Heeeere’s Jonny! Gomes Lifts Red Sox to Extra Inning Win over Twins

Connelly’s Top Ten: Bruins Keep Rolling

Middlebrooks Delivers in 9th as Sox Rally in Dramatic Fashion

2013 NHL Playoffs Expert Picks: Second Round

If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 16

As the season goes on, it’s tough for any team to gain a competitive edge. The NL Central even has a three-way tie going, with each team only percentage points apart. Sure, teams are starting to wedge a little bit of room between themselves and their competitors, but those leads haven’t been stable this season for the most part. At least the Red Sox are still going strong; take that, Seattle! With everyone scrambling to fill out their rosters by month’s end, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, July 25 at 4:00pm:

National League

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs #3 Pittsburgh Pirates

Yeah, you heard me right. The Pirates. It’s still Philadelphia, though.

#2 San Francisco Giants vs #W Atlanta Braves

Both teams are quite similar offensively, except for Atlanta having a sizable edge in homers and RBIs. But San Francisco has four of the top 50 starting ERAs in the majors (including rookie Ryan Vogelsong’s 2.10, 3rd place overall) compared to Atlanta’s three. Both team’s closers are tied with 31 saves, most in MLB. If San Francisco’s staff can keep things going well enough to get to Brian Wilson, they should be able to use home-field advantage to their advantage.

American League

#1 Boston Red Sox vs #3 Detroit Tigers

Detroit capitalized on Cleveland’s recent woes to climb 2.0 games ahead. But Boston is getting Jon Lester back, and their offense is really something else. Justin Verlander alone won’t be nearly enough to do it for Detroit.

#2 Texas Rangers vs #W New York Yankees

New York‘s pitching staff, anchored by MLB wins leader CC Sabathia and closing legend Mariano Rivera, has closed up some early holes, but it’s still not consistent enough to New York’s liking. The Rangers have cooled off since their impressive winning streak, but they’re still very good. Still, with New York 2.5 games ahead of Texas, and without Cliff Lee in Arlington, the Yankees and their offense are once again the favorites.

P.S. If your Web browser is Google Chrome, try the Jeter Filter.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Look for the Cardinals to lead the N.L. Central, followed by the Brewers, followed by the Pirates.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, MLB Playoffs, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers