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December 3, 2009

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Expect wild times down the stretch

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003 | 8:47 a.m.

MLB snapshot

How rare is that? There have been 17 perfect games, and 14 four-homer games.

With seven weeks remaining in the season, the stage has been set for some wild races for both wild cards.

They are significant battles, considering half of the teams in the past three World Series received passes into the postseason via the wild card, including Anaheim and San Francisco last year.

Since it was introduced in 1995, the wild card has produced two world champions -- the Angels last year and the Florida Marlins in 1997.

Also, six of those 16 teams who held the wild-card lead at this time, over the past eight years, did not qualify for the playoffs.

Will Philly phlop? Does the revitalized Marlins pitching staff, led by rookie sensation Dontrelle Willis, have what it takes to fuel Florida? Can Boston clean up its act away from Fenway Park?

What the heck are the Dodgers doing in a playoff hunt anyway?

These answers, and more, are provided in the ensuring wild-card handicap. Odds are for entertainment purposes only.

National League

Chicago Cubs (60-57)

Florida (64-54)

St. Louis (62-56)

Arizona (62-55)

Philadelphia (64-53)

Los Angeles (61-56)

American League

Oakland (68-50)

Boston (68-50)

Minnesota (61-57)

Chicago White Sox (62-56)

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