Can we bump this thread again when they're playing the Rangers on Monday? That's the ONLY way they can win the division at this point, and that's the only time the magic number will be 1.
At least a win today guarantees at least 1 post-season game even if it is to play for the wildcard spot.
What happens if we end up playing the Rangers for the division and lose - de we still end up in a wildcard game?
Much rather the Astros just get in. Winning the division doesn't mean much. I mean, look at how many wild-card teams have won the World Series. Numerous ones- not saying it can't help, but it's not that big a deal, IMO. Just get in the playoffs the best way you can and then you have a shot.
Technically, that would still be a regular season game. If you can't physically pop the champagne (which the Astros or anybody else will do for a wild card berth), you're not in the post-season.
Ol' Scrap Iron! A Rangers loss tomorrow and an Astros win and we will have Carlos Correa, and a division deciding game 163 on Monday!
You would rather have one chance to get into the playoffs instead of two. If we claim the wild card, we put all our hopes on one game. Plus it opens up the chance of the Rangers missing the playoffs entirely, and that's almost as sweet as getting in is.
Yeah, I don't really consider the wild card play in game making the playoffs. But I guess technically they did clinch a postseason appearance. Still, finishing on a 5 game losing streak would be bitter for the Rangers, and oh so sweet for us.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The final AL West/Wild Card playoff scenario chart, following today's <a href="https://twitter.com/Twins">@Twins</a> L, <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> W, and <a href="https://twitter.com/Angels">@Angels</a> W/<a href="https://twitter.com/Rangers">@Rangers</a> L. <a href="http://t.co/SNj5iSUxiW">pic.twitter.com/SNj5iSUxiW</a></p>— CrainsBrane (@DraytonsBrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraytonsBrain/status/650515403412606976">October 4, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Head to head, the Astros have a better record against the Angles and the Yankees, but not the Rangers. Astros would have to play in Arlington in the division tiebreaker game. Astros would play at home versus the Angels in the WC tiebreaker (aka playin) game. If the Astros and the Yankees tie with the same record, the WC game versus the Yankees would also be at home for the Astros. IIRC all games after today are playoff games and will require teams to designate playoff rosters. I am guessing that if the Astros and the Rangers are tied for division lead at the end of the season both teams can claim they won the division and fly the banners at their home park.
