Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Congratulations, Astros!

With their 6-1 loss at home against the Cardinals on Monday, the Houston Astros earned the right to pick first in the 2013 draft. This marks the second consecutive year the Astros will pick first.

Many exciting battles still remain, including those for second pick (the Cubs and Rockies are tied with nine games remaining; the Cubs would win a tiebreaker on the "strength" of their 71-91 record in 2011) and fourth pick (the Indians have moved a game ahead of the Twins with eight games left; Minnesota's 63-99 showing last year is enough to push them ahead in the event of a tie).

Meanwhile, congrats again to the Astros on finishing what they started. With the National League in line to have the first three picks in the 2013 draft, it is good that Houston is switching to the American League (with sincerest apologies to the "Death Before DH" crowd). Having one league dominate doesn't benefit baseball.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Standings through 9/23

Thanks to @zacharylevine for reminding me that ties in draft order are broken by previous year's record. Since the Astros also had the worst record in 2011, they win all tiebreakers.

This means that their magic number is one less than what I've been reporting and also that elimination dates I've provided were wrong. The corrected dates are listed here. I strive for accuracy and apologize for the earlier error.

If the Astros win on Monday or the Rockies lose, the race is over. Houston will have secured the right to pick first in the 2013 draft.

Team W L GB
Houston 50 103 0
Colorado 58 94 -8.5

Houston's magic number: 1

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/22/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/23/12
  3. Texas, 8/25/12
  4. NY Yankees, 8/26/12
  5. Atlanta, 8/28/12
  6. San Francisco, 8/29/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/29/12
    Oakland, 8/29/12
  7. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Tampa Bay, 8/30/12
    St. Louis, 8/30/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 8/31/12
    LA Angels, 8/31/12
    Detroit, 8/31/12
    Pittsburgh, 8/31/12
  9. Arizona, 9/5/12
    Milwaukee, 9/5/12
    Seattle, 9/5/12
  10. Philadelphia, 9/7/12
  11. San Diego, 9/9/12
  12. NY Mets, 9/10/12
  13. Kansas City, 9/12/12
    Toronto, 9/12/12
    Boston, 9/12/12
  14. Miami, 9/14/12
  15. Minnesota, 9/19/12
    Cleveland, 9/19/12
  16. Chicago Cubs, 9/23/12
Today's key games:
  • St. Louis at Houston
  • Arizona at Colorado

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Standings through 9/22

It almost certainly is "too little, too late" but the three remaining combatants are making this end game as interesting as possible. Houston keeps beating the Pirates, while the Rockies and Cubs keep losing. If the Astros lose on Sunday and the Cubs win, this becomes a two-team race... but those are big ifs, and in this topsy-turvy world of September baseball, nobody is celebrating their draft position just yet.

Team W L GB
Houston 50 102 0
Colorado 58 93 -8.5
Chicago Cubs 59 93 -9

Houston's magic number: 3

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
  17. Minnesota, 9/19/12 
  18. Cleveland, 9/20/12
Today's key games:
  • Pittsburgh at Houston
  • St. Louis at Chicago Cubs
  • Arizona at Colorado

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Standings through 9/21

With the Astros and Cubs both winning on Friday, Houston must wait until at least Sunday to pop the cork. Meanwhile, Colorado lost big at home, slipping into second. The Rockies have gotten serious about this.

Team W L GB
Houston 49 102 0
Colorado 58 92 -9.5
Chicago Cubs 59 92 -10

Houston's magic number: 3

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
  17. Minnesota, 9/19/12 
  18. Cleveland, 9/20/12
Today's key games:
  • Pittsburgh at Houston
  • St. Louis at Chicago Cubs
  • Arizona at Colorado

Friday, September 21, 2012

Standings through 9/20

The Indians are the latest to bite the proverbial dust. Only three teams remain, although Houston can clinch as early as Saturday. The champagne is on ice...

Team W L GB
Houston 48 102 0
Chicago Cubs 58 92 -10
Colorado 58 91 -10.5

Houston's magic number: 3

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
  17. Minnesota, 9/19/12 
  18. Cleveland, 9/20/12
Today's key games:
  • Pittsburgh at Houston
  • St. Louis at Chicago Cubs
  • Arizona at Colorado

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Standings through 9/19

The Twins, behind Josh Willingham's 4-for-5, 4 RBI performance, beat the Indians in the opener of the battle for fourth place on Wednesday. And by winning the game, they are losing the battle. BENCH WILLINGHAM!

Team W L GB
Houston 48 101 0
Chicago Cubs 58 91 -10
Colorado 58 90 -10.5
Cleveland 61 88 -13

Houston's magic number: 4

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
  17. Minnesota, 9/19/12
Today's key games:
  • Houston at St. Louis
  • Reds at Cubs
  • Rockies at Giants
  • Twins at Indians (Battle for Fourth; Indians eliminated with a win)

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Standings through 9/18

Congrats to the Astros on losing their 100th game of the season Tuesday night. Huge milestone for them.

Meanwhile, the Cubs and Rockies find themselves engaged in a fierce battle for second, while the Twins and Indians are deadlocked at fourth. You can't ask for much more than what these teams are doing right now.

Team W L GB
Houston 48 100 0
Chicago Cubs 58 90 -10
Colorado 58 89 -10.5
Minnesota 61 87 -13
Cleveland 61 87 -13

Houston's magic number: 5

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
Today's key games:
  • Houston at St. Louis
  • Reds at Cubs
  • Rockies at Giants
  • Twins at Indians (Battle for Fourth!!!)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Standings through 9/17

Team W L GB
Houston 48 99 0
Chicago Cubs 58 89 -10
Colorado 58 88 -10.5
Minnesota 60 87 -12
Cleveland 61 86 -13

Houston's magic number: 6

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
Today's key game:
  • Houston at St. Louis

Monday, September 17, 2012

Standings through 9/16

With a loss in San Francisco and a Cubs victory at home, the Rockies would move into second place. At this point, the battle for second is more compelling than the battle for first.

Team W L GB
Houston 48 99 0
Chicago Cubs 58 88 -10.5
Colorado 58 87 -11
Minnesota 60 87 -12
Cleveland 61 86 -13

Houston's magic number: 6

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
Today's key games:
  • none

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Standings through 9/14

And then there were five...

Team W L GB
Houston 46 99 0
Chicago Cubs 57 87 -11.5
Colorado 58 85 -13
Minnesota 60 85 -14
Cleveland 60 85 -14

Houston's magic number: 7

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12 
  16. Miami, 9/14/12
    Boston, 9/14/12
Today's key game:
  • Phi at Hou

Friday, September 14, 2012

Standings through 9/13

The Blue Jays are the latest team eliminated. The Red Sox and the Marlins put their shot at number 1 on the line on Friday, while Houston seeks to avoid a repeat of Thursday night's comeback victory against the Phillies. Now is not the time to start winning games.

Team W L GB
Houston 46 98 0
Chicago Cubs 56 87 -10.5
Colorado 57 85 -12
Minnesota 60 84 -14
Cleveland 60 84 -14
Miami 63 81 -17
Boston 64 80 -18

Houston's magic number: 9

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
  15. Toronto, 9/13/12
Today's key games:
  • Phi at Hou
  • NYA at Bos (Boston is eliminated with a win)
  • Cin at Mia (Miami is eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Standings through 9/12

And the Astros manage to lose two out of three at home against the Cubs, putting yet more distance between the two teams. Houston needs just two more losses in their final 19 games to reach 100 on the season, although no bonus draft picks are awarded for reaching that milestone. Eight teams remain, and two more face elimination on Thursday.

Team W L GB
Houston 45 98 0
Chicago Cubs 56 87 -11
Colorado 57 85 -12.5
Minnesota 59 84 -14
Cleveland 59 84 -14
Miami 63 81 -17.5
Boston 64 79 -19
Toronto 64 77 -20

Houston's magic number: 9

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
  14. NY Mets, 9/12/12
    Kansas City, 9/12/12
Today's key games:
  • Phi at Hou
  • Sea at Tor (Toronto is eliminated with a win)
  • NYA at Bos (Boston is eliminated with a win)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Standings through 9/11

The Astros win Game 2 of their showdown with the Cubs, who cling to the faintest of hope.

Team W L GB
Houston 45 97 0
Chicago Cubs 55 87 -10
Colorado 57 84 -12.5
Minnesota 59 83 -14
Cleveland 59 83 -14
Miami 63 80 -17.5
Boston 64 78 -19
Kansas City 64 77 -19.5
Toronto 64 76 -20
NY Mets 65 77 -20

Houston's magic number: 11

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
Today's key games:
  • ChN at Hou
  • Was at NYN (Mets are eliminated with a win)
  • Sea at Tor (Toronto is eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)
  • NYA at Bos (Boston is eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)
  • KC at Min (Kansas City is eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Standings through 9/10

Game 1 of the showdown in Houston goes to the visiting Cubs, as the Astros draw ever closer to their goal. They can almost taste that first pick. It has sort of a lemony flavor.

Team W L GB
Houston 44 97 0
Chicago Cubs 55 86 -11
Colorado 57 83 -13.5
Minnesota 59 82 -15
Cleveland 59 82 -15
Miami 63 79 -18.5
Boston 63 78 -19
Kansas City 63 77 -19.5
Toronto 64 75 -21
NY Mets 65 76 -21

Houston's magic number: 11

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
  13. San Diego, 9/10/12
Today's key games:
  • ChN at Hou
  • Was at NYN (Mets are eliminated with a win)
  • Sea at Tor (Toronto is eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)

Monday, September 10, 2012

Standings through 9/9

A three-game showdown between the Cubs and Astros begins Monday night in Houston. Chris Volstad and Dallas Keuchel start in the opener. What more could you want?

Team W L GB
Houston 44 96 0
Chicago Cubs 54 86 -10
Colorado 56 83 -12.5
Minnesota 58 82 -14
Cleveland 59 81 -15
Boston 63 78 -18.5
Miami 63 78 -18.5
Kansas City 63 77 -19
Toronto 64 75 -20.5
NY Mets 65 75 -21
San Diego 66 75 -21.5

Houston's magic number: 13

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
Today's key games:
  • ChN at Hou
  • Was at NYN (Mets are eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)
  • StL at SD (San Diego is eliminated with a win)

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Standings through 9/8

The Brewers were eliminated on Friday, and the Mariners and Phillies were eliminated on Saturday. If the Astros lose on Sunday, the Mets and Padres can be eliminated by winning their games.

Team W L GB
Houston 43 96 0
Chicago Cubs 53 86 -10
Colorado 56 81 -14
Minnesota 57 82 -14
Cleveland 59 80 -16
Miami 62 78 -18.5
Kansas City 62 77 -19
Boston 63 77 -19.5
Toronto 63 75 -20.5
San Diego 65 75 -21.5
NY Mets 65 74 -22

Houston's magic number: 14

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12 
  11. Milwaukee, 9/7/12
  12. Seattle, 9/8/12
    Philadelphia, 9/8/12
Today's key games:
  • Hou at Cin
  • ChN at Pit 
  • Atl at NYN (Mets are eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)
  • Ari at SD (San Diego is eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)

Friday, September 7, 2012

Standings through 9/6

Three teams face elimination on Friday. The Cubs try to stay close to the relentless Astros. What will happen next in this scintillating race?

Team W L GB
Houston 42 95 0
Chicago Cubs 51 86 -9
Minnesota 56 81 -14
Colorado 56 80 -14.5
Cleveland 58 79 -16
Miami 61 77 -18.5
Kansas City 61 76 -19
Toronto 61 75 -19.5
Boston 63 75 -20.5
San Diego 64 74 -21.5
NY Mets 65 72 -23
Philadelphia 66 71 -24
Seattle 67 71 -24.5
Milwaukee 67 70 -25

Houston's magic number: 17

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12
Today's key games:
  • Hou at Cin
  • ChN at Pit 
  • Cle at Min
  • Col at Phi (Philadelphia is eliminated with a win and a Houston loss)
  • Mil at StL (Milwaukee is eliminated with a win) 
  • Oak at Sea (Seattle is eliminated with a win)

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Standings through 9/5

And then there were fourteen...

Team W L GB
Houston 42 95 0
Chicago Cubs 51 85 -9.5
Minnesota 56 81 -14
Colorado 56 79 -15
Cleveland 58 79 -16
Miami 60 77 -18
Toronto 61 75 -19.5
Kansas City 61 75 -19.5
Boston 63 75 -20.5
San Diego 64 74 -21.5
NY Mets 65 72 -23
Philadelphia 66 71 -24
Seattle 67 71 -24.5
Milwaukee 67 69 -25.5

Houston's magic number: 17

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12 
  10. Arizona, 9/5/12
Today's key games:
  • ChN at Was
  • Col at Atl 
  • Mil at Mia (Milwaukee is eliminated with a win)

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Standings through 9/4

Team W L GB
Houston 42 94 0
Chicago Cubs 51 84 -9.5
Minnesota 56 80 -14
Colorado 56 78 -15
Cleveland 58 78 -16
Miami 60 76 -18
Toronto 60 75 -18.5
Kansas City 61 74 -19.5
Boston 63 74 -20.5
San Diego 63 74 -20.5
NY Mets 64 72 -22
Philadelphia 65 71 -23
Seattle 66 71 -23.5
Milwaukee 66 69 -24.5
Arizona 67 70 -24.5

Houston's magic number: 18

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12
Today's key games:
  • Hou at Pit
  • ChN at Was
  • Min at ChA
  • Col at Atl

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Standings through 9/3

Team W L GB
Houston 42 93 0
Chicago Cubs 51 83 -9.5
Minnesota 55 80 -13
Colorado 55 78 -14
Cleveland 57 78 -15
Miami 60 75 -18
Toronto 60 74 -18.5
Kansas City 60 74 -18.5
Boston 62 74 -19.5
San Diego 62 74 -19.5
NY Mets 64 71 -22
Philadelphia 65 70 -23
Seattle 66 70 -23.5
Milwaukee 65 69 -23.5
Arizona 66 70 -23.5

Houston's magic number: 19

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12
Today's key games:
  • Hou at Pit
  • ChN at Was
  • Min at ChA
  • Col at Atl

Monday, September 3, 2012

Standings through 9/2

In just over a week, half the teams in baseball have been eliminated. Fifteen teams remain in the quest to reach bottom. The excitement is overwhelming.

Team W L GB
Houston 41 93 0
Chicago Cubs 51 82 -10.5
Minnesota 55 79 -14
Colorado 55 77 -15
Cleveland 56 78 -15
Miami 59 75 -18
Toronto 60 73 -19.5
Kansas City 60 73 -19.5
Boston 62 73 -20.5
San Diego 62 73 -20.5
NY Mets 64 70 -23
Philadelphia 64 70 -23
Seattle 65 70 -23.5
Milwaukee 65 68 -24.5
Arizona 66 69 -24.5

Houston's magic number: 19

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
  9. Pittsburgh, 9/2/12
Today's key games:
  • Pit at Hou
  • ChN at Was
  • Min at ChA

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Standings through 9/1

Despite a rare Astros victory, three more teams were eliminated from contention on Saturday, including one from Los Angeles and another that claims to be from Los Angeles.

Team W L GB
Houston 41 92 0
Chicago Cubs 51 81 -10.5
Colorado 54 77 -14
Minnesota 55 78 -14
Cleveland 56 77 -15
Miami 59 74 -18
Kansas City 59 73 -18.5
Toronto 60 72 -19.5
Boston 62 72 -20.5
San Diego 62 72 -20.5
NY Mets 63 70 -22
Seattle 64 70 -22.5
Philadelphia 64 69 -23
Milwaukee 64 68 -23.5
Arizona 66 68 -24.5
Pittsburgh 70 62 -29.5

Houston's magic number: 20

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
  8. LA Dodgers, 9/1/12
    LA Angels, 9/1/12
    Detroit, 9/1/12
Today's key games:
  • Cin at Hou
  • SF at ChN
  • Min at KC
  • SD at Col
  • Pit at Mil (Pittsburgh is eliminated with a win)

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Standings through 8/31

The Astros lost for the 49th time in 57 games on Friday. Here are some other terrible 57-game stretches in history for comparison:
  • 1962 Mets: 11-46
  • 1949 Senators: 9-48
  • 1916 A's: 4-53
This is not an exhaustive list, just a snippet.

Team W L GB
Houston 40 92 0
Chicago Cubs 51 80 -11.5
Minnesota 53 78 -13.5
Colorado 53 77 -14
Cleveland 55 77 -15
Miami 59 73 -19
Kansas City 59 71 -20
Toronto 60 71 -20.5
Boston 62 71 -21.5
San Diego 62 71 -21.5
NY Mets 62 70 -22
Philadelphia 63 69 -23
Seattle 64 69 -23.5
Milwaukee 63 68 -23.5
Arizona 66 67 -25.5
LA Dodgers 70 63 -29.5
LA Angels 70 62 -30
Detroit 70 61 -30.5
Pittsburgh 70 61 -30.5

Houston's magic number: 20

Eliminated from contention:
  1. Washington, 8/23/12
  2. Cincinnati, 8/25/12
  3. Texas, 8/26/12
  4. Atlanta, 8/28/12
    NY Yankees, 8/28/12
  5. San Francisco, 8/29/12
  6. Baltimore, 8/30/12
    Chicago Sox, 8/30/12
    Oakland, 8/30/12
  7. Tampa Bay, 8/31/12
    St. Louis, 8/31/12
Today's key games:
  • Cin at Hou
  • SF at ChN
  • Min at KC
  • SD at Col
  • Ari at LAN (Dodgers are eliminated with a win)
  • LAA at Sea (Angels are eliminated with a win)
  • ChA at Det (Detroit is eliminated with a win)
  • Pit at Mil (Pittsburgh is eliminated with a win)