2008 National League Wild Card Chase Could Be One for the Ages

While the 2008 National League wild card chase doesn’t look quite as compelling as its American League counterpart, there are currently at least five NL teams with winning records that are in the race for the sole playoff spot awarded to a non-division winning team.

The Milwaukee Brewers, currently in second place in the NL Central, hold a 5 1/2 game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the National League wild card berth.

However, with both, the Brewers and Phillies in tight division races, each team could theoretically earn the automatic playoff berth that goes along with winning their respective divisions, thereby putting the NL Central-leading New York Mets, at the front of the NL Wild Card standings.

Here is a brief look at the top NL Wild Card teams, along with my analysis on their respective chances to actually reach the postseason in 2008.

2008 National League - Wild Card Chase Standings

Milwaukee Brewers - 80-57
The Brewers are 4 1/2 games behind the Cubs, (85-53), but have a month - and six games against Chicago – to catch them. The teams will meet for a three-game set to close out the season from Sep. 26-28.

Philadelphia Phillies - 75-63
He Phillies are two games behind the Mets right now but overcame a seven-game deficit with just 17 games remaining last season to win the NL East. These teams will meet for one final three-game series beginning on Friday.

St. Louis Cardinals - 74 -64
The Cards are on the brink right now but have six games with the Cubs remaining this season.

Houston Astros - 72 – 66
The Astros have made a late-season charge but may fall just short. The good news is that Houston plays the lowly Braves three times each.

Florida Marlins - 70-68
The Marlins are also on life support at the moment but have six games against the Phillies left on their schedule, not to mention six games against the Washington Nationals and three more against the Mets to close out the regular season.

L.A. Dodgers - 68-70
The Dodgers are just 2 1/2 games behind the San Francisco Giants.

Analysis: While the Philadelphia Phillies could beat out the New York Mets for the NL East title, I don’t think either club will surpass the Milwaukee Brewers or Chicago Cubs in wins this MLB betting season, leaving the non-division winner out in the cold come playoff time.

And speaking of the Cubs and Brewers, I also don’t think the Brewers will catch a Cubs team that has shown no signs of slowing down. In the end, that means I’m going with the Milwaukee Brewers to hold on to their slim lead in wins over both, the Mets and Phillies, while coming in second to Chicago in the NL Central.

MLB Free Picks: Milwaukee Brewers