MLB Postseason Picture: Frontrunners & Sleepers

The distinction between MLB contenders and pretenders is beginning to surface, effectively creating buzz as the stretch run commences.

It is that time of year again.

The time when elimination numbers — magic numbers for current playoff teams — pop up on your ‘MLB.com At Bat’ app. A period of six weeks in which the men will separate themselves from the boys. Furthermore, the two to three week interval where all 30 clubs can look ahead and decide for themselves what 2016 can potentially amount to.

Yes, it is an exciting time in sports given that the NFL season is around the corner as well. Sure, there is hype surrounding the puck dropping in the NHL and opening tipoff in the NBA.

With that said, this is when the true baseball fans experience their greatest thrill. Division races, packed wild card chases, and, ultimately, a race for October — a pennant race.

Teams have already started to shape themselves into what they can and will become.

So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at current projections along with realistic shakeups that the vast majority of baseball lovers should anticipate.

 Next: If The Season Ended Today