There is a lot going on in the world of Major League Baseball. With the All-Star break closing in, this is when teams will need to turn up the jets. After all, nobody wants to be out of playoff contention before the break. In fact, many people feel that the two to three weeks before the break are the most important of the entire season.

Starting in the AL West, the Boston Red Sox have an 8 game lead over the New York Yankees. Although this may sound like a large lead, nothing is safe when the Yankees are on your tail. They have won 9 of their last 10 games, and are hoping to continue this hot streak until the break.

In the AL Central, the race is a bit tighter. While the Cleveland Indians are playing solid baseball, with a 41-28 record, they are only 1 game up on the second place Detroit Tigers. Behind them, the Minnesota Twins are heating up and are only 6.5 back.

Finally, the four team AL West is also close in the standings. The Los Angeles Angels, at 45-26, have the best record in all of baseball. But despite their early season success, they are only 6 games ahead of the Oakland Athletics, and 7.5 ahead of the Seattle Mariners.

It is safe to say that there are going to be several battles for playoff spots a few months from now. And the teams that excel on the field before the All-Star break are going to be in the best shape when the season begins to wind down.

Source: trademark-blawg.com