[abell1198]

In the 1990's Division, it's down to three teams, one in the American League and two in the National League. The American League leader is the 1995 Cleveland Indians, who at 84-55, have a 10 game lead over their division. The Indians magic number is down to 14. Cleveland is 5th in the AL in runs scored (739), 7th in average (.282), 11th in home runs (159) and 8th in bullpen ERA (3.18). 2B Carlos Baerga (.345, 18 HR, 84 RBI) leads a lineup with seven players who have 10+ homers. SP Dennis Martinez (14-8, 3.26) is the team's ace, while CL Jose Mesa (1-2, 2.01, 38 Sv) is ranked 3rd in the AL in saves.

In the National League, it is a two team race. Leading the division at the end of August are the 1999 Atlanta Braves at 86-53. The Braves' magic number is 18. Atlanta is tied for 1st in the NL in runs against (429), 2nd in starter ERA (2.74), 16th in bullpen ERA (3.25) and 2nd in overall ERA (2.86). 1B Ryan Klesko (.310, 20 HR, 98 RBI) and 3B Chipper Jones (.292, 22 HR, 65 RBI) power the lineup. On the mound, well, just check them out:

SP John Smoltz 10-9, 3.10
SP Kevin Millwood 16-8, 2.16
SP Greg Maddux 14-7, 2.51
SP Tom Glavine 15-9, 2.87
SP Terry Mulholland 15-8, 3.12
CL John Rocker 4-2, 1.16, 38 Sv

Millwood made news for the club on August 7th with a 6-0 shutout of the 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers (59-58). Millwood held the Dodgers to two hits, struck out 11 and walked none.

In second place are the 1997 Florida Marlins, who are 80-59 and 6 GB. The Marlins are fading, dropping a game further back this month. 3B Bobby Bonilla (.300, 13 HR, 88 RBI) leads the lineup and SP Kevin Brown (18-3, 2.62) is the team's ace, ranking 2nd in the NL in Wins.