The 2014 MLB draft is something that should at the bottom of the list for most struggling teams to think about at this point, but this is the 1-30 draft order if the season ended today. Playoff teams are re-ordered based on where they finish their postseason season. In addition, games that have not ended yet are not included. However, there is a decent idea of what the top ten would look like with some spots to be determined this month.
1. Houston Astros 45-91 (won today 2-0 vs Seattle): The Astros are almost a lock to gain the top pick in the draft for the 3rd consecutive season.
2. Miami Marlins 49-85 (game in progress at Atlanta): The Marlins were expected to challenge the Astros for the worst team in baseball, but at the moment, are 5 games ahead.
3. Chicago White Sox 56-79 (lost today 7-6 at Boston): The White Sox struggles are a bit of a surprise. The White Sox having the 3rd overall pick in next year's draft is a huge surprise.
4. Chicago Cubs 58-78 (won 7-1 vs Philadelphia): The Cubs probably expected a top 5 pick and could finish as low as 3. This north vs south battle is much less intriguing than a pennant race for either team.
5. Milwaukee Brewers 59-77 (lost vs LA Angels): The Brewers have been doomed this season with injuries and Ryan Braun's steroid abuse. Still a chance that some good play can get them out of the top 10.
6. Minnesota Twins 59-76 (won at Texas): The Twins, on paper, seem to have the 3rd or 4th worst team in all of MLB. Manager Ron Gardenhire has this team playing slightly above their heads, but not enough to be close to contending at any point this season.
7. (tie) San Diego Padres 60-75 (GIP vs LA Dodgers): It is not a surprise that the Padres are not contending, though some people (myself included) thought this team could surprise. If they finish as high as 3rd (still quite possible), they will be well out of the top ten.
7. (tie) San Francisco Giants 60-75 (GIP at Arizona): The defending World Series Champions have a legit chance of getting a top ten pick.
9. (tie) Philadelphia Phillies 62-75 (lost at Chicago Cubs): One possible silver lining of an absolutely disastrous 2013 season for the Phillies is a top free agent protected 1st round draft pick.
10. (tie) Toronto Blue Jays 62-75 (lost vs Royals): The Blue Jays made some aggressive moves this past offseason. If the season were to end today, the Jays would have the last of the protected 1st round picks.
11. Seattle Mariners 62-74 (lost at Houston): The Mariners are still very much in the race to gain a top ten pick. Only a half of game out as we speak.
12. New York Mets 62-72 (game tonight at Washington): The Mets saw their number 10 overall pick last year drop out of the top ten due to the Pittsburgh Pirates inability to sign 2012 number 7 overall pick Mark Appel. A typical Mets September could move them back into top ten status.
13. Los Angeles Angels 63-72 (won at Milwaukee): The Angels continue their unbelievable plunge from grace.
14. Colorado Rockies 64-73 (GIP vs Reds): The Rockies had the number 3 overall pick in 2013 and got off to a very good start this season. They will be battling with the Padres and Giants for 3rd place in the NL West. The finish will obviously affect the draft positions.
15. Washington Nationals 68-67 (game tonight vs New York Mets): While this season has been an epic failure, the Nationals should know they will not have a lower pick than 15 due to the amount of games they are ahead of the next worse team.
16. Kansas City Royals 70-66 (won at Toronto): The Royals were one of the hottest teams in all of baseball for a stretch last month. They have plateaued as they look for a strong finish.
17. Arizona Diamondbacks 69-65 (GIP vs San Francisco): The Diamondbacks are the only NL team not in playoff position that has a chance to make a move. After making some bold trades of some key players, they have done respectable this season.
18. New York Yankees 72-64 (lost vs Baltimore): The Yankees lost a chance to sweep the Orioles this weekend and are currently on the outside looking in.
19. Cleveland Indians 72-64 (won at Detroit): The Indians tied themselves back with the Yankees with their win in their last at bat in Detroit.
20. Baltimore Orioles 72-63 (won at New York Yankees): In addition to the Orioles, Yankees and Indians race to be in AL Wild Card position, all three teams are jockeying for the 18-20 picks in next year's draft.
The following ten teams are in position to get into the postseason. Once in, the draft order will determined by how each team performs in October.
21. Cincinnati Reds 76-60 (GIP at Colorado)
22. Tampa Bay Rays 75-59 (GIP at Oakland)
23. Oakland Athletics 77-58 (GIP vs Tampa Bay)
24. (tie) St Louis Cardinals 79-57 (won at Pittsburgh)
24. (tie) Pittsburgh Pirates 79-57 (lost vs St Louis)
26. Texas Rangers 79-57 (lost vs Minnesota)
27. Detroit Tigers 80-57 (lost vs Cleveland)
28. Los Angeles Dodgers 80-55 (GIP vs San Diego)
29. Boston Red Sox 82-56 (won vs Chicago White Sox)
30. Atlanta Braves 83-52 (GIP at Miami)