The MLB playoffs are closing in fast and there is still some unsettled business in the National League pennant race. As teams still jockey for home-field advantage and division titles, the playoff picture hangs in the balance.
Expectations are high as the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NL east division title and are looking forward to a repeat performance of the 2008 postseason. Unlike the two previous years when Philadelphia clinched late in the season, this division championship was hardly in doubt as the Phillies (92-66) were in first place back on May 30 and had a comfortable lead throughout the season. The biggest question mark for the Phillies entering this years playoffs has to be the bullpen, which was the team’s strength last October. The Phillies enter Thursday a half-game behind Los Angeles for best record in the NL. They can secure home-field advantage in the first round with any combination of two wins or losses by NL Central champion St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cardinals (91-68) are the odds on favorite to win the National League pennant but have lost five of their last six and 11 of their last 17 games, lowering their chances at having home-field advantage for the playoffs. If the season ended as it stands today, the Cardinals would open the playoffs at home against LA, but if they can catch the Dodgers in their last four, the Cardinals would open the playoffs at home against the Dodgers because the Cardinals won the season series. The Dodgers are an impressive 48-30 at Dodger Stadium so securing home-field advantage could be key for the Cardinals.
Out in the NL west there is a shoot out between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Colorado (91-68) knocked out the Braves with a 903 win over the Brewers on Thursday and no have set their sights on catching the Dodgers for the NL West title. The Rockies will need to sweep a three-game series against the Dodgers (93-66) this weekend if they wish to claim the crown. Los Angeles has lost four straight, while the Rockies have one four straight. Colorado has been red-hot heading down the stretch reminiscent of their NL wild card runs in 1995 and 2007, when they went an 21-1 during a stunning run to the World Series, where they were eliminated by the Red Sox. All eyes will be focused on this weekends match ups as the NL playoff picture is framed.
Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.
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