Opinion

Much of the Oakland Athletics' success this season has stemmed from manager Bob Melvin's implementation of platoons in the field. Quality players like catchers John Jaso and Derek Norris split time based on the opposing pitcher's throwing arm.

Apparently 10 is the magic number for Corey Kluber.

The Cleveland Indians ace was brilliant on Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters over 7.2 innings.

Don't count out the Seattle Mariners.

Yes, the 66-55 M's are looking up at both the 71-49 Los Angeles Angels and 73-49 Oakland A's in the American League West. But in this era of the second wild card, third place can be good enough.

The next three weeks will determine whether the Pittsburgh Pirates make the playoffs.

As the calendar approaches September, MLB teams have reached the three-quarter mark of the 2014 season. Due to some surprises, both good and bad, the standings might look much different than what fans expected heading into 2014.

Which teams have been the most shocking this year?

Ron Darling, Cal Ripken Jr. and Brian Anderson break down a few clubs that have exceeded or failed to meet expectations.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

As September nears, the Wild Card races are getting down to the wire.  After a blockbuster trade deadline, there are new contenders in both the American and National League.

Who can we expect to see at the top come October?

Ron Darling, Cal Ripken Jr., and Brian Anderson give us their thoughts on these races.

Let us know who you think will be on top in the comments below.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

On August 15, Reds Nation stands at the intersection of desperation and dismissal. After losing to the Colorado Rockies and dropping now four of their last five games, all to teams beneath .500, the Reds have fallen back to beneath .500 for the first time since July 30.

It won't be long until MLB lists the elimination number for each team in the standings.

It also won't be long until that number is zero for the Chicago Cubs. Not that it's a huge surprise for fans of the Cubs.

This year was penned as a rebuilding and development year long before Opening Day. However, what has gotten fans through a difficult 2014 is not the play at Wrigley Field but rather the future of the team fielded at the Friendly Confines.

Driving to work is the worst.

Spending hours of your life shoving a vehicle through traffic is tantamount to torture, but not knowing exactly how to get to your destination makes it that much worse.

This is Jon Lester’s daily grind, and he's using technology to help make his adjustment to life with the Oakland A’s easier.

Yoenis Cespedes has wasted no time making his presence felt as a member of the Boston Red Sox.