While this Wednesday marks the arrival of the trade deadline it also will signify the beginning of the end for contending teams. When the July 31 trade deadline passes, there will be a two-month sprint to the finish line.

There's a stratification going on in the American League, an obvious line separating contenders from non-contenders. It's only July, but we can say with certainty that Baltimore, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City and Texas aren't going to see October.

That may take more than half the league out of contention, but the drama remains for those with postseason aspirations. With the Minnesota Twins having all but sewn up the AL Central, the AL playoff race has become a five-team field with three spots available -- two division titles and a wild-card spot.

Here's a look at those contenders -- and the Twins -- as the final two months draw near.

New York Yankees
Record: 65-38, lead AL by 4 games

Strengths: Power galore; a deep, experienced starting rotation; added element of speed from Alfonso Soriano.

Weaknesses: Defense is suspect in spots; set-up relief not what it's been in past seasons.

	The health of Mariano Rivera remains a big question mark for the Yankees.

Health: A big-time concern, given the state of arguably their two most important pitchers: Roger Clemens and Mariano Rivera. Clemens appears set to return from a groin pull, but as he nears his 40th birthday, appears fragile.

Rivera is an even bigger concern. He experienced some soreness in his shoulder last week, took a cortisone shot and finally went on the DL. If he's sidelined for an extended period, the Yankees don't have much in the way of closer options outside of Steve Karsay.

Possible deadline deals: There aren't any glaring weaknesses -- unless Rivera remains a physical question mark. They could get someone like Kansas City's Roberto Hernandez or the Cubs' Tom Gordon, but either would be a significant dropoff from Rivera.

Overall prognosis: They still have more starting pitching depth than any team in the league. They still lead the league in homers (155) and runs scored (610) by large margins. And they're still the Yankees, so bet against them at your peril.

And yet, they seem to be showing their age some. The July additions of Raul Mondesi (.212 in 18 games) and Jeff Weaver (1-1, 8.00 ERA in four starts) haven't helped yet. Are they, finally, vulnerable?

Boston Red Sox
Record: 61-42

Strengths: Big Two of Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe are as good as any pair of starters in the AL; middle of the order combination of Nomar Garciaparra-Manny Ramirez also superb; strong defensively, especially up the middle.

Weaknesses: A substantial dropoff in rotation after Martinez and Lowe; Rich Garces' season-long struggles leave them somewhat thin in set-up relief; lack of production at first base.

Health: Bullpen is currently beat up with lefty Alan Embree (elbow inflammation) and righty Dustin Hermanson (elbow infection) on the DL. Carlos Baerga, a nice pinch-hitting option, is set to return after being out three weeks with a hamstring pull.

Possible deadline deals: They would love a bat at either first (Jim Thome) or DH (Ellis Burks, Kevin Millar), but don't have much to give. A more pressing need may be another starter as No. 5 man Frank Castillo is winless since June 12 and John Burkett, who pitched a shutout in his last start, has been inconsistent. Again, their depleted farm system has them hoping that someone will look to dump a contract and not ask for much in return.

Overall prognosis: The next few weeks will be critical for the Sox, who are already a season-high four games behind the Yankees for the division lead. If that deficit grows any larger, the Sox will have to focus on the wild card. August has them playing every one of the playoff contenders -- a combined 18 games against the Angels, A's, Mariners, Twins and Yankees. If they can get healthy and hang on in August, September offers a much easier schedule.

Minnesota Twins
Record: 64-42, lead AL Central by 14 games

Strengths: Strong infield defense, perhaps the best in the league. Dependable bullpen, with a number of left-handed options available. An MVP candidate in center fielder Torii Hunter. Starting pitching, if it's healthy.

Weaknesses: Offense is fourth in AL in runs, but lack power with just three players in double figures in homers. Experience -- or lack thereof -- is another factor, with Rick Reed the only starter to have participated in a postseason game.

Health: Injuries -- particularly to the rotation -- have been a problem all year. Brad Radke has made only 10 starts, but should rejoin the team soon from a rehab assignment. Joe Mays recently returned from a DL stint, which should boost the rotation. Cristian Guzman has played through injuries all season.

Possible deadline deals: Don't hold your breath. The Twins aren't counting on owner Carl Pohlad approving any additional payroll bumps, so whatever trades GM Terry Ryan makes will have to be either small in scale or creatively structured. They could use another bat to add some presence to the middle of the lineup, but that seems a long shot.

Overall prognosis: The irony, of course, is that the Twins, contraction's darlings, are the one team which doesn't have to fret about making the playoffs. Their path to October is a clear one, thanks to their comfy lead in the otherwise soft AL Central. But if the Twins have designs on knocking off the Yankees or the Mariners, they had better make some upgrades.

Anaheim Angels
Record: 62-41, tied for AL West lead

	Jarrod Washburn has been a pleasant surprise all season for the surging Angels.

Strengths: Strong starting rotation, mixing young (Jarrod Washburn, Ramon Ortiz) and old (Aaron Sele, Kevin Appier). Good power in the lineup from the right side. On-base capabilty and energy of David Eckstein and Darin Erstad at the top of the order.

Weaknesses: Lack of an obvious stopper in the rotation, though Washburn may be nearing that title. Defense is ordinary at many positions. They may not have a deep enough supporting cast in the bullpen.

Health: Closer Troy Percival was on the DL with a foot injury but returned this weekend and got the save in Sunday's 1-0 win over Seattle. Veteran lefty Dennis Cook (partially torn rotator cuff) is trying to avoid surgery in hopes of contributing in September. Catcher Bengie Molina currently on DL with hamstring strain.

Possible deadline deals: The Angels could use some help at first base, where Shawn Wooten, Brad Fullmer and Scott Spiezio have been sharing playing time. They've been looking to add bullpen help, particularly from the left side. The Angels have nicely rebuilt their farm system and have players to interest other teams, but GM Bill Stoneman is said to be against trading away any young pitching. Ownership has the ability to take on more money; does it have the appettite?

Overall prognosis: The Angels are in the middle of a stretch of 20 consecutive games against fellow playoff contenders, which will serve as a good test of their ability while preparing the team for what October will feel like. Beating Seattle five of six games was crucial. The Angels have no postseason memories -- institutional or otherwise -- to draw upon, but manager Mike Scioscia has been trying to prepare them for what lies ahead. If the Angels get quality pitching -- their staff is third in the league in ERA -- they have a chance.

Seattle Mariners
Record: 63-42

Strengths: Superb defense, a balanced attack, deep bullpen -- the Mariners have it all, including a real sense of the team concept where the sum is greater than the parts. The emergence of starter Joel Pineiro has been huge. The energy the M's derive from Ichiro can't be quantified.

Weaknesses: The Mariners are probably the oldest team in the race, though manager Lou Piniella smartly uses his bench to rest regulars. Starting pitching isn't as dominant as it once seemed, with purported ace Freddy Garcia struggling lately (0-2, 8.64 since All-Star break). Once a homer-bashing team, the Mariners don't have that big-inning weapon in their attack.

Health: Again, age could be a factor here, especially with veterans like Edgar Martinez, reliever Jeff Nelson (who had bone chips removed earlier this season) and fragile set-up lefty Arthur Rhodes.

Possible deadline deals: GM Pat Gillick has said he is still searching for another starter, but didn't sound optimistic. They could still use another lefty bat.

Overall prognosis: The Mariners aren't going to come close to their record-setting win total (116) of a year ago. They had been in charge of the division until the Angels caught them on Sunday. Experience could play a role for a team which got to the ALCS each of the last two years, only to be knocked off by the Yankees.

Oakland A's
Record: 60-45

Strengths: A Big Three -- Tim Hudson, Barry Zito, Mark Mulder -- that is unmatched in the game. Team-wide patient approach at the plate (third in league in walks) which makes opposing pitchers work and run up their pitch count. Good overall power.

Weaknesses: No speed to speak of and spotty defense other than on the left side of the infield. Disappointing seasons from Jermaine Dye and Terrence Long in the outfield means team has struggled at times to score runs. Thin set-up corps outside of Chad Bradford (2.05 ERA) to get to closer Billy Koch.

Health: Lefty Ted Lilly is out, perhaps for a long stretch, with shoulder soreness, robbing the A's the ability to trot out three quality lefty starters (Zito and Mulder are the others). By his own admission, Dye has not yet fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered in the ALDS last October.

Possible deadline deals: The A's are probably through, having obtained Lilly earlier in the month and landing second baseman Ray Durham (who will also DH and play some center field) from the White Sox. They've been looking at another outfielder/DH type (Burks?), but have to be careful with payroll.

Overall prognosis: Despite all the questions about their inconsistent offense and the depth of their bullpen, the A's remain extremely formidable because of their starters. When Hudson, Zito and Mulder are healthy, as they are now, the A's can play at a .700 clip for extended periods and remain the one opponent no one wants to draw in a short series.

Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal covers baseball for ESPN.com.