The midway point of the MLB season always gives us a chance to reflect and try to understand how each team has performed and where they are headed. For that, we can resort to PLV, BaseRuns, Statcast, WAR, wOBA, and even wOBACON, but what if there was a chance to add some gabagool into the equation?
The crossover between Major League Baseball and the legendary show The Sopranos may be tenuous at best, outside of some questionable gambling, threatening invitations to Yankee Stadium…and maybe the occasional first pitch. However, we will resort to some classic quotes and a few deeper cuts, as Tony Soprano, his family, and his family can shed some light on how the 2024 season is going for every team.
All stats are current through the All-Star break, while playoff odds are provided by Fangraphs.
AL EAST
Baltimore Orioles – 58-38, 96.5% playoff odds
Baseball projections are hard. For every surefire prospect that pans out, there are dozens more who never amount to much in the major leagues. When the Orioles bottomed out and started stockpiling high draft picks, it would have been hard to predict the quick turnaround the franchise has experienced. And yet, just last year it became apparently obvious that not only were the Orioles on the cusp of contending, but that they would become a powerhouse because of their youth. Despite a few ups and downs, Baltimore has used its prodigious farm system to build an enviable core and trade for the missing piece, Corbin Burnes, just before the season started. While playoff success is the next step for this roster, the front office can at least point to having the top record in the division, a bona-fide MVP candidate in Gunnar Henderson, and a possible Cy Young in Burnes as evidence that their plan was sound all along… just like Quasimodo Nostradamus would have predicted.
New York Yankees – 58-40, 97.7% playoff odds
If you looked at the Yankees’ season from afar, it would look like a rousing success, especially so compared against a miserable 2023. The addition of Juan Soto has been as great as expected, Aaron Judge is back to his MVP ways, the rotation was able to withstand a long absence from Gerrit Cole, and fans are back to packing Yankee Stadium, with the team leading the AL in attendance. At the same time, the sequencing of these results has left a bitter taste in the Bronx, as the Yanks are limping towards the break following an 8-18 stretch since June 14. Yankee fans tend to have a short memory, making this latest swoon concerning, even as the team is all but guaranteed to make it to October. Cole has come back and should stabilize the rotation, especially after the likes of Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, and Carlos Rodón have started to break down. The Judge-Soto combo remains stellar, but it has become clear that reinforcements are needed, creating yet another critical trade deadline for GM Brian Cashman.
Boston Red Sox – 53-42, 52.4% playoff odds
Before the season, it was easy to peg the Red Sox for a repeat of their cellar-dwelling performance in the AL East. Without any major additions in free agency and a suspect pitching staff, it all pointed to yet another season of angry WEEI callers and misery. In a shocking turn, the addition of pitching coach Andrew Bailey has become one of the key transactions of the offseason, as he has helped a rotation full of wild cards and a bullpen of misfit toys to produce the fifth-lowest staff ERA in baseball. At the same time, the Alex Cora understated revenge tour has reached a new level, as he is leading a lineup made up of mostly discarded players into a functional offense, highlighted by newly-minted All-Star Jarren Duran and his 5.1 WAR. After years of harvesting anger and frustration, Boston may finally have what it takes to regain its contender status, and baseball is usually more entertaining when that happens.
Tampa Bay Rays – 48-48, 16.8% playoff odds
For years, the Rays have operated under the premise of being smarter than everyone else. Their ability to turn shoestring budgets into deep playoff runs and AL East titles has been remarkable, and so 2024 at least promised to give Tampa Bay another year as part of the playoff conversation. Some things have remained steady, like Tampa’s eye for maximizing fringe talent (hello, José Caballero and Ben Rortvedt), but even with all their fancy computer models and projections, the Rays have hit a wall as several on-field and off-the-field factors have zapped their 2024 potential. With three of their projected starting pitchers on the IL for the season and the Wander Franco scandal making it clear that he is likely banned from MLB for life, the lack of frontline talent has all but destroyed Tampa’s playoff chances. This being the Rays, they will probably hang around .500 and find a way to retool quickly, and it is hard to count them out for next season.
Toronto Blue Jays – 44-52, 1.8% playoff odds
For years, the Blue Jays tried to forge an identity around their young players with elite baseball lineage, trying to complement them with quality free agents that could compete atop the AL East. The plan worked to an extent, as Toronto remained competitive for many seasons, albeit with no playoff success to show for it. Despite heightened expectations amid a stadium makeover and being part of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes until the very end, 2024 has been a humbling experience for the Jays. With several veterans underperforming and most of their young core being inconsistent, Toronto has failed to string together enough winning streaks to contend, and now faces a key trade deadline as the playoffs seem out of reach. Plenty of rumors around Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Kevin Gausman, and other big names suggest that Toronto could be in line for an extreme makeover. With a restless fanbase calling for several changes, we could be seeing the final days of this version of the Blue Jays, as ownership must decide where are they going.
AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Guardians – 58-37, 86% playoff odds
The AL Central has been an afterthought for many seasons, usually regarded as the weakest division in the sport. And yet, here we are at the All-Star break and the Guardians hold the best record in the American League, despite tepid preseason projections and the early loss of their best pitcher. Cleveland’s emergence has almost been by committee, as there is seemingly a new hero every day, allowing the Guardians to avoid any losing streak of more than three games. Cleveland’s remarkable consistency is even more impressive considering their lack of consistent hitting. José Ramírez and Josh Naylor have combined for 45 homers, while the rest of the roster has 64 in total, with no one getting to double digits. Three starting pitchers have made at least 16 starts and sport ERAs above 5, and yet they combine for a 14-16 record. On the other hand, first-year manager Stephen Vogt has made the most of platoons and an elite bullpen, with a +85 run differential that is fourth in baseball. While there is some smoke and mirrors involved in this formula, try telling that to the likes of Steven Kwan and David Fry.
Minnesota Twins – 54-42, 82% playoff odds
The Twins have become one of the most confounding teams in baseball, just a year removed from their long-overdue playoff breakthrough. They stood pat in the offseason and trusted their deep roster to repeat in a barren division, and while that plan has almost worked to perfection, it also hangs by a thread considering the frailty of many of its top players. To wit, only one position player, Willi Castro, has played at least 90 games in 2024, while only two, Manuel Margot and Carlos Santana, have even played 80. The likes of Byron Buxton (.829 OPS in 267 PAs) and Royce Lewis (10 homers in 99 PAs) have star potential but can’t remain on the field, while Carlos Correa was again diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, which may put a dent in his otherwise great season. With little talent to trade and this constant influx of IL stints, the 82% playoff odds may be a bit generous for this team.
Kansas City Royals – 52-45, 32.6% playoff odds
When the Royals started the season on a tear and reached a 34-19 mark, it looked as if they would waltz into the postseason as 2024’s biggest surprise. An 18-26 record since then has exposed many of the team’s flaws, but Kansas City remains in the thick of the playoff race, mainly due to its smart offseason approach and smart bets. Signing Bobby Witt Jr. to a massive extension was a no-brainer, but giving Seth Lugo a 3-year deal at age 34 coming off three mediocre seasons? That was an inspired choice that has turned into the bargain of 2024, as Lugo has become a Cy Young candidate. The same can be said for the unleashing of Cole Ragans, as the lefty continues to establish himself as an ace, and Salvador Perez is yet again drinking from the fountain of youth. While that smart approach has worked so far, the front office now has a tough road ahead with the trade deadline, as it must decide whether to ride this hot hand or trust the process and probably realize that this roster is top-heavy and could use a better retooling towards 2025. A decade after their last breakthrough, the Royals are becoming interesting again… finally.
Detroit Tigers – 47-50, 7% playoff odds
The Tigers have three outstanding players on their roster, as Tarik Skubal is a true ace, Jack Flaherty has revived his career, and Riley Greene may be the real deal at age 23. Outside of them, we are looking at a glorified Quad-A roster, with many punchless at-bats and bulk innings that continue to drag Detroit into baseball purgatory – not good enough to contend, but also not bad enough to bottom out. With veterans like Javy Baez and Kenta Maeda stinking up the joint, manager AJ Hinch has tried to make this ballclub respectable, but there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel, especially so as the Central has improved across the board. Many have speculated that a Skubal trade could yield enough talent to give the Tigers a new chance to rebuild, but it could also be devastating for a fanbase that has already suffered enough.
Chicago White Sox – 27-71, 0% playoff odds
The White Sox started off the season by going 3-22 as many speculated if they could become the worst team of all time. Since then, they have reversed course to settle as simply terrible, but while they may not threaten the Cleveland Spiders anymore, there is no question that this season has been mostly depressing in the South Side. The emergence of Erick Fedde (2.99 ERA) and Garrett Crochet (league-leading 150 strikeouts) have at least made the Sox watchable on two of every five games, but both pitchers are probably headed out of town by the end of July. The only above-average hitter in the lineup, Luis Robert Jr., has only played in 43 games and could also become trade fodder, making the second half viewing experience almost a masochist act for White Sox fans. With the team at least a couple of years from any type of hope, the pessimism is more than justified.
AL WEST
Seattle Mariners – 52-46, 57.6% playoff odds
Baseball is famous for its curses and superstitions, but what can we make of a franchise like Seattle? They have employed some of the most famous and best players of all time, and yet have failed to play in a single World Series, while the most recent version of the franchise had to endure an unfathomable 21-year playoff drought. After missing October yet again in 2023, hopes were high for 2024, especially as the M’s assembled a strong rotation and were led by budding superstar Julio Rodríguez. And while the current standings show Seattle in first place, they are clearly the shakiest division leader, having almost squandered a 10-game lead in less than a month. Seattle’s offensive ineptitude has almost eliminated its pitching staff’s margin for error, with Rodriguez (.690 OPS) failing to sustain any type of momentum while only catcher Cal Raleigh has been able to keep a respectable slash line in a lineup full of black holes. GM Jerry DiPoto’s reputation will come into play at the deadline, as Seattle may be in line for major offensive upgrades, but will that be enough to stave the Astros? History suggests that the Mariners may survive, but nothing more than that.
Houston Astros – 50-46, 57.3% playoff odds
On the other side of the spectrum, the Astros were off to a terrible start that had many fans doing cartwheels above their planned grave. After all, Houston was 25-33 by the end of May and most of its rotation was injured, while many of their veteran hitters were facing career-worst seasons. But for a team that has made playing in the ALCS almost an automatic thing, the rest of the division failed to take advantage, and so slowly and surely Houston climbed back to .500 and now threatens to run away with the AL West. They have accomplished this despite missing their best hitter (Kyle Tucker) for about a month, while the staff is still waiting for Justin Verlander and the best version of Framber Valdez. Just like in many horror movies, the villain is bound to return if he is not properly vanquished, and so the Astros are proving yet again that they are inevitable.
Texas Rangers – 46-50, 12.2% playoff odds
In a classic case of Flags Fly Forever, the Texas Rangers may have used all their mojo and luck to earn a championship, only to experience a hangover just as soon. There were obvious flaws to Texas’ plan to stand mostly pat in the offseason, especially as they needed to wait for the late-season returns of Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom. However, other types of regression have hit the roster, turning playoff hero Adolis García into a below-average hitter, giving Corey Seager enough nagging injuries to limit his production, and making Nathan Eovaldi the only reliable starter in the rotation. With the sudden emergence of the Central, a third wild card coming to the West seems hard to achieve, and it is likely that the Rangers will spend their title defense on an early vacation.
Los Angeles Angels – 41-55, 0.2% playoff odds
Baseball historians will someday try to come up with answers regarding the Angels’ inability to field a competitive roster despite employing two generational talents for several years, but for now we can at least know that it has been the worst case of management malpractice of the 21st century. Following the inevitable departure of Ohtani and last year’s ill-advised attempt to add at the deadline, the Angels were left with a shallow roster that was only made worse when Mike Trout suffered his annual long-term injury. Despite a few bright spots like Tyler Anderson and the development of Logan O’Hoppe, Anaheim has become almost irrelevant in the baseball world.
Oakland Athletics – 37-61, 0% playoff odds
On May 4, the A’s were 17-17 and appeared to show glimpses of competency along with the emergence of stud closer Mason Miller. Since then, they have gone a ghastly 20-44, exposing all the weaknesses of a barren roster and its indifferent front office. With the preseason announcement that the A’s are playing their final season in Oakland before a brief stop in Sacramento followed by a permanent home in Las Vegas, each home game has carried an eerie feeling. The few fans remaining can at least marvel at Miller’s fastball and Brent Rooker’s star turn, as the DH has broken out to post a .942 OPS with 21 homers, but this will remain the darkest period for the once-proud franchise.
NL EAST
Philadelphia Phillies – 62-34, 100% playoff odds
When the Phillies lost the first two games of the season to Atlanta, it looked as if the NL East’s pecking order was set from the beginning. However, the Phils took advantage of a soft early schedule to eventually take control of the division, and went into the break as the only 60-win team in the standings. While many erstwhile stars have been inconsistent or unavailable for long stretches, complementary players like Brandon Marsh and Alec Bohm have more than made up for it, turning the Phillies’ lineup into a juggernaut. The offense has been complemented by a superb pitching staff, with Ranger Suárez, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola sporting double-digit wins, while the bullpen is also full of weapons. Philadelphia as currently constructed is the biggest favorite towards October, but it is almost inevitable that they will find ways to improve with deadline acquisitions.
Atlanta – 53-42, 93.7% playoff odds
While the Phillies have deserved all the accolades they have received in 2024, it would be foolish to count out Atlanta. Even as the team lost reigning MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season and has endured major regression from the likes of Matt Olson and Sean Murphy, Atlanta has kept a stranglehold on the top wild card spot and has quietly improved as the season goes along. The offense may be muted compared to last season, but the starting pitching could take this roster into a deep October run. The addition of Chris Sale (13-3 record, 2.70 ERA) has become a masterstroke for the front office, and now he can complement Max Fried and Charlie Morton to create a rotation that nobody will want to face. Atlanta had set itself up for many playoff runs, and even as 2024 may not be as smooth as other regular seasons, they still have enough talent to be considered a major threat.
New York Mets – 49-46, 44.8% playoff odds
The Mets may end up becoming the most bizarre team of 2024, as their trajectory simply makes no sense. As late as May 29, New York was 22-33 and had suffered enough controversy on and off the field to fill several tabloids for days and days. Since then, and without any major changes in personnel, the Mets have gone 27-13 to race back into playoff contention, using three winning streaks of at least four games in the process. The recent results have probably turned the Mets from sellers to buyers, and again we are reminded that this is still the highest payroll in the game, with a deep-pocketed owner and a new head of baseball operations that could be ready to make a splash. For all of the Mets’ virtues, they are still relying on veterans like Luis Severino and Sean Manaea to lead the rotation, which makes it likely that they will add some arms at the deadline. This being the Mets, a collapse is not out of the question.
Washington Nationals – 44-53, 0.2% playoff odds
A month ago, the Nationals were flirting with .500 and a possible surprise run to a wild card, showing even more competent play than what they had a year ago. The wheels have come off since then, though, but Washington’s front office has been unable to define a clear path for what this franchise is bound to become. On one hand, they have promoted prospect James Wood and given several starts to pitchers under 25. On the other, they have continued to give unproductive at-bats to the likes of Joey Gallo and Nick Senzel, while Patrick Corbin still takes the mound every five days despite being almost an automatic loss. The recent demotions of Joey Meneses and Eddie Rosario suggest that the Nats may finally be picking a lane, but they are still ways away of the true contenders in the division.
Miami Marlins – 33-63, 0% playoff odds
The Marlins are on a 12-26 run since the start of June, as the franchise has devolved back into its irrelevant ways in record time. While 2023’s surprise playoff appearance was seen as a fluke based on one-run performance and timely hitting, it appeared as if Miami could at least build on it and become respectable. Alas, it all started going south as GM Kim Ng resigned in the offseason, then several prominent pitchers got hurt, and early-season reports confirmed that manager Skip Schumaker’s contract would not be extended beyond 2024. This level of dysfunction again confirmed that this franchise may be cursed beyond repair, as yet another rebuild is in the cards. As other teams try to pick up any productive Marlin via trade, Miami fans would certainly be disappointed… if they actually cared.
NL CENTRAL
Milwaukee Brewers – 55-42, 83.1% playoff odds
When the Brewers faced an offseason that saw them lose their general manager, field manager, and top starting pitcher, followed by a troubling injury to their all-world closer, it seemed logical to think that Milwaukee would head into 2024 in rebuild mode. Even in a division with no clear-cut favorite, these losses appeared massive and ready to derail the Brewers’ competitive cycle. Instead, the Brewers seized control of the division in early April and have not stopped winning since. In a strange reversal of fortune, the Brewers have relied on the third-highest scoring offense in the NL to sustain their success, while their pitching has been more serviceable than good. With Christian Yelich leading the way, an unexpected group of position players has held the fort, with plenty of clutch hitting and a top-10 collective OPS. On the other hand, Milwaukee has featured 16 pitchers making at least one start, underscoring the need for stability in the rotation. The recent trade for Aaron Civale was a solid first step, but with a playoff nod well within reach, it would behoove the front office to push its chips and go for an extra arm or two, especially as the bullpen is ready to welcome back Devin Williams.
St. Louis Cardinals – 50-46, 41.8% playoff odds
After a disaster 2023, the Cardinals approached the offseason with a deliberate effort of raising the talent floor with veterans while also relying on the top of the farm system. So far, the results have been mixed, with a winning record that masks a dreadful run differential amid several disappointing personal performances. The Cardinals have the league’s oldest roster by a significant margin, and their star veterans have started to show their age. Paul Goldschmidt has a .291 OBP, Nolan Arenado has only hit eight homers amid a defensive downfall, and the team has given 185 dreadful plate appearances to Brandon Crawford and Matt Carpenter for some reason. The pitching has been not much better, outside of the occasional brilliance of Sonny Gray and a true shutdown closer in Ryan Helsley, and so St. Louis is a prime candidate for a rough second half unless they find the collective fountain of youth. While a few youngsters have started to show their potential, namely Masyn Winn and Alec Burleson, it is hard to think that the Cards can contend for nothing more than the final wild card.
Pittsburgh Pirates – 48-48, 16.8% playoff odds
The Pirates are one of two teams standing at .500, which seems to perfectly encapsulate their place in the current baseball landscape. On one hand, they have graduated arguably the most exciting pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg and have complemented him with a solid rotation. On the other, a lineup full of subpar hitters makes scoring runs a tall task in any given game, and so Pittsburgh is in some kind of no-man’s land – not good enough to add at the deadline, but not bad enough to sell anything of value. Still, it is likely that the front office will see 2024 as a major success, built upon Paul Skenes and his 12.1 K/9, which has made every one of his starts appointment viewing. Outside of Bryan Reynolds, there will need to be an overhaul of the offense, as Ke’Bryan Hayes has taken a step back and none of the veterans is making a difference with the bat.
Cincinnati Reds – 47-50, 8.3% playoff odds
Cincinnati’s earnest youth movement is in its second year, and while the final results are not so different from year one, the perception around the Reds has shifted a bit. In his rookie season, Elly de la Cruz’s very entertaining exploits were soon clouded by all the things he was not good at. However, the Reds kept the faith and unleashed de la Cruz for good in 2024, leading to one of the most extreme statistical season in recent memory. Despite striking out in 30% of his plate appearances, the shortstop has made the most of when he actually makes contact, leading to an .830 OPS, 19 homers and 46 steals in 55 tries. The possibility of a 30/90 season is reasonable, possibly adding an important milestone to a franchise that is hungry for success. It is also important to remember that de la Cruz is still 22 and the Reds as a whole have one of the youngest rosters in the league, with pitchers like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott also establishing themselves as solid options to lead a rotation. The team may be a year away from true contention, but it seems as if trusting the kids has been the correct decision.
Chicago Cubs – 47-51, 11.9% playoff odds
Almost a decade removed from their magical 2016 run, the Cubs tried to build on their solid 2023 by adding one of the most significant non-player free agents, bringing in manager Craig Counsell from a division rival. Along with the re-signing of Cody Bellinger and NPB free-agent Shota Imanaga, it appeared as if Chicago was a favorite to at least win the Central. This being baseball, the Cubs currently stand in last place and face long odds to even make the playoffs, suggesting that even their splashy signings were not enough to make up for a flawed roster. Imanaga started out on fire before the league began to figure him out, Bellinger has been middling and oft-injured, while the likes of Christopher Morel and Patrick Wisdom have taken a step back. Despite Counsell’s reputation as a master tactician, the bullpen has been a disaster, with the Cubs losing 23 games in which they held the lead. With the pressure of being a large-market team, the Cubs may be forced to add at the deadline, but that may not be enough to steer the ship back into contention.
NL WEST
Los Angeles Dodgers – 56-41, 97.2% playoff odds
Following a literal billion-dollar offseason that included the additions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández, the Dodgers entered the season at their most World-Series-or-bust mentality. While winning another NL West crown was almost a foregone conclusion, this team will be defined by what it does in October. So far, there are enough reasons to be optimistic (Ohtani has been even better than advertised, Hernandez just won the Home Run Derby), but also plenty of caution for a team with this kind of roster (Glasnow and Yamamoto are on the IL, joining Mookie Betts). Even with a solid seven-game lead in the division, a 3-8 stretch to close out the first half has likely added a new gear in LA’s sense of urgency, especially if the rotation continues to scuffle. As usual, this will probably be patched by the franchise’s nearly limitless resources, as the Dodgers are never afraid to dish out prospects and/or money to solve a problem. Playoff success is far from guaranteed, though.
Arizona Diamondbacks – 49-48, 39.4% playoff odds
Unlike the other reigning pennant winner, Arizona was aggressive in the offseason in their effort to repeat a magical season. But like the other reigning pennant winner, the Dbacks have failed to gain much consistency in the win column, and now head into the second half with an uncertain future. After leaving May with a 25-32 mark, Arizona has played much better since and now must make important decisions as the trade deadline approaches. While holdovers like Ketel Marte and Christian Walker have played like down-ballot MVP candidates and free agent Joc Pederson has added his usual brand of power, Corbin Carroll’s sophomore slump (.635 OPS) and the disaster signing of Jordan Montgomery have reminded us that this roster needs many top-percentile performances to keep up with the big boys in the NL. With the option to add or retool and try to catch fire like in 2023, the fanbase and front office will pay close attention to the next couple of weeks.
San Diego Padres – 50-49, 38.9% playoff odds
You gotta give some respect to the Padres. Despite not being close to a title and having so many albatross contracts that they had to let Juan Soto walk before the season, their front office is never afraid to make a move and provide an exciting product to the fans. After already drawing over two million fans to Petco Park, the rest of the season will be defined by what the Padres can do with a severely flawed roster. The top-heavy designation of any team is only valid if the top part actually does its job, which has not been the case so far. Jurickson Profar has been the clear best player for the offense, which would have been unthinkable for a lineup that still carries Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts and then added batting champ Luis Arraez. Alas, San Diego’s high-profile names have failed to coalesce for most of the season, while their pitching staff can be better described as middling. Entering the break on a 1-6 slide, but with realistic playoff aspirations, we are probably on the cusp of yet another trade deadline where the Padres buy and throw caution to the wind. At this point, it’s just business as usual.
San Francisco Giants – 47-50, 24% playoff odds
As the second most prolific offseason spender, the Giants envisioned a new version of themselves that would contend for a high wild card slot and maybe even give the Dodgers a scare. Instead, they are in the middle of the third wild card scrum that includes nearly half of the NL, with a 47-50 mark that is par for the course for a franchise that has been stuck on neutral for the past three seasons. Jung-Hoo Lee was lost for the season after a shoulder injury, Matt Chapman and Jorge Soler have been average with the bat, and it could all be worse if not for the sudden emergence of All-Star Heliot Ramos (155 OPS+). However, the biggest culprit for this mediocrity has come from a patchwork rotation where only Logan Webb and Jordan Hicks have been able to remain healthy and productive. While a flurry of bullpen games and spot starts have derailed the Giants, they can at least hope that their second half will be marked by several internal pitching reinforcements, even if they stand pat at the deadline. Reigning Cy Young winner Blake Snell has been mostly awful and injured, but his final start before the break included seven almost perfect innings, while Robbie Ray and Alex Cobb are nearing their season debuts to complement a rotation that now has homegrown phenoms Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong. If that rotation can remain healthy down the stretch, suddenly the offensive inconsistency would not be as alarming, and that is how the Giants are about to find out if their hopes actually stand a chance.
Colorado Rockies – 34-63, 0% playoff odds
Mired in a 13-28 stretch in which seven of those wins have come in one-run games, the Rockies continue to confound us with their existence. With no real highlights or performances to draw from, we can at least marvel at some of the stats Colorado has given us so far. They are 15-13 in one-run games and 5-4 in extra-inning affairs, but also stand at 6-25 in games decided by at least five runs. They are a combined 2-8 against the A’s, Marlins, and White Sox, but have dominated the Padres with a 5-2 season series. They are dead last in team ERA (5.61) by a full run over the 29th-ranked Marlins, as their top four starting pitchers have combined to go 11-34. This being the Rockies, it would be foolish to expect a major teardown or trying to salvage some value from their few good players via trades, and so we are left with yet another lost season in Colorado, where the front office has failed to figure out their unique situation for more than 30 years.
Very well done, Pablo. Very nice.