Just some stats (thru 157 games) on my teams.
Yankees: 87-70 (4th best), .576 Exp Win% (3rd best) - Will miss playoffs unless we win out
Giants: 87-70 (3rd best, tied), ..612 Exp Win% (Best) - One loss away from missing playoffs ('05 Mathewson with 1 win in last 13 starts)
A's: 76-81, 13-31 in 1-run games, .530 Exp Win% (3rd best) - Will miss playoffs and will not advance to round 2
Browns: 78-79. .529 Exp Win% (2nd best) - Will miss playoffs and will not advance to round 2
Pirates: 79-78, .566 Exp Win% (2nd best) - Will miss playoffs and will not advance to round 2
Now, I'll still get the maximum allowable number of teams into round two (8 teams), but to miss the playoffs with the best, 2nd best or 3rd best team in the league is a bit annoying.