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There are 152 of us in this baseball season and some things are finally starting to make sense. The Tampa Bay Rays may have been a good team all this time. The pre-season Milwaukee Brewers hype was real – and their recent record against the Cubs proves it. The Boston Red Sox are good, as are the Houston Astros. The Baltimore Orioles are certainly not good.
And the Los Angeles Dodgers – the real epiphany.
The Dodgers have lived up to these rankings all season. They started high, hung in the middle despite a difficult start and plunged into an embarrassing level in May when they were a fourth-place team. After all, we're here, a week and a half after the playoffs and we could have the most interesting truth of all: the Dodgers are still the team no one in the NL wants to see in the playoffs.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "They have not accumulated any gains like the Red Sox or we were impressed by their rotation like the Astros or an amazing story like that of the A's – they were just good enough to stay up until the games really Start counting. After the 10th win Tuesday after the Colorado Rockies, the Dodgers lead their biggest advance in the West West since July 28th. It's only 1.5 games, but if they win another division title, win it by. "data-reactid =" 19 "> They did not accumulate victories like the Red Sox or impressed us by their rotation like the Astros or were an incredible story like that of the A – they were just good enough to stick around until the moment the games really Start counting. After the 10th win Tuesday after the Colorado Rockies, the Dodgers lead their biggest advance in the West West since July 28th. It's only 1.5 games, but if they win another division title, win it by.
Maybe the Dodgers can not stay with the AL titans. But right now, they look as good as anyone in the National League. And that should scare several teams.
On this week's Power Rankings, where we give the Rays their due and try to understand the rest of the NL.
Chris Taylor, center, of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is stormed by home teammates after competing in a home game during the 10th inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Los Angeles, September 18, 2018. Photo AP / Alex Gallardo)
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "1. Red Sox (103-48, last week: 1)
It's hard to argue with the Red Sox, who have won all the honors this season. First team to win a playoff spot. First to 100 wins. Heck, they have a chance to reach another 110 wins. The Red Sox have problems – each team does it – but their work is undeniable. Their success in the playoffs will depend on their throw. If their entries can fit into the games and they do not need to depend so much on their points, Boston will be a hit. "Data-reactid =" 42 ">1. Red Sox (103-48, last week: 1)
It's hard to argue with the Red Sox, who have won all the honors this season. First team to win a playoff spot. First to 100 wins. Heck, they have a chance to reach another 110 wins. The Red Sox have problems – each team does it – but their work is undeniable. Their success in the playoffs will depend on their throw. If their starters can fit into the games and they do not need to depend so much on their goals, Boston will be a success.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "2. Astros (95-56, last week: 2)
The Astros, at their best, are probably the most powerful baseball team – no matter what the Red Sox winners or rankings say. The Astros have not been at their best all season, but they have shown many. When that is the case, throwing them is discouraging. When she is healthy, her alignment is infinitely talented. For Houston, it could be Carlos Correa, injured at only .178 in August and September. If he finds his rhythm, they are even better. "Data-reactid =" 43 ">2. Astros (95-56, last week: 2)
The Astros, at their best, are probably the most powerful baseball team – no matter what the Red Sox winners or rankings say. The Astros have not been at their best all season, but they have shown many. When that is the case, throwing them is discouraging. When she is healthy, her alignment is infinitely talented. For Houston, it could be Carlos Correa, injured at only .178 in August and September. If he finds his rhythm, they are even better.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "3. Yankees (92-58, last week: 3)
Aaron Judge is back and this is the best news possible for the Yankees, who are 6-8 so far in September, but have not had a losing month all season. Judge is a question mark less for the Yankees, who are also waiting to find Aroldis Chapman and Luis Severino again in his car in the first period. If all these things happen and Giancarlo Stanton gets hot, they are extremely dangerous. If no, well, they might not exceed the level of. "Data-reactid =" 44 ">3. Yankees (92-58, last week: 3)
Aaron Judge is back and this is the best news possible for the Yankees, who are 6-8 so far in September, but have not had a losing month all season. Judge is a question mark less for the Yankees, who are also waiting to find Aroldis Chapman and Luis Severino again in his car in the first period. If all these things happen and Giancarlo Stanton gets hot, they are extremely dangerous. Otherwise, well, they might not go beyond A.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "4. A (90-61, last week: 4)
The A are on a small slip lately, losing four of five, including the game Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels. The universe likes to balance things well, and that after a series of six consecutive victories. The starting shot of the A does not make you bend, but the fact is that they have won more games than anyone in the National League, so doubt them at your own risk. "Data-reactid =" 45 ">4. A (90-61, last week: 4)
The A are on a small slip lately, losing four of five, including the game Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels. The universe likes to balance things well, and that after a series of six consecutive victories. The starting shot of the A does not make you bend, but the fact is that they have won more games than anyone in the National League, so doubt it at your own risk.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "5. Brewers (86-66, last week: 5)
The Brewers remain at the top of the Cubs, even if they are behind them in the standings. The reason? They have won two sets against the Cubs this month and we can not ignore it. There is a good chance that the Brewers and Cubs can meet in the NLDS, and you better believe that the recent successes will enhance Milwaukee's confidence. "Data-reactid =" 46 ">5. Brewers (86-66, last week: 5)
The Brewers remain at the top of the Cubs, even if they are behind them in the standings. The reason? They have won two sets against the Cubs this month and we can not ignore it. There is a good chance that the Brewers and Cubs can meet in the NLDS, and you think the recent successes will boost Milwaukee's confidence.
The Cubs, as bewildered as they are sometimes by fans of their hometown, should finish the season with the best record in the NL and home advantage in the playoff players. They need all the benefits they can get because their paddock is broken and looks like a problem. But their launch has been very good lately and you know how good this alignment is. "Data-reactid =" 51 ">6. Cubs (89-62, last week: 6)
The Cubs, as bewildered as they are sometimes by fans of their hometown, should finish the season with the best record in the NL and home advantage in the playoff players. They need all the benefits they can get because their paddock is broken and looks like a problem. But their launch has been very good lately and you know how good this alignment is.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "7. Indian (84-66, last week: 7)
The Indians feel like the veteran quarterback of the NFL who reviews pre-season requests to wait for Week 1. At least they hope this is the case. Few things about Indian performance this season is glamorous. They won the worst division in baseball, they have as many victories as the NL wild card teams. But they still look like a team that was created to win in October, from their deep training to their loose field. Let's see if they turn on when it's the most important. "Data-reactid =" 52 ">7. Indian (84-66, last week: 7)
The Indians feel like the veteran quarterback of the NFL who reviews pre-season requests to wait for Week 1. At least they hope this is the case. Few things about Indian performance this season is glamorous. They won the worst division in baseball, they have as many victories as the NL wild card teams. But they still look like a team that was created to win in October, from their deep training to their loose field. Let's see if they turn on when it's the most important.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "8. Dodgers (84-68, last week: 11)
Even though the Dodgers' season has had some ups and downs, it is good to say that they are the most dangerous team in the National League. They're still the deepest and most talented team, except maybe the Cubs – and they showed us last week that they could send the Cardinals and the Rockies when the stakes are high. "Data-reactid =" 53 ">8. Dodgers (84-68, last week: 11)
Even though the Dodgers' season has had some ups and downs, it is good to say that they are the most dangerous team in the National League. They're still the deepest and most talented team, except maybe the Cubs – and they showed us last week that they could send the Cardinals and the Rockies when the stakes are high.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "9. Braves (83-68, last week: 8)
Atlanta should hope she gets out of her system. The Braves will almost certainly win the NL East, but they have also lost four games in a row. As long as they do business in the next week and a half, they will be able to rewrite the story in October. "Data-reactid =" 54 ">9. Braves (83-68, last week: 8)
Atlanta should hope she gets out of her system. The Braves will almost certainly win the NL East, but they have also lost four games in a row. As long as they do business in the next week and a half, they can rewrite the story in October.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "10. Rays (84-66, last week: 13)
Is it crazy that we put the Rays in the top 10 at this time of the season? Promise that it is not lagging behind. The Rays are the cardinal of September, making a record of 13-3 so far. Add this to August and they are 30-13. Even more crazy: the Rays have as many victories as the Indians, the Cardinals and the Dodgers and more than the Braves and the Rockies. If they played in a different division, their season could be completely different. Yet they play as well as anyone right now. "Data-reactid =" 55 ">10. Rays (84-66, last week: 13)
Is it crazy that we put the Rays in the top 10 at this time of the season? Promise that it is not lagging behind. The Rays are the cardinal of September, making a record of 13-3 so far. Add this to August and they are 30-13. Even more crazy: the Rays have as many victories as the Indians, the Cardinals and the Dodgers and more than the Braves and the Rockies. If they played in a different division, their season could be completely different. They always play as well as anyone.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "11. Rocky Mountains (82-69, last week: 10)
The Rockies have fought hard this season, but they remain a team that has had a good chance to stand out from the Dodgers and have not done so. It is not useless that they are 7-12 against L.A after the defeat of Tuesday night. "Data-reactid =" 56 ">11. Rocky Mountains (82-69, last week: 10)
The Rockies have fought hard this season, but they remain a team that has had a good chance to stand out from the Dodgers and have not done so. It is not useless that they are 7-12 against L.A after the defeat of Tuesday night.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "12. Cardinals (84-68, last week: 9)
As good as the Cardinals were in August, they simply could not postpone them until September. Whether they enter a series or not, their return to relevance must be welcomed. They are just under 500 for the month of September and with the tight schedule ahead, the last two weeks will be even harder for them. "Data-reactid =" 57 ">12. Cardinals (84-68, last week: 9)
As good as the Cardinals were in August, they simply could not postpone them until September. Whether they enter a series or not, their return to relevance must be welcomed. They are just under 500 for the month of September, and with the tight schedule they expect, the last two weeks will be even harder for them.
The cardinals were not as hot in September as in August. (AP)
Post-season hopes to die by the minute
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "13. D-backs (78-74; last week: 12)
14. Mariners (83-68, last week: 14)
15. Phillies (77-73; last week: 15)
Was not it a good idea to think about the D-Backs, Mariners or Phillies in the playoffs? The Mariners would have broken the longest playoff drought in professional sports. They can still technically, but if you've been paying for baseball for a few months, you know it does not happen. "Data-reactid =" 79 ">13. D-backs (78-74; last week: 12)
14. Mariners (83-68, last week: 14)
15. Phillies (77-73; last week: 15)
Was not it a good idea to think about the D-Backs, Mariners or Phillies in the playoffs? The Mariners would have broken the longest playoff drought in professional sports. It's still technically possible, but if you've been paying for baseball for a few months, you know that's not the case.
Still officially alive *, but come …
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "16. Nationals (77-75; last week: 16)
17. Angels (75-76, last week: 17)
18. Pirates (76-74; last week: 18)
* The Angels are effectively eliminated, but that's because the American League is so heavy. If they were at NL, they would still be alive. "Data-reactid =" 81 ">16. Nationals (77-75; last week: 16)
17. Angels (75-76, last week: 17)
18. Pirates (76-74; last week: 18)
* The Angels are effectively eliminated, but that's because the American League is so heavy. If they were at NL, they would still be alive.
Officially eliminated from the post-season
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "19. Mets (70-81, last week: 19)
20. Giants (72-80, last week: 20)
21. Twins (70-81; last week: 21)
22. Blue Jays (69-82; last week: 22)
23. Rangers (64-87; last week: 23)
24. Red (65-87, last week: 24)
25. Tigers (61-90, last week: 25)
26. Padres (60-92, last week: 27)
27. Marlins (59-92, last week: 26)
28. White Sox (59-91; last week: 28)
29. Royals (52-99, last week: 29)
30. Orioles (43-108; last week: 30)
Frankly, the end of the season can not come soon enough for these teams. "Data-reactid =" 83 ">19. Mets (70-81, last week: 19)
20. Giants (72-80, last week: 20)
21. Twins (70-81, last week: 21)
22. Blue Jays (69-82; last week: 22)
23. Rangers (64-87; last week: 23)
24. Red (65-87, last week: 24)
25. Tigers (61-90, last week: 25)
26. Padres (60-92, last week: 27)
27. Marlins (59-92, last week: 26)
28. White Sox (59-91; last week: 28)
29. Royals (52-99, last week: 29)
30. Orioles (43-108; last week: 30)
Frankly, the end of the season can not come soon enough for these teams.
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<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Mike Oz is a writer at Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz"data-reactid =" 87 ">Mike Oz is a writer at Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "More from Yahoo Sports:"data-reactid =" 88 ">More from Yahoo Sports:
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