Playoff Picture

Although the winner of the AL East has yet to be decided (the Rays are currently up one game) all four playoff teams have been decided in the American League: Rays, Yankees, Twins, Rangers.

As for the National League only the Phillies and Reds have clinched.  The remaining spots will go to 2 of the Braves, Padres, and Giants.  Right now the Braves lead the wild card by 1.5 games and the Giants have a 2 game lead on the Padres in the NL West.  So, let's look at the remaining schedules and try to guesstimate:

Giants: 2 games against Arizona and then 3 games against San Diego

Padres:  2 games against the Cubs and then 3 games at San Fransisco 

Braves: 1 game against Florida and then 3 against Philadelphia

With the Braves up 1.5 games on the Padres and the Padres and Giants likely having a tough battle, I think the Braves are a (relatively) safe bet to make the postseason.  They also finish up against the Phillies which I think will be a good thing since the Phillies will be resting their starters.  Although they will theoretically be able to sweep the Giants and make the playoffs, it's looking tough for the Padres.  The Cubs have been playing very well under Mike Quade and the Giants are playing a truly terrible team in the DBacks, unfortunately the Padres dream season may end before the postseason starts.