Hunt for the Postseason 8/26

AL East

New York Yankees
Record: 78-47
GB: First
WC: -
Opponent: VS Texas Rangers
Game Time: 7:05 ET, ESPN2
Pitching Matchup: Halland (7-7, 4.72 ERA) VS Pettitte (10-6, 4.25 ERA).
Yesterday: Rangers won 10-9
Notes:
* The Yankees will have 4 guys in the AFL including Ian Kennedy.

Boston Red Sox
Record: 72-53
GB: 6
WC: First
Opponent: VS White Sox
Game Time: 7:10 ET
Pitching Matchup: Floyd (10-8, 3.98 ERA) VS Wakefield (11-3, 4.31 ERA).
Yesterday: Red Sox win 6-3
Notes:
* The Boston Red Sox bolstered their bullpen yesterday by ending lefty Billy Wagner in a waiver trade with the Mets. The Mets get 2 minor leaguers to be named.
* The Bo-Sox activated Tim Wakefield from the DL today and sent pitcher Enrigue Gonzalez to AAA.

Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 69-56
GB: 9 GB
WC: 3rd place, 3 back of Boston
Opponent: @TOR
Game Time: 7:07 ET
Pitching Matchup: Kazmir (8-7, 6.17 ERA) VS Rzepczynski (2-3, 3.65 ERA)
Yesterday: Rays 7, Jays 3, Pena went deep twice in the win.

AL Central

Minnesota Twins
Record: 63-63
GB: 4.5
WC: 9.5 GB
Opponent: VS BAL
Game Time: 8:10 ET
Pitching Matchup: Guthrie (8-12, 5.45 ERA) VS Blackburn (8-8, 4.27 ERA)
Yesterday: The Twins scored up run in the 9th to win and get back up to .500.
Notes:
* The Twins are excited about Target Field, which will open on April 12, the Twins 2009 Home Opener.

Chicago White Sox
Record: 63-63
GB: 4.5
WC: 6th, 9.5 GB
Opponent: @BOS
Game Time: 7:10 ET
Pitching Matchup: Floyd (10-8, 3.98 ERA) VS Wakefield (11-3, 4.31 ERA)
Yesteday: Boston won 6-3.
Notes:
* Reinsdorf won't bid for NHL Coyotes.
* Today Chris Getz and Dewayne Wise were sent to AAA Charlotte for rehab assignments.

AL West

Texas Rangers
Record: 70-54
GB: 4
WC: 2nd, 1.5 GB of Boston
Opponent: NYY
Game Time: 7:05 ET, ESPN2
Pitching Matchup: Halland (7-7, 4.72 ERA) VS Pettitte (10-6, 4.25 ERA)
Yesterday: Rangers out-slugged the Yanks 10-9.
Notes:
* Pudge will be used as a DH.
* The Rangers will have to make a decision this off season about whether or not to re-sign Paul Byrd.

AL East

Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 72-51
GB: First Place
WC: -
Opponent: @PIT
Game Time: 7:05 ET
Pitching Matchup: Hamels (7-8, 4.78 ERA) VS Maholm (7-7, 4.74 ERA)
Yesterday: Pirates won 6-4 on a walk-off by Andrew McCutchen.
Notes:
* Brad Lidge blew his 9th save yesterday, but he's still the closer.

Florida Marlins
Record: 66-59
GB: 7, tied for second
WC: 5.5 GB, 4th place
Opponent: VS NYM
Pitching Matchup: Pelfrey (9-8, 4.67 ERA) VS Johnson (12-3, 2.99 ERA)
Yesterday: The Marlins won the pitchers' duel 2-1.
Notes:
* Last night the Marlins placed 1B Nick Johnson on the 15-day DL.
* The corresponding move will be announced before today's game.

NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 73-54
GB: First
WC: -
Opponent: VS HOU
Pitching Matchup: Oswalkt (7-4, 3.83 ERA) VS Pieiro (12-9, 3.15 ERA)
Yesterday: The Cardinals won 1-0 as Wainwrigt pitched a gem.
Notes:
* The Cardinals are starting to run away with the division. They have been red hot while other teams like the Brewers and Cubs have really struggled as of late.
* First round draft pick Shelby Miller threw in the Cardinals' bullpen yesterday at Busch Stadium. He is headed for Class A Quad City.

Will update with West division later if possible.