Earlier this week, it looked certain that Washington would be eliminated before this month was out. The Nationals had the second lowest elimination number, which was comparable only to Seattle, who's fate has already been sealed. However, the Nationals have staged an impressive 4 game run right now that has blocked them and blocked them from being eliminated. Here are the top 5 lowest elimination numbers right now:
    1. Pittsburgh: 1
    2. Cincinnati: 2
    3. Washington: 3
    4. Oakland: 8
    5. Kansas City: 9
The top three teams here all have a chance of being eliminated in August still. If the Mets win both games games this weekend, and the Nationals lose one (or the Mets win only one and the Nats drop both games ), then they are gone. So if they get eliminated in August, it will be on the last day. The Pirates and the Reds can easily be gone tomorrow. Only one team has been eliminated so far and that is the Mariners.

On the other side, two teams today joined the Cubs as teams that are guranteed to finish the season with a winning record. They are the Angels and the Rays. Hats off to the Rays. A lot of people were expecting them to do better this year, but no one expected them to be on top like they are. They have faced injuries, and they just keep winning. They really have put together a great year every way you look at it, and it is scary to think about how those players will develop as they get older. It's also scary to think about all the talent they have down on the farm.