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The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees are celebrating their leadership in the MLB Wild Card race.

Baseball races heat up as weather cools down

Scott Gower GOW00001@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

As the end of the Major League Baseball season grows nearer, one thing is for sure, and that is that nothing is for sure.

As of Aug. 29, nearly five months into the 2005 season, the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies lead their respective wild card races by 1/2 a game.

In the National League the Phillies have benefited from a strong second half of the season. Using their 24-17 record since the All-Star Break, they have pulled ahead of the Florida Marlins.

In the American League race, the New York Yankees also have improved their play and are 8-2 in their last 10 games, giving them the lead over their closest competitor, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Ever since the institution of the Wild Card Playoff berth — the fourth and final playoff spot in each league — August and September have given baseball fans something extra to watch.

The playoff race in both leagues will heat up as the regular season draws to a close. But keep in mind — most teams have around 30 games remaining. A lot can happen before the beginning of October.

In the next month, teams presently below those ball clubs could find themselves in the hunt for that coveted last spot.

The Cincinnati Reds have spent the season in the cellar of the NL. Recently, however, they are 27-15 since the All-Star Break. Though it is less than likely, being 12.5 games out, it is still possible for them to make the playoffs.

Other teams began their season so poorly that after a few weeks into the season, their fans have already started waiting for the next season. With 162 games in the season, it takes more than a few weeks to determine the season’s end.

Nearly two months into the season, the Houston Astros had lost 30 games and won 15. A consistent starting rotation mixed with the exceptional play — 33 home runs and 91 RBI — by third baseman Morgan Ensberg has brought them to within 1.5 games of the wild card playoff spot.

Also, division leaders could collapse giving another team the throne of division king.

For the majority of the season the Chicago White Sox have enjoyed the best record in MLB. As of late, however, their lead of 15 games has shrunken down to seven.

As the sand in the MLB 2005 regular season hourglass runs out, baseball fans should be prepared for anything.