Sizzling September: What We Can Expect During the Stretch Run

It's September. Most teams have under 30 games left to play in the regular season. No playoff spots have been won. 3 of the 6 divisions include the top two teams within five games of each other. The Wild Cards are far from over. One month remains to determine everything. One month remains until we know which teams are fighting for that World Series trophy. It all comes down to this. What can we expect this September?

At Least One Team Currently In a Playoff Spot Won't Win It:
This is all based on experience. In so many years we've seen one team get hot, and just race to the finish. And on the last day of the season, clinch the playoff spot. We saw it with St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Oakland, and so many more teams. Who's my candidate to do it? Well, the Washington Nationals have been playing much better baseball as of late, and look very polished. Their lineup has the potential to be dangerous every day, and their pitching staff has shown signs of life. They are my pick to come out of nowhere, and clinch a Wild Card spot. 

Call Ups Can Be Key:
On September 1st, Major League clubs are allowed to have 40 men on their active roster, rather than the usual 25. The players that these clubs can bring up can be prospects, Major Leaguers on he fringe, or just about anyone else in the minor league system. All in all, call ups can be reinforcements for teams that have all but locked up the postseason, or they can be the team's future. Either way, watch for your team's prospects, as they could really make a difference in the eyes of the team.

Enjoy It:

This could be the last time you see your favorite team play for the rest of 2013. Enjoy the rest of baseball season. Enjoy the rivalries, enjoy the matchups, and enjoy everything baseball has to offer. Because you won't see it again until March 2014.