In the iconic baseball film, "Moneyball," Billy Beane and "Peter Brand" tell their owner that their goal to contend is to remain within seven games of first place at the All-Star Break.
It may be well past that deadline, but it is an even better time to gather the best championship arguments for each team within seven games of a playoff spot.
Red Sox: They have the best record in baseball. They have the two leading American League MVP Candidates in J.D. Martinez and Mookie Betts.
Yankees: They have the second best record in baseball, and the Red Sox will not win the World Series simply by finishing with the best record at the end of September.