Playoff spots up for grabs on the final day of the season

We have one day left on the regular season schedule, but there are still things that need to be figured out before we head to the postseason.

It will be an exciting day, as the Astros and Angels are still fighting for the second Wild Card spot in the American League, while Houston and Texas are fighting for the AL West division title. With a Houston win and Texas loss, we’ll be treated to a one-game playoff for the division crown on Monday night in Texas. Meanwhile, with a Houston loss and Angels win, there will be a one-game playoff on that same night in Houston with the winner advancing to the Wild Card round. The only scenario in which we won’t get a one-game playoff on Monday is if both Houston and the Angels lose. In addition to these, there are other home-field scenarios at play today as well. You got all that?

For a moment, it was looking like it would be a lackluster final game of the season, as the Rangers almost sewed up the division and the Angels almost handed the Wild Card to the Astros. Instead, the latter pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory in what was one of the more entertaining games I can ever remember.

To make things even better, all of these different playoff scenarios will play out at the same time, thanks to a new rule from the league. Having every team play at the same time is such a good idea that it’s somewhat amazing that it hasn’t always been this way. Even as a Red Sox fan, there’s no denying how incredible 2011 was, and now we have a chance at a similar outcome this year. We hope you’ve all cleared your afternoon schedule, as we have a fun one ahead of us today.

• A casualty of yesterday’s action was Minnesota, whose Twins finished an improbable run at the playoffs that came up just short.


• The Nationals’ disappointing year is almost over, but Max Scherzer reminded us all that he’s still Max Scherzer.


• The league is trying to better reach young fans, so maybe alienating girls taking selfies isn’t the best idea?


• For the Yankees, it is World Series or bust every year. Is that fair?


• We’ve long been hearing about MLB heading north of the border to Montreal. While expansion is a possibility, look for the league to possibly head in the other direction.


• The only trophy the Cubs are worried about right now is the championship one, but they have a good chance at taking home a ton of other hardware in the offseason.


• Which trades have led the Cardinals to yet another successful season?


• For the Mets to succeed, they’ll need their young pitchers to stay healthy. This….isn’t a great start.


• Although Baltimore certainly misses Nelson Cruz, his absence is far from the only reason they missed the playoffs this year.


• Cleveland was a trendy pick heading into the season. What went wrong?


• Ben Lindbergh has his annual managerial meddling rankings.