Understanding the 2010 MLB Playoff Picture, Based on What Can Happen Today

Entering today's slate of games, the Rays and the Yankees are tied for first place. However, they both have already clinched playoff births. What this means is if they both win today or both lose today it will not force a 163rd game of the season, since they both have spots (extra games are for determining if you get into the playoffs, not how plus one team has the head to head advantage). So if the Rays end today with a better record than the Yankees or the SAME record as the Yankees, then they are division winner since they have the head to head advantage. The Yankees need to win and the Rays to lose to be the division winner. On the whole, this is the least confusing scenario of today.

Much more complicated is the situation in the National League. The only team that completley owns their own destiny is the Giants. If the Giants win, they win the West and they make it into the playoffs. Following that, if the Braves win, then they will be in the playoffs, if the Braves lose, then we have to play game 163 Padres vs Braves for Wild Card.

The next scenario deals with the Padres winning. If the Padres win today, and the Braves lose, then the Braves will be eliminated. No play in game would happen and the Padres would get the West while the Giants will get the Wild Card.

The most complicated situation is a Padres win and a Braves win. Here, the Padres and Giants would have to face each other for a one game playoff for the West. Then the loser would have to face the Braves for a one game playoff for the Wild Card.