Predicting the MLB Playoff Picture

With one month to go in the MLB season their is not much that I think will change in the standings. The AL East is left open and so is an AL Wild Card Spot. The NL looks locked up. Here's how I see it finishing.

AL East - Yankees
Currently in second place and in the Wild Card game I am actually a believer in this rotation and the veteran lineup. They have been here before Toronto has not. Give me the Yankees in the division , Toronto in the Wild Card.

AL Central - Royals
It seemed this division race was over before it started. The Royals have been a force all year and Johnny Cueto will figure out the AL sooner rather than later. Alex Gordon is back.

AL West - Astros
I think the Angels overachieved all year and are a bad team. The Astros are an excellent team. Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are the best middle infield duo in baseball.

AL Wild Card
1. Blue Jays - The Jays have the clear cut best lineup in baseball. They're rotation and bullpen come into question but they have David Price. RA Dickey is rolling and Marcus Stroman is trying to comeback from injury.

2. Rangers - They have their ace in Cole Hamels. They have a huge list of bats to plug in. Adrian Beltre , Prince Fielder , Josh Hamilton , Shin Soo Choo and the list goes on.

Missing the playoffs - Rays , Twins , Orioles



NL East - Mets
The Mets have one of baseballs best rotations in all of baseball. The lineup is improved with Yoenis Cespedes and David Wright back from injury.

NL Central - Cardinals
Baseballs clear cut best team. They have a strong back end of the bullpen. They have a good defensive team. They have a strong lineup and a great rotation.

NL West - Dodgers
It's hard to not pick them for the playoffs. They have Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. Greinke may leave after this season so they will go for it.

NL Wild Card
1. Pirates - The Pirates need Aj Burnett to come back if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.

2. Cubs - Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester lead a team with a star studded young lineup. If the Cubs get past the Wild Card game watch out.

Missing the playoffs - Giants , Nationals , Diamondbacks

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13