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If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 11

Another week down and the changes keep coming. Cleveland is making a resurgence. Boston is starting to put a run together. The Cardinals and White Sox are slipping. Plenty is still going on, and with the All Star break upcoming, teams are doing all they can to get ready. So with all that in mind, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Thursday, June 21 at 2:00pm:

National League

#1 Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite two straight losses, the Dodgers are still on top of the NL. They still have talent, and plans are in place for Matt Kemp’s return. L.A. should be able to advance a round, but unless everyone is going on all cylinders, they’ll have a tough time from there on out.

#2 Washington Nationals vs #3 Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati is dealing with a sweep at the hands of Cleveland, while Washington is managing their place on top of the NL East. With Cincinnati so-so on the road and Washington seemingly unaffected by the home/away factor, Washington has the edge here.

#W1 San Francisco Giants vs #W2 New York Mets

The Mets have won three straight, while the Giants have lost their last two. San Francisco did win three of four in New York in April, though. Both teams are better at home, but San Francisco has some good choices on the mound. Momentum is with them here.

American League

#1 Texas Rangers

Texas has won six in a row and nine of ten. And that’s all without revealing their offseason coup of Roy Oswalt. Texas is getting better at the right time, and they’re built to go far if they can keep their streak going against the best.

#2 New York Yankees vs #3 Cleveland Indians

Three straight victories have Cleveland half a game ahead of the White Sox, while New York has lost two in a row following a ten-game winning streak. Even with those two losses, New York is still clearly the superior team.

#W1 Baltimore Orioles vs #W2 Tampa Bay Rays

Neither team is at its best lately; in fact, the Orioles were just swept by the Mets, while the Rays are having issues with Washington.. This is going to be very close with both teams half a game apart, but Baltimore isn’t an easy victory anymore.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Look for the Rays to take home-field from Baltimore.
• Any type of slip-up in Oakland and San Francisco will lose their spot to Atlanta.

Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB Playoffs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals