The race for the 2012 baseball postseason is becoming clearer as the regular season reaches its climax. Many of the teams that have been regulars in the postseason over the last few years are aiming for a trip to the World Series; a number of teams that have been out of contention in recent years look to be heading to the 2012 postseason.

In terms of form, run scoring ability and the quality of the pitching rotation it is difficult to look past the Washington Nationals as the 2012 World Series champions. A strong batting lineup, including the 2010 number one overall pick in the draft Bryce Harper should ensure the Nationals enter the postseason with plenty of runs for their pitching staff to play with.Confused? Here ‘s a little help . The main concern for Washington is the imminent departure of Stephen Strasburg for the remainder of the season to protect his pitching arm for future seasons.

National League East rivals Atlanta will push Washington all the way to the postseason. The Braves will hope to erase the memory of their 2011 end of regular season implosion from a safe wildcard spot to missing the postseason; Atlanta will retain a fairytale quality to the season as fans around the league hope for a long postseason run in Braves legend Chipper Jones 19th and final season.

Around the league Washington will face competition from the losing World Series American League champions of 2010 and 2011, the Texas Rangers. The New York Yankees will also challenge for the World Series as their starting pitching rotation returns to form for the final games of the regular season.