Opinion

For the first time since 2009, the St. Louis Cardinals aren't heading to the postseason as a mere wild-card team.

Nope, not this year. Meet your 2013 National League Central champions.

On deck is the season finale of the thrilling new drama that's gripped the nation: "Puigmania: The Puigtastical Journey of Yasiel Puig."

Chances are 38-year-old middle relievers don't usually become stars overnight, but due to injuries in the Boston Red Sox bullpen, Koji Uehara had the opportunity to become one this summer. After months of dominance, Boston and its new closer head to October as a candidate to reach the World Series. 

The 2013 MLB season is nearing the end, so the Cincinnati Reds need to start looking at potential free agents who would help the team compete for a World Series title next season.

Cincinnati is officially headed to its third postseason appearance in four years.

Bud Selig has plenty of unfinished business to tackle before he retires after 2014.

It didn't get a lot of attention, but it's entirely possible that we saw the last pitch Roy Halladay will ever throw as a Major League Baseball player on Monday night in Philadelphia's loss against Miami. 

Magic numbers, seeding and playoff chatter abound, so it’s time to break down where these contenders fall on the bracket.

As we see, having two wild card spots has only helped the intrigue. A myriad of AL and NL teams are still in the race, giving us some tremendous games to close out an already fantastic year.

The St. Louis Cardinals are considered by many to be favorites in the National League heading into the playoffs.

With a record of 92-65, the Cardinals have the fourth-best record in all of baseball and are showing they are contenders once again.

There are just six days left in the 2013 regular season, and while four teams have clinched their divisions, there is still a lot left to be decided in the season's final weekend.

As October approaches, a few teams in the playoff hunt are vying for better playoff position: Three teams in the National League Central − Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Cincinnati − are separated by just two games, while one game separates three teams for two American League wild-card berths.

On August 31, the Texas Rangers won their 79th game of the 2013 season by defeating the Minnesota Twins in Arlington.