As this season progresses, we continue our look at three top teams and three bringing up the bottom.
1 Up: New York Yankees
The Bronx is burning. The New York Yankees have been on fire this season. And despite the plethora of injuries, the Yankees maintain a stronghold atop the AL East Division. With a little less than 2 months to go, if the Yankees maintain this path, and get healthier, a World Series victory is coming this October. Over the last 10 games, the Yankees are 9-1 and currently riding a nine-game win streak. And the Bronx Bombers are getting contributions from everyone on their roster.
1 Down: Boston Red Sox
Despite winning last night the Boston Red Sox have been horrendous over there last 10 games. During that stretch, the Red Sox are 2-8. In 2018 the Red Sox had a magical season, but 2019 is not dealt them the same hand. Boston is currently 16 games out of first place in the AL East and 5.5 games out of the second AL Wild-Card spot. The Red Sox would need a major turn around and quickly if they want an opportunity to repeat.
2 Up: New York Mets
It seemed no one really expected to attempt to contend the New York Mets have been playing phenomenal baseball. Over the last 10 games are 9-1 and have one 6th straight games. And even though the Mets currently sit in fourth place in the NL East a few key victories puts atop the NL Wild Card Standings.
2 Down: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels have the best player in the game but are unable to support his best years. Anaheim is currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and has dropped eight of their last ten games. Being under .500 and having a negative twenty-two run differential makes it difficult to push towards the playoffs.
3 Up: Houston Astros
There is a hierarchy in MLB right now, and there are three teams at the top. The Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees, and the Houston Astros. And like those other teams in the top echelon of MLB, the Astros are 9-1 over their last ten games. Houston also has the second-best run differential in Major League Baseball (behind LA Dodgers) with a plus 163. The Astros became even more formidable at the Trade Deadline, and the current stretch shows just a glimpse of October magic.
3 Down: Pittsburgh Pirates
Before the season began, no one expected the Pirates to dominate the very deep NL Central Division. However, no one would have expected the turn of events that have transpired since that point. And as evidenced by the fight with the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh has been losing ground. Thus the Steel City Swashbucklers are going to have some tough decisions to make this Winter.
B.O.L.O: St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals were locked in a deep battle for 1st Place in the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs. But due to a five-game losing streak, the Red Birds are now four games behind the Cubbies in the NL Central and half a game out of the 2nd NL Wild-Card. So the Cards will have to change course if they want to make the playoffs in 2019.
