The Next-Nearest Competitors

 

The playoff race, as it stands, is looking a bit more solidified than usual. Meltdowns are possible, shakeups are possible, but there are large gaps in the standings between teams that are likely in and teams that would normally be scratching at the bit to get in. The NL Central scrum has dissipated and is, at most, like 4.5 games back from the pack, and at least completely cooked. The Mariners have the same record as the Tigers, and are hoping for a divisional berth rather than a wild card.

So basically, the two teams on the bubble right now, who have the greatest chance of sneaking into the playoffs were something to go wrong with current wild card competitors, are the Red Sox and Mets. Two very different teams with very different paths. 

The Sox have essentially been at third place all year, because the AL East, aside from the top two spots, has been pretty set in stone. It was clear that the Sox weren't gonna go for the top division spot, as the Yankees and Orioles outmatch them in terms of depth, but they've still managed to be a fairly sturdy and impressive team this year. It's been helpful knowing that Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, Tanner Houck, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and David Hamilton are all long term guys for this team. Hamilton was a shock breakout, as Trevor Story was gearing up to have a comeback at short, then suddenly he gets hurt immediately and the infield's in jeopardy. Not only is Hamilton an impressive hitter with some contact perks, but he's stolen 33 bases, leading the team by just 1, and he, like Rafaela, has been an upgrade as a defensive infielder. The Sox have needed people like this to play everyday and build the team, and they're now looking like a serious favorite down the road. Y'know, a lot like the Jays were supposed to be.

But stopping them from competing this year has been some rotation inefficiency, some really rough patches [like a lot of August honestly], and the fact that their wild card competitors are just better right now. It very well could happen, and it hasn't been ruled out yet, but at the moment, and at this current pace, the Sox may just miss October.

The Mets, meanwhile, didn't have the straight line journey that Boston had this year. They were dead in May, and then suddenly with help from Grimace, Jose Iglesias and a latin pop hit, the Mets were back. I never thought the addition of Jose Iglesias would be that much of a difference maker, but the former Tigers infielder has been excellent this year, hitting .325 with 54 hits, 21 RBIs and 3 homers. This guy has channeled so much moral delight, just from his OMG song and his imitable clubhouse demeanor. He's gotta be thrilled to be back in the majors and playing for a competitor again, as well as starting virtually every day and relegating Jeff McNeil to the outfield. Good for him, honestly.

The Mets have both Lindor and Alonso hitting amazingly, Nimmo and Martinez also racking up RBIs, Manaea and Peterson starting gems, and Francisco Alvarez being the clutch difference maker. This Mets team is behaving like a well-oiled machine, and if they hadn't burst into a cold spell while the Braves have started streaking, I'd see them as more of a lock for the playoffs. But I do worry that things are gonna take a downturn, as they tend to in September for the Mets, and they're gonna lose sight of the wild card spot. It may just come down to whether they can catch the Braves again, and if so they've got a shot, but they really need to catch fire again for that to happen.

It'd be cool if one or more if these teams made it this year. They're so close, and in a month a lot could happen.

Coming Tomorrow- It's nice to have the luxury of taking over for a legendary catcher while said catcher is still right there helping you along.