a chance. Here's how that list breaks down.
Texas Rangers
Kansas City Royals
New York Yankees
Baltimore Orioles
The Tampa Bay Rays and Indians are the top teams in the Wild Card.
In the N.L. Wild Card, only the Washington Nationals stand in the way of the Reds and Pirates. However, the Reds and Pirates control their own destiny as the Nationals would have to win every one of their games and then pray for a miracle.
Teams with No Magic Numbers:
The next four teams have already punched their way into the playoffs and they simply await for the season to end and for the competition to sort out.
Los Angeles Dodgers (N.L. West)
Boston Red Sox (A.L. East)
Atlanta Braves (N.L. East)
Oakland Athletics (A.L. West)
