N.Y. Yankees clinch AL East after Red Sox fall to the Twins

The New York Yankees clinched their ninth straight division title despite falling to the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday night. The Boston loss also places the Yankees into the playoffs for the 12th consecutive year.

The race for the AL East remained close for much of the year until the Yankees swept a five game series from Boston and never looked back.

Despite missing key players Gary Sheffield, Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano for much of the season, the Yankees were able to join an elite group of major sports division champions. Their ninth division title trails only the Atlanta Braves 14 straight division titles for consecutive victories.

For Boston, the loss to Minnesota marks another disappointing year that forced them to overcome key injuries to David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Trot Nixon, Jason Varitek, Curt Schilling and Jonathan Papelbon.

The Yankees become the second Major Leagues team to clinch their division. The N.Y. Mets clinched the NL East earlier in the week, ending the Atlanta Braves 14-year strangle hold on the division.

The only remaining mystery in the playoff race in the American League appears to be in the AL Central where the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins continue to race for the title. After building a 10 game lead in August, the Tigers have seen their lead reduced to a ½ game over the Twins. In the AL West the Oakland Athletics have continued their yearly run through the second half and have managed a 6 ½ game lead over the California Angels.

The St. Louis Cardinals are headed for the NL Central crown with a seven game lead over the Cincinnati Reds. The NL West changes daily as the San Diego Padres and Los Angels Dodgers trade positions almost daily. The West is an important race because the loser will be battling the Philadelphia Phillies for the wild card. Going into today the Phillies and Dodgers are tied for the final spot in the playoff picture.