Week #16
Crunch time is upon us! With just two weeks left in the regular season only one division winner has been crowned, while many wildcard scenarios still have yet to play out. Here is a look at where each team stands with just two weeks to go:
A Division
The Blackjacks hold a slim one point lead over the Contributors. Both teams are
just about assured a playoff spot, while they will battle head to head in the
final week. That will be the deciding week for sure! The Stingrays are 9 points
back of the Contributors and 10 behind the 'Jacks, but have the second wildcard
spot at this time. The 'Rays will be battling whichever B Division team doesn't
win the division between the Destroyers and Rebels. The X-Men have been
eliminated from the playoff race, which is a good thing because with Vladi back
they are a pretty lineup to face these days.
B Division
The Rebels hold a 2 point lead over the Destroyers, after both of these teams
managed to get swept last week. Boy, talk about a division that no one wants to
win! Both teams face tough battles this week with teams from the A Division, and
then they do not face off in the final week division games. Whichever team fails
to win the division will still be in the wildcard race, but neither team can
afford another 0-5 week. The Redbirds still have a chance at both the division
and wildcard spots, but need a near perfect finish to gain a birth in the post
season. The Oysters are officially preparing for the upcoming football season.
C Division
The Death remain on top with a comfortable 9 point lead. The Death magic number
is 3, 3 wins or 3 losses by the Cobras and the division is won. The Cobras and
Clippers have the two wildcard spots in hand right now, with the Vipers just 2
points behind the Clippers. These three teams will be battling it out the final
two weeks, with the Vipers and Cobras squaring off the final week.
D Division
The Hummers have clinched the division title and hold a 4 point lead in the team
points sidepot. Staying healthy and clinching the sidepot is all that is left
for the Hummers. The Barracudas and Connection are in the thick of the wildcard
race with the three teams from the C Division. These two team face off the final
week, so it will be a real interesting wildcard race for the 5 teams from the
C/D Divisions. The Victory have been eliminated and are trying not to run up a
weekly points pool loss that may equal the entry fee next year.
Here is a brief look at the games from week #16:
Blackjacks 4 Hummers 1
In a battle of division leaders it was
Bill's Blackjacks that won in a convincing manner. Javy Lopez continues to the
sleeper pick of the year as he led the team with 32. The Hummers have a down
week for the first time in a long time, but they still managed to officially
clinch the division. Soriano is really struggling for the Hummers, something
they need to turn around come playoff time.
Stingrays 4 Victory 1
A solid week for the Stingrays as Merv/Mike
stay in the playoff race in the leagues toughest division. Roberts, $-Rod and
super stud Wells all had 25+ point weeks to lead the way. The Victory are
bad.....real bad.
Connection 4 X-Men 1
Don't look now, but here come the defending
champs with a late season push. Scott/Chris get four wins as they try to get
into the playoffs and defend their title on the field. While they have some work
to do, key matchups with the Cobras and Barracudas just may be what they need to
get in this year. OF's Damon/Lee led the team with 24/26. A tough year for
Al/Mike officially comes to close as far as the playoffs go. It is a real shame
because the X-Men are in the top half of the league in scoring average, despite
a rash of injuries this year., and have a very talented lineup that would have
been very competitive.
Contributors 5 Barracudas 0
McSwain betters his previous league high
with 198 points this week as his team sweeps the Barracudas. The Contributors
are certainly on a roll scoring 190+ the last two weeks, as they battle the
Blackjacks for the top spot in the A Division. Cabrera was the team leader this
week with 38 points, while stud OF Wilson helped out with 31 and the Oakland
pitching staff gave the team three with 30+ as they had a 35 point week. A tough
week for Bert/Pam/Jesse as they had a respectable 140 week, which is normally
good for a top 8 and at least a few wins. Instead they got swept putting there
playoff hopes on hold for now. Payton was the scoring leader this week with 24
for the 'Cudas.
Death
5 Rebels 0
The Death just about wrap up the C Division
as they sweep the Rebels. The Death were led by Nomar's 23 and Wilkerson's 22.
The Rebels get swept but thankfully still hold the B Division lead as the
Destroyers had the same fate. Sexson had a team high 24 for the Rebels.
Clippers 4 Oysters 1
Mike/Harry keep pace with the wildcard
contenders as they nearly sweep the Oysters. A big week from Durazo, Pujols and
Walker as they all scored 25+. Geezzzz, imagine if the Clippers had put that
Pujols guy at 3B from the get go!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Corey/JR officially can start
their NFL research as the Oysters bow out of the playoff race. A tough year for
these two veteran managers, as their team just never really was able to get on
track at any point this year.
Vipers 5 Destroyers 0
Rogan's team gets the sweep and puts
themselves right back into the wildcard race. A big week for the Vipers as the
post one of the top 5 weeks of the season with 187 points. Six of the starting 9
for the Vipers all scored 20+........wow, that is balance! Steve/Frank's team is
unable to capitalize on the Rebels getting swept, as they get swept as well.
Giles continues to surprise as he led the team with 30, but it was a week of
lost opportunity for the Destroyers.
Cobras 3 Redbirds 2
Maze/Sturken have a solid week as they get 3
wins and a top 8 finish. The Cobras have battled back this year after a rough
start and now hold the top wildcard spot. Thomas has been a pleasant surprise
this year for the Cobras as he led the team with 24 this week. A tough battle a
head for this team, as they face two teams in the wildcard race the next two
weeks. Larry/Tim still have a prayer in the playoff race, but the team has not
yet shown the signs of really being a championship caliber team. A solid week
this week by Chavez, Berroa, Sheffield and Guillen as they all went 20+.
Week
#16 Awards:
Player of the Week:
Cabrera, Contributors 38 Points
The top player week for the top scoring team this week ,as well as a new team
high for the year. It was a top week for the Contributors!
Pitching
Staff of the Week: Arizona, Connection 37
Points
Yup, we all knew this was coming! It is the stretch run and the defending champs
Connection get a healthy Schilling and Big Unit back just in time for their
playoff run. Don't count out the defending champs just yet........
Good luck to everyone in week #17. I am outta here!
The
Commish
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