Today, America celebrates Labor Day, which is not only a symbolic date for the end of summer, but it is also symbolic of crunch time in the Major League Baseball season. The following is a list of contending teams in the American and National Leagues and their chances. Are these teams waving the American flag today in preparation for the playoffs? Or are they waving a white flag because they realize it’s time to give up?

American League

Yankees

Everything is fine in New York as the Yankees can start preparing for October a month early. As a matter of fact, maybe they should just change the ‘Joba rules’ to the ‘Joba sitting on the bench’ until October. That’s one way to handle that situation.

Red Sox

Boston currently leads the AL wild card by 3 games over Texas, but this past weekend was a bit scary for Red Sox nation. I think it’s safe to say that the Red Sox have a better chance of pulling out a playoff spot than the Rangers.

Rays

After a horrid week in Tampa, the Rays are toast. They failed to win a home series against the Red Sox for the first time in over a season and they got swept by the Tigers. It was good to see them have a respectable season after their shocker in 2008, so they still have something to grow off.

Tigers

Things are really starting to click for the Tigers, who currently lead the AL Central by 7 games. They are clearly the best team in this division since every other team has to play extra hard just to make it over .500.

Twins

Speaking of making it over .500, the second-place Twins are at that .500 mark; but at 7 games back in the Central and 11 back in the wild card, there isn’t much to look forward except for opening Target Field next season.

White Sox

Chicago south side had a little excitement over the last week when they did their best to make a run at the playoffs after trying to sell their team, but they won’t be able to make it close enough to really make it close.

Angels

After the first couple of months, the Angels have really turned it on. They haven’t wrapped up the division quite yet, but with a 5 ½ game lead in the AL West things are looking good in LA.

Rangers

As mentioned, the Rangers find themselves 3 games out of the AL wild card behind Boston. Making a run this late in the season is extra tough for Texas as they have to play in the incredible heat through the season. Although, they still have a fighter’s chance, so they aren’t done quite yet.

National League

Phillies

For the third consecutive year, the Phillies will win the NL East. How do you like that Philly? It’s hard for those fans to get used to winning, but with a team like they have, they’ll have a chance any year.

Marlins

Florida is only 5 games out of first place in the wild card, but I say only because they are 6 ½ games out of first in the NL East. This team could make it interesting in the next couple of weeks, but since they are going on the road, I’m going to say their chances are out to sea (get it, Marlins..nevermind).

Braves

Atlanta finds themselves in an even worse spot than the Marlins at 7 back in the wild card and 8 ½ back in the division, so you know they’re done. How do you get swept by the Reds at home when you’re fighting for the playoffs?

Cardinals

Something special may be going on in St. Louis, who has not lost back-to-back games since the end of July. Yes, that’s when they got Matt Holliday too. They have an 11 ½ game lead over the Cubs and their magic number is down to 15.

Cubs

Chicago’s north side team has no chance at the division, and with four teams to beat in the NL wild card at 8 games back, they have no chance at that. Erase that ‘W’ from the flag; it’s just plain white now.

Dodgers

The NL West leading LA Dodgers are only 3 ½ games up, but they still have the best team in the division. They will see the playoffs again in LA, now if only Manny can go back to where he was last year, they’d have a chance at the World Series.

Rockies

Colorado currently leads the NL wild card by 2 games, but it seems like they’ve played all of their games at home. If they will win the wild card or even the division, it will be from winning on the road.

Giants

San Francisco couldn’t pick up their first road sweep of the season on Sunday, but they get to go back home for a home stand that includes 3 games against the Rockies. If they’re going to make a move, it’ll be this week.