The 2014 MLB season keeps trucking along.
Just over a week removed from the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline and the corresponding intrigue, a new set of storylines has emerged.
Tony Bosch is back in the news, surrendering to the DEA for conspiracy to distribute steroids. And with his arrest comes a request from MLB for a new set of names. If granted, the repercussions could have an impact on the playoff race.
For more on the story, you can check out this thread from Bleacher Report’s Tim Daniels.
The August waiver period is also upon us. And with it comes the intrigue of clubs trying to improve their roster or prevent other teams in the playoff race from getting better by placing a claim on a player before their rivals can.
But as important as those storylines are, there is another one developing in the wild-card race.
As of game time Friday, there were three teams that were a half-game behind the Kansas City Royals for the second wild-card spot in the American League. In the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants are separated by less than one game for both wild cards.
As it stands, there are a total of 10 teams that are within five games of playing in the postseason, meaning there is a legitimate chance for a one-game playoff in each league. It is quite remarkable.
So, which of the contenders are the most dangerous in a game where the loser goes home for the winter?
Here are the five wild-card contenders that no team wants to face in a one-game playoff. Before getting started, though, let’s take a look at why this list is only five teams long.