For a more accurate view of team progression, let's examine the MLB Standings from around the halfway point INSTEAD of the All-Star period. Here's what the real 2nd half standings would be today.
AL East -- Baltimore 34-17, Tampa Bay 30-21, Boston 29-24, Toronto 26-23, NY Yankees 21-31. AL Central -- Cleveland 29-25, Chi. White Sox 28-27, Minnesota 22-26, Kansas City 25-31, Detroit 20-35. AL West -- Seattle 35-16, Houston 34-20, Oakland 23-29, LA Angels 20-31, Texas 21-33.
NL East -- NY Mets 36-18, Atlanta 35-18, Philadelphia 32-20, Miami 19-35, Washington 16-35. NL Central -- St. Louis 32-19, Cincinnati 25-27, Milwaukee 24-26, Chi. Cubs 24-29, Pittsburgh 17-35. AL West -- LA Dodgers 41-12, Arizona 27-25, San Diego 27-25, Colorado 22-32, San Francisco 21-32.
The playoffs would certainly take a whole new look if MLB adopts some professional league's view of 1st Half meets 2nd Half Champs with best overall Wild Cards filling in until there's 6 playoff teams in each league.
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