|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
The table above shows the possible range of points within which all WSEM teams can finish the season: where they currently sit on the low (left) end, the maximum possible points they can earn on the high (right) end, and where they ultimately end up falling somewhere in the middle. Even though there are just two weeks remaining, there are a lot of moving parts still in play to decide all of that. Both divisions are still up for grabs. Potentially even more exciting than that: a team with a shot at winning the Garcia pennant could just as potentially miss the playoffs. Not a single seed is guaranteed, but a couple of things are likely to go down:
Where and how the pieces fall... Well, that's why we play the games. There are 10 series remaining on the schedule. Any one of them could shake things up and shift the balance. But here are the two key series we're looking forward to on the schedule that we're willing to guarantee make the biggest waves.
- One way or the other the #1 and #3 seeds will almost certainly belong to El Diablos and the Wicked Aces.
- The #2 seed will go to the Garcia champion. Cox, Squirrels, and even the Islanders are in the discussion.
- With 4 games remaining against sellers at the trade deadline, the See Yas should fall into the #4 seed.
Where and how the pieces fall... Well, that's why we play the games. There are 10 series remaining on the schedule. Any one of them could shake things up and shift the balance. But here are the two key series we're looking forward to on the schedule that we're willing to guarantee make the biggest waves.
Biggest Series on the Schedule
1) Wicked Aces @ El Diablos - July 30, 4:00 PM
Likely at Stake: Ringler Division Pennant
El Diablos (15-7) currently lead the Wicked Aces (14-8) by 1 game in the Ringler Division. Both teams will play 4 games before they meet on the final day of the season. The Wicked Aces face the Wolfpack (6-15-1) and See Yas (11-10-1) on Saturday, July 23 at Poolside Park. El Diablos have the Islanders (9-11-2) and Red Cox (11-11) on Sunday, July 24 at Wayne Manor. El Diablos schedule looks slightly tougher as both the Cox and Isles find themselves battling for playoff position, while the Wolfpack limping toward the finish line should be easy prey for the Aces. Regardless, one way or the other we should expect these two teams to go into that final week within a game of one another. That means their final series will be for all the marbles: winner gets the pennant and the #1 seed; loser gets the #3 seed.
2) Islanders @ Flying Squirrels - July 30, 1:30 PM
Likely at Stake: Final Wild Card Slot
Potentially at Stake: Garcia Division Pennant
Let's start with the "Potentially" scenario. If the Red Cox (11-11) finish the season at .500, the Squirrels (12-14) can claim the Garcia Division pennant by sweeping the Islanders on the final day. The Squirrels currently hold a commanding +28 lead in run-differential over the Cox. Since the two teams played to a 2-2 regular season series draw, run-differential would be the tie-breaker. However, if the Cox can manage 4 wins combined against the Isles (9-11-2), Wolfpack (6-15-1) and El Diablos (15-7) in their final 6 games, the division will be theirs.
In either case, the Islanders will likely be fighting for a Wild Card spot (although, they also could still win the division if they win their final six games). If the Cox clinch the division, then this series becomes a head-to-head play-in series for the right to play in the play-in-game. That's exciting script writing. The Islanders ties make it a tricky script. They must get a win in their series versus the Cox and El Diablos on July 24 to make the Squirrels series matter. If the Isles go 0-4, they'd trail by 7 points and could not catch the Squirrels. One or two wins on the 24th, would give them a fighting chance; however, they would need to sweep the Squirrels to overtake them (Note: an Isles win and a tie would also put them out front, but we never tempt a tie). Three or four wins would put the Isles out front, and demand that the Squirrels sweep the Isles on the 30th if they want to regain the advantage. So, a little tricky, but also very simple: whoever trails coming in must sweep the series to win their season.
In either case, the Islanders will likely be fighting for a Wild Card spot (although, they also could still win the division if they win their final six games). If the Cox clinch the division, then this series becomes a head-to-head play-in series for the right to play in the play-in-game. That's exciting script writing. The Islanders ties make it a tricky script. They must get a win in their series versus the Cox and El Diablos on July 24 to make the Squirrels series matter. If the Isles go 0-4, they'd trail by 7 points and could not catch the Squirrels. One or two wins on the 24th, would give them a fighting chance; however, they would need to sweep the Squirrels to overtake them (Note: an Isles win and a tie would also put them out front, but we never tempt a tie). Three or four wins would put the Isles out front, and demand that the Squirrels sweep the Isles on the 30th if they want to regain the advantage. So, a little tricky, but also very simple: whoever trails coming in must sweep the series to win their season.
