We are now one month from the end of the 2008 MLB regular season. If the season were to end today, here’s who would be in:

American League: Tampa Bay, Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston

National League: Philadelphia, Chicago, Arizona and Milwaukee

American League Races

In the AL East, the Tampa Bay Rays have a 3.5-game lead over Boston and the Red Sox aren’t currently playing their best baseball. With injuries to Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria and Troy Percival, I expected Tampa to collapse. Instead they have continued to show their resiliency throughout the season. I have no reason to believe that they don’t hang on in baseball’s final month.

The AL Central is much different than I expected at the beginning of the year. Most probably thought that Cleveland and Detroit would be the two teams to beat. It’s a two-team race but instead between Chicago and Minnesota. I like the White Sox’ experience and think they are the better of the two teams although it wouldn’t be shocking if Minnesota wins the division. Right now, I will pick Chicago but this is my least confident prediction for the final month.

With the exception of the AL West, every race is 5 games or less as August 27th. The Angels essentially have their division locked up with their 16-game lead over Texas.

The Red Sox currently lead the AL Wildcard race by 2.5 games over Minnesota. The Yankees are 6 games back after losing to the Red Sox last night and are likely to miss the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Not a great way to leave Yankee Stadium. It’s hard to imagine the Red Sox, defending World Series champions, blowing their albeit slight lead in the final month and not make the post-season.  So, I expect the status quo throughout the A.L.

National League Races

In the NL East, the Phillies have the smallest of leads over the New York Mets. I think the Mets have the most talent in the N.L. and I expect them to overtake the Phillies. The Marlins are a good story and have put up a valiant effort, but will fall short.

In the NL Central, the Cubs have the best record in baseball and the game’s best 1-2 starting rotation pitching punch with Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden.  The Milwaukee Brewers, the 2nd-place team, perhaps has the second best pitching duo with C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets.  The Cubs are the most complete team in the National League although I think the Mets have the most talent.  The Cubs will hold on to win although I like how the Brewers are going for it.

In the NL West, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a small lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Both the D’Backs and the Dodgers are on losing streaks of 4 and 5 games, respectively.  The Rockies have moved up to only 5.5 games out after winning their last 4 games.  Even though the Dodgers are 2-8 in their last 10, I think the Dodgers with the addition of Manny Ramirez and his something to prove attitude will help catapult the Dodgers past the D’Backs to win the NL West.

The Milwaukee Brewers lead the NL Wildcard race, but the Phillies (since I have the Mets winning the NL East) and the St. Louis Cardinals are currently right there.  I like the Brewers to hold on to the Wildcard with their solid pitching.