On the final day of the season, we know the six division winners, and we know the Phillies and the Yankees own the best record in their leagues. Everything else about the playoffs is up in the air. The second best team will be determined today, and all Texas and Milwaukee need to do to secure that spot is win. The two wild card races are tied, so we may not know until tomorrow night what the four playoff series look like. About the only thing we know for sure is that the Yankees with the best record in the AL, will be forced to play a very good division winner, either Detroit or Texas.

Jon Lester pitches on three days rest after throwing 55 pitches on Saturday to try to get Boston into the playoffs. He faces Alfredo Simon of the Orioles. Lester allowed sixteen runs in his last three starts, lasting a total of 13 2/3 innings. Simon allowed nine of his 14 home runs at home this season.

Joe Blanton of the Phillies gets a rare start this season as Tim Hudson tries to pitch the Braves into the playoffs. Joe allowed five home runs in 39 1/3 innings this season, but his walk and strikeout numbers are good. Hudson turned around his season in the second half with a 2.83 ERA since the All-Star break.

The Yankees have not listed a starter for tonight’s game against the Rays, and so David Price should have a great advantage. 🙂 Price had some trouble with the Yankees this season, with a 4.26 ERA in four starts. It’s also not clear how many regulars will be in the Yankees lineup tonight.

Finally, the Cardinals send their warrior, Chris Carpenter against the Astros fighter, Brett Myers. Carpenter pitched well down the stretch, with five runs allowed in his last four games, four of those runs coming in one contest. Myers ate innings for the Astros this season, but his 4.31 ERA on a poor offensive team left his with a 7-13 record. His 31 home runs allowed ties his single season high.

If all four teams win, or all four teams lose, two playoff games on Thursday!

Enjoy!