There are 5 games remaining on the schedule. The Sox hold the best record in the AL by two games over three different teams. For the last week or so I've been talking about the "real" magic number, but now the Sox playoff chances can be expressed in a much simpler form.
- 1 - Win 1 of the remaining 5 games -- The Sox will be guaranteed at least a 163rd game on October 3rd.
- 2 - Win 2 of the remaining 5 games -- The Sox will be guaranteed at least the wild card
- 3 - Win 3 of the remaining 5 games -- The Sox will be guaranteed the AL Central title, and the best record in the AL.