30 for 30 League (PART IV -- 122 games completed)

 Whew, so the next part has been completed and now that we're 122 games down.... the home stretch is in sight!! So let's just get right to it -- stats, standings and leaders, let's go!!

The Royals may be struggling in the standings, but their superstar closer has a shot at the lead in saves

STANDINGS

AMERICAN LEAGUE

NATIONAL LEAGUE

NARRATIVES

After making an incredible run to tie for the division lead, Tampa slipped to a division-worst 11-19 record in Part IV, putting them not only 5 games back of Boston (again), but in third place. That's right, the Death Star franchise has new life and its sights set on the AL East crown after the Yankees went a division-best 17-13 in Part IV. However, they're still three games behind Boston, who has never surrendered its division lead in any part so far. With only a 3 game lead on the Yankees (and 40 games vs all division opponents ahead, including 10 head to head with New York), the Red Sox cannot feel too comfortable right now!! The Yankees are also only 1 game back of the second wild card spot -- the playoffs are within reach.

In the Central, Cleveland continues to keep its lead over the White Sox and Twins steady, with all three of those teams going 17-13 in Part IV. With a 10-20 run, the Royals chances at shocking the world with a postseason berth appear gone. However, Detroit -- the overall favorite at World Series champs -- looks to be in precarious position entering the final 40 games... however, the dangerous Tigers are "only" 4 games back of the second Wild Card!

The AL West appears to be the most challenging division in baseball. The Angels had a tough 14-16 stretch that cut into their lead, but they remain the #1 seed in the AL and have the best run differential in baseball, including the 2nd best offense and 3rd best pitching staff. However, Houston is now right on their heels after a 19-11 part IV, putting them only 2 GB. Houston's winning via a potent bullpen + superstar Jeff Bagwell. A surprising development in third place, as the Mariners ride their 18-12 mark in Part IV to the second wild card spot. Don't count out Oakland, who slips to 4th place but is only 1 GB of Seattle and still within an attainable 7 games of first place... but barring a monumental collapse, the Angels or Astros seem like the division favorites.

Ortiz may only have 9 HR through 122 games, but his .408 OBP, 37 2B and 60 RBI are helping

Boston take control of first place in the AL East

Out in the NL East, another strong part for the Phillies halves the Marlins lead.... and suddenly, the uncatchable Marlins are only 3 games in front of Philadelphia with 10 head-to-head matchups pending. After that 24-6 start, a lot of people put Miami down as a lock for the NL East, but they've been a mere 49-43 since that point and Philly is sizzling these days. The whole division had a strong Part IV, all finishing over .500 in that stretch, but Atlanta, Montreal and New York feel too far gone for it to matter. It's a real shame for the Expos, who have one of the league's best run differentials. However, this feels like a two team race where the loser will go to the NL Wild Card.

Likewise, the NL Central has a handful of teams vying for the wild card while the frontrunning Brewers continue to pull away. After another solid 17-13 part, Milwaukee easily has the best record in baseball at 79-43 and a 12 game lead with 40 to go. The Cubs and Cardinals are both in position for the second wild card at 67-55 and 65-77 respectively... but don't count up on the suddenly hot Reds! Cincinnati went 18-12 in this part, putting them at 62-60 on the year and within 5 games of the second wild card, with 20 games against the Cubs and Cardinals head-to-head to make up that ground. Pittsburgh cooled off after their 21-9 part III and has fallen out of the race.

After the DBacks initial hot start, the Dodgers have claimed a share of first place in the NL West. Arizona was severely hurt by its all star closer in Part IV -- Ziegler (30/31 in save chances in first 92 games) went 2/7 in saves in Part IV!! OUCH! San Diego kept pace with Arizona to stay 6 games back, but it really feels like a two team race headed into the final 40.... Meanwhile, San Fran and Colorado are way, way back. In keeping with tradition, Colorado's fifth starter is now 1-17 with a 9.77 ERA after his best part yet: 1-4 with a 5.91 ERA.

Matt Kemp has been one of the Dodgers best hitters, leading them to a tie at first place in the NL West!

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES OF NOTE

• Whit Merrifield and Chone Figgins both had a 5-5 performance
• Pedro added yet another CG shut out, and he was joined in that feat by Tim Lincecum, Charles Nagy and James Shields
• Two players had a 3 HR game in Part IV, and they're surprisingly both second basemen: Kentel Marte and DJ Le Mahieu
• Two players had a pair of walk-off homers during part IV: Robinson Cano and MVP frontrunner Mark McGwire

We're all bummed that the Angels did not use +5 3B Chone Figgins, 

but this versatile card was clutch in at least one game from Part IV

STATISTICAL LEADERS

COMPLETE STATS through the first 122 games can be found HERE HERE HERE

Again, click the link above for the full stats and leaderboard!

After a slow start, Prince Fielder crosses the 30 HR plateau after 122 games

Texas may be one of the worst teams by record, but Bradley is doing his part with his .420 OBP

Fittingly, 1994 Tony Gwynn and the card spawned from the last, best attempt at hitting .400 leads the way in the 30 for 30 league in batting average

One of the few OB 12 hitters, Soto is putting up a fantastic season in Montreal

The Reds' team construction has some flaws, but Suarez is absolutely crushing the ball -- and driving guys in, as he's got 85 RBIs

Valentin may "jump" out at players for his +6 defense, but his scoring ability has been fantastic!

Another one of the excellent OB 12 hitters in the league, Olerud is gunning for Hanley's doubles crown!

Four-way tie for the triples lead, and one of them is this under-appreciated Mets hitter!

Kenny Lofton is speeding his way toward the top of the leaderboard in steals for Atlanta!

Jesse Winker continues to be the Reds best hitter and one of the best hitters in baseball, period! 

(despite his 370 point card)

Continuing to make his case for being a major All Star snub, the AL West-leading Angels ace is

15-2 with a 2.67 ERA and 1.08 WHIP after 122 games!

Another arguable All Star snub, the Reds went on a strong 18-12 run in Part IV thanks in part to Rijo,

who is now 15-3 with a 2.19 ERA and 1.31 WHIP

I post him almost every time for a reason -- he's running away with the Cy Young!!

The second half of Arizona's dynamic Tier 1 double-whammy at the top of the rotation,

Schilling is just ahead of Randy Johnson in K on the season 

while Arizona is still tied for the NL West lead

With 8 more starts coming in Part V, Pedro has a real shot at 250 IP on the season!

No blown saves for Hader in Part IV as the Brewers extend their NL Central lead!

So that's the update after 122 games!! Keep your eyes out next week for the season finale. What teams do you think will end up in the postseason? Who's going to be the award winners? Let us know :)