Opinion

The 2015 American League wild-card race is like the La Brea Tar Pits: sticky, murky and crowded. Of course, instead of prehistoric creatures, we're dealing with baseball teams—but you get the idea.

Entering play Wednesday, six clubs—not counting the division leaders—sit within 3.5 games or fewer of a wild-card berth. 

For almost four years now, there has been absolutely no shortage of hype.

Ever since Theo Epstein agreed to turn around the Chicago Cubs to the tune of $18.5 million for five years, the North Side faithful—and beyond—have salivated for the season when the new president of baseball operations would make good. In Epstein's fourth season running the show, the hype is now developing into substance.

The dog days are almost over, and baseball season is picking up the pace heading toward October. With more than half of the season already in the books, it's a chance to re-evaluate the rookies who are making names for themselves this year. 

What are the updated rankings for this year's MLB rookies?

The 2015 MLB postseason is just eight weeks away, and as of this writing, 15 teams have a record of .500 or better and are within five games of a playoff spot. That kind of congestion at the top and middle of the standings sets things up for an exciting finish to the regular season as we head down the stretch.

The Baltimore Orioles hit home runs with a sense of sartorial justice on Monday night, picking off fans' hats and enforcing a dress code desperately needed in a certain section of Safeco Field.

Adam Jones led off the hat-bombing with a first-inning shot over the center field wall—clearly aiming for a Seattle Mariners fan in a red shirt and brown flannel cargo shorts. 

The most heralded, touted and celebrated team before the season started has used the first four-plus months of it to become easily the most disappointing.

The shortstop originally signed for $375,000, and now he might be the best in the league. The third baseman signed for $50,000, and now he might be the Rookie of the Year.

These are the kinds of stories baseball people love, and the San Francisco Giants have an infield full of them. They have four homegrown starters that cost them not even $2 million in combined bonuses, and they may well have the best four-man unit in the game.

It's been a lost season for the Colorado Rockies. In the midst of it, though, Carlos Gonzalez has found himself.

The sport of baseball has three true outcomes, a concept that's unfolded as the era of advanced metrics has gained mainstream popularity within the game and amongst its fans.

These outcomes, based on the fact that defense has zero effect on them, are the home run, the walk and the strikeout. These are the only results determined by the batter and pitcher alone, not counting for things like pitch framing or floating strike zones, of course.

This year, the Kansas City Royals have traded beanballs and engaged in on-field fracases with the Oakland A's, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and, most recently, Toronto Blue Jays.