American Leage Pennant + Wild Card Races

Last week we looked at the American League Pennant and Wild Card Races and concluded that Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Texas would win their Divisions with the Yankees taking the Wild Card. Through games of Sunday, September 19th New York was maintaining a ½ game lead on the Rays. Looking at the remaining schedules list below we see that Tampa clearly has the easier schedule down the stretch and the Yankees will need to take their final series versus the Rays in order to extend their lead. I look for the Rays to win the Division.


The team with the best overall record in the regular season is rewarded with the home field advantage throughout the American League playoffs. Currently the Yankees lead that race, but Minnesota is lurking 1 game behind. Should the Yankees and Rays split, Minnesota would have a very real chance of surpassing New York by virtue of their soft schedule. The Twins have lost their season series against both New York and Tampa Bay, so it will take the absolute best record to earn this reward. A tie with either team will result in the Yanks or Rays having the Home field advantage.


Listed below are the remaining schedules for the division teams in question and the current AL Standings.