MLB: Path to the Postseason

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The added Wild Card has sure brought a lot of excitement to these final days of the 2012 season, just as many hoped it would.

If we didn't have this second Wild Card, every single playoff race in the National League would be over right now. Instead, we have the Cardinals, Dodgers and the resurgent Brewers fighting for that second Wild Card spot.

The AL races are even better, as the East and Central division titles are still wide open, and the Wild Card races are far from over as well.

So just who will those final playoff teams be? Here's a look at the teams still fighting for their lives, and a prediction of what will happen.

As a side note, teams that are basically guaranteed a playoff spot were not included, such as the Reds, Nationals, Rangers, etc.

Tampa Bay Rays

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The Rays are probably out of the division race, but they are still very alive for a Wild Card spot, sitting only 3.5 games out.

The fact that the A's still have to play the Rangers twice certainly helps Tampa out a lot. However, it could help the Angels even more.

The Angels are closer to a wild card spot than the Rays are, so Tampa would have to jump them as well.

A four game series at Chicago to close September will be absolutely huge for the Rays. If they can take three out of four, they'll be right in the thick of things.

What's even bigger is a three-game home series with the Orioles to close the year. The Rays may have to sweep to make it in the playoffs.

Without a doubt, they are fighting an uphill battle.

Prediction: 89-73 (Miss Playoffs)

Los Angeles Angels

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The Angels are currently 2.5 games behind Oakland for that second Wild Card spot.

With the way Oakland finishes the year, the Angels will have a real chance to steal it from them.

Don't expect this one to be decided any time soon.

With how hot the Angels currently are, I see this one coming down to the final day or two of the season.

Prediction: 90-72 (Miss Playoffs)

Oakland A's

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If the A's are going to make the playoffs, they'll certainly have earned it. They still play the Rangers seven more times, along with a visit from the average Mariners.

Their division foe, the Angels, look like the biggest challenger. The Rays are a threat as well, but the Angels are the real team to look out for.

Just like the race for the Central division title, I think this race for the second Wild Card will come down to the final day.

The Angels play the Mariners for two series, but also have to travel to Texas. Obviously, the Rangers will have a big say in who wins that second Wild Card.

So can the A's hold on? Maybe, but the Angels will be darn close to overtaking them.

Prediction: 91-71 (Win the Second Wild Card)

Baltimore Orioles

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The Orioles are currently one game out of first in the East, and have a hold on the top Wild Card spot.

Are they in realistic danger of missing the playoffs? Because New York's schedule is so easy down the stretch, I don't think Baltimore will win the East. Will they be able to hold on to a Wild Card spot then?

Well, having Toronto at home for four and then Boston for three certainly helps. However, they close the year with a three game series at Tampa.

Tampa could be in a position where they would have to sweep to make the playoffs. They'll obviously be fighting for their lives.

With Oakland's brutal schedule down the stretch, though, I fully expect Baltimore to hold on to that top Wild Card spot and indeed make the playoffs.

Prediction: 93-69 (Win First Wild Card)

Detroit Tigers

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The Tigers have seemingly been one or two games back of the White Sox for months now.

Their schedule sets up pretty well if they plan on catching them.

However, they'll probably have to win every series they play, but that might not be saying much, seeing as how they're playing the Twins and Royals.

I expect this race to come down to the final day of the season...or maybe even longer.

Prediction: 87-75 (Tie for the Division Title)

Chicago White Sox

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Will Chicago's surprising season end with a division title?

They have been in a fierce battle with the Tigers for months now, with neither team being able to gain much ground.

Without a doubt, Chicago's only way in is to win the division. Their schedule sets up well for the most part, as they still play the Indians twice. However, a four game series with Tampa will be tough.

The Tigers' schedule is pretty easy as well, as they play the Royals for two more series and the Twins for one. Two of those series are on the road, though.

I just don't see any way in which this race doesn't come down to the final day or so of the regular season.

Prediction: 87-75 (Tie for the Division Title)

Los Angeles Dodgers

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The Dodgers sure were sitting pretty the first three or four months of the season, but now are only five games over .500.

The additions of guys like Shane Victorino, Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Randy Choate and Brandon League have not gotten them any closer to the playoffs. In fact, it's gotten them further than ever.

The Giants ran away with the division here in recent weeks, leaving the Dodgers fighting for a Wild Card.

The Braves have the first one basically locked up, so their only shot is to win the second one.

The Cardinals aren't a powerhouse by any means, and could certainly still lose it.

Playing the Padres and Rockies will help the Dodgers, but closing the year with the Giants could be rough. That really looked like it was going to be a huge series a few weeks ago, but not anymore.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if LA gets beat up by the Rockies and Padres, adding to this disappointing second half.

Prediction: 85-77 (Miss Playoffs)

Milwaukee Brewers

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What in the world has gotten into the Milwaukee Brewers? This team was 12 games under .500 and left for dead as recently as two months ago, but has been one of the hottest teams lately.

They are now six games over .500, and only 2.5 games behind the Cardinals.

Will their amazing run continue? A trip to Cincinnati in their next series will tell us a lot.

They then close the year with the Astros and Padres. It's very realistic that they win those final six games and make the playoffs.

However, I think their amazing run will come up just short, and they'll barely miss the playoffs.

Prediction: 85-77 (Miss Playoffs)

St. Louis Cardinals

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Well, it looks like the Cardinals will sneak into the playoffs once again.

It won't be as dramatic as last season, but if the Brewers keep up their winning ways, then it has the potential to come close.

The Cardinals close the year with the Nationals and Reds in back-to-back series, which is basically murders' row.

However, they are both at home so that helps the Cardinals a lot. If St. Louis can manage to win one of those series, I think they're safe.

But if both the Nats and Reds beat up on them, the Brewers will be ready to pounce.

The Cardinals have just seemed to be extremely lucky when it comes to late-season baseball the last few years, and will likely get in to the playoffs once again.

Prediction: 87-75 (Win Second Wild Card)