With a month remaining in the 2012 MLB season, the primary focus is on teams that are in the pennant race, contending for division titles and wild-card playoff spots.
Standing just outside the spotlight yet still noticeable, however, are the teams that were expected to join the playoff chase this season but have become afterthoughts in September.
In limbo are the clubs that still have a chance at the postseason but weren’t expected to be fighting for their playoff lives at this point of the year. These teams already carry the stench of unfulfilled expectations but still have an opportunity to wash it away.
At this point, however, these seven clubs have been the biggest disappointments. Two have a chance to save themselves, but the other four are already looking toward next year.