| RANK (pr) |
Team |
Record |
Comment
(SPIBL batting and pitching ranks) |
|
1 (1) |
Chicago Blue Knights |
110-52 |
The Blue Knights enter the postseason as
the top ranked AL team behind a pair of scary Cy Young hopefuls, Johan
Santana (24-9, 2.56) and Pedro Martinez (27-6, 2.48). #1
batting / #6 pitching |
|
2 (5) |
Anaheim Ants |
110-52 |
The Ants are the hottest team in all of
SPIBL. Since July 1st, Anaheim is an astounding 64-18 (.780) and
finished the season with the best pitching staff in the league (3.19).
#6 batting / #1 pitching |
|
3 (2) |
Toronto Sharpshooters |
109-42 |
Toronto returns to the playoffs this
season looking to avenge their first round upset of a year ago and,
behind 4 starters with at least 14 wins and 221 Ks, this team is ready
for battle. #4 batting / #4 pitching |
|
4 (3) |
Seattle Iron Birds |
99-63 |
A sub-.500 performance in July (11-14)
may have lost the Iron Birds a chance at the AL West crown and a first
round bye, but this team is still one of the best around. #14
batting / #2 pitching |
|
5 (6) |
Houston Black Dogs |
95-67 |
The Black Dogs are fired up about their
turnaround from last year's 100-loss season. Houston's road to the
World Series may lead through two division rivals (MIL, CHA).
#9 batting / #5 pitching |
|
6 (4) |
Kansas City Monarchs |
96-66 |
The Monarchs got off to a fast start this
year, but have really sputtered into the finish line (11-17 in SEP).
GM Willie Mays is a motivator and will have his team ready for the
playoffs. #20 batting / #7 pitching |
|
7 (7) |
St. Louis Red Birds |
95-67 |
No team is excited about the prospect of
facing the lethal combination of Sabathia (18-9, 2.60) and Harden (13-1,
1.39) in a short series. Look out for this NL dark horse. #11
batting / #3 pitching |
|
8 (10) |
San Francisco Sea Lions |
93-69 |
The Sea Lions were a model of consistency
all year and were rewarded for it with a division title and first round
bye. Look for San Fran's veteran hitters to step up in the
postseason. #12 batting / #9 pitching |
|
9 (9) |
Cleveland Clubbers |
91-71 |
The Clubbers led their division for
nearly the entire season and claimed their first AL East crown.
Co-MVP candidates Pujols (.306, 41 HR) and A-Rod (.315, 40 HR) lead the
way. #7 batting / #12 pitching |
|
10 (8) |
San Diego Black Sox |
91-71 |
Wildcard entrants for the second straight
season, the Black Sox like their postseason chances with 20-game winner
John Patterson (20-10, 3.17) and team leader Brian Giles (.335). #21
batting / #8 pitching |
|
11 (11) |
Milwaukee Maulers |
90-72 |
The Maulers have made the postseason for
the first time in team history. Ortiz and Ramirez combined for 108
HRs, 227 RBIs, and a really big headache for opposing pitchers. #8
batting / #15 pitching |
|
12 (14) |
Atlanta Mets |
78-84 |
The NL East title was decided in the
final week with the Mets on top. Atlanta had just one winning
month this season (17-8 in APR), but don't overlook this scrappy bunch.
#15 batting / #16 pitching |
|
13 (13) |
New York Flatirons |
84-78 |
N.Y. has the distinction of being the
only team to finish above .500 and NOT make the playoffs. Hafner
(.298, 37 HR) and A-Ram (.297, 28 HR) give fans two reason to look
ahead. #10 batting / #11 pitching |
|
14 (18) |
Boston Blizzards |
76-86 |
The Blizzards played spoiler in August
and September, playing nearly .600 ball (34-23). SPs Burnett,
Baker, and 15-game winner Chacin look to put Boston in contention in
'07. #3 batting / #18 pitching |
|
15 (15) |
Florida Slow-Players |
76-86 |
The Slow-Players had a roller coaster
year. Terrific play in July and September (32-21) could not erase
horrid results from June and August (18-38). Just a power hitter
away. #17 batting / #13 pitching |
|
16 (12) |
Philadelphia Phanatics |
73-89 |
Cabrera (.362, 38 HR) and Co. couldn't
hold on to the division lead and needed help from a depleted pitching
staff. Jason Schmidt's departure symbolized big changes ahead.
#2 batting / #19 pitching |
|
17 (19) |
Colorado Gold Kings |
71-91 |
When was the last time a ballclub in
Colorado finished with a team batting average of .255, one of the worst
in SPIBL? Michael Young (.323, 23 HR) wants help or wants out.
#19 batting / #21 pitching |
|
18 (16) |
Minnesota Moose |
70-92 |
Despite another dismal record in 2006,
key pieces are present in the Moose organization to make some noise as
early as next year. New management will make sure of that.
#13 batting / #14 pitching |
|
19 (20) |
Los Angeles Skyhawks |
67-95 |
The Skyhawks' season finished on a high
note (16-12 in SEP) and look to carry that in to next year. Bay
(.277, 39 HR) and Dunn (.257, 41 HR) are perennial all-stars. #22
batting / #17 pitching |
|
20 (17) |
Detroit Outlaws |
68-94 |
There will be no repeat championship in
Detroit as key batters slumped all year. With the current question
marks surrounding front office leadership, 2007 is also a big question
mark. #23 batting / #10 pitching |
|
21 (22) |
Pittsburgh Conspiracy |
60-102 |
In only 318 at bats, rookie Ryan Howard
hit 28 homeruns and drove in 78 RBIs. Add him to Joe Mauer (.335,
16 HR) and the Conspiracy should be set for years to come.
#13 batting / #20 pitching |
|
22 (21) |
Texas Missions |
58-104 |
Young slugger Justin Morneau (.287, 27
HR) continues to impress the Texas brass. With a solid lineup in
place, look for the Missions to focus on improving the worst pitching
staff. #5 batting / #24 pitching |
|
23 (23) |
Oakland Diamond Kings |
43-119 |
Under new management in 2007, the Oakland
franchise needs an overhaul. Look for Diamond Kings to possibly
trade their #2 overall pick for multiple later-round picks.
#18 batting / #23 pitching |
|
24 (24) |
Baltimore Stars |
41-121 |
The Stars have completed the worst season
in SPIBL history, but don't expect a repeat performance. There is
enough young gems in their minor leagues to be back to .500 in 2007.
#24 batting / #22 pitching |
