MLB: Looking at the NL in Mid-August

Yesterday we took a look at the National League. Today we’ll take a look at how things are shaping up in the National League. We’re starting to approach the stretch run now. So, it’s time for all the teams at or near the top of the National League to get the job done or to simply go home once the regular season is over.

In the National League East the Philadelphia Phillies continue to be the team to beat. They are now up by 4.5 games over Florida and by 5.5 games over the Atlanta Braves. It’s a comfortable lead but it certainly isn’t insurmountable. However, I do think the Phillies will win the NL East by at least 6 games. The Braves and the Marlins will have a shot at the Wild Card though.

Over in the NL Central the St Louis Cardinals are taking charge. They’ve won 5 straight games. Meanwhile, the Cubs have been struggling. So, what once looked like it would be a close race throughout now looks like it might be over by the end of this month. I’ve always like the Cards to win the division and I continue to like them. However, I think the Cubs will make a run and keep it fairly close until the end of September or so.

In the NL West the Los Angeles Dodgers are at the top as they’ve been since April. But the Rockies and the Giants are hanging around. The Rockies are just 4.5 games back and the Giants are just 5.5. I do think the Dodgers will put a run together sometime soon and leave these 2 teams battling for the Wild Card.

As for the Wild Card, it’s pretty much wide open right now. The Rockies are at the top. But the Giants are right behind them and so are the Marlins, Braves, and the Cubs. I still like the Giants to pull out the Wild Card.