Division Championships Round 2 Predictions

So I got all the 1st round Predictions wrong. Good Lets try again. 2 Oklahoma City vs. 5 Monterrey
Head to Head record 6-4 Oklahoma City Advantage
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	OKLAHOMA	Oklahoma doesn't win games directly because of their pitching, but they don't hurt themselves either. Arnold is a premier starter and Parker has been solid in his stint. Lee is struggling through a tough season, but still they are good enough to get the job done. Monterrey's staff is a bit wild, but when they are on they will command a game allow their team to compete.
HITTING	OKLAHOMA	Monterrey faces another tough lineup. This one features Donnie DuBose, Ken Gibbs, and Don Perry. Monterrey pitching will have its work cut out. On the opposite side. Monterrey has been very aggressive on the bases and has a fearsome twosome in Frazier and Taylor.
FIELDING	MONTERREY	Monterrey has been sweet in the field during the regular season, but postseason jitters might have shaken them a bit, as they have already committed 4 errors. OC struggles at times in the field and ranks near the bottom in fielding percentage, lead by rookie Jose Parks poor play at SS.
BULLPEN	OKLAHOMA	Chicken's Closer Mitch Matthews is being considered for the Cy Young. He is dominant and will be hard to beat if he has the lead. To even get to him you would still have to get by Vargas and Mendozza who both eat a ton of innings and are wildly successful. Monterrey's Closer might be overmatched at times and he will get little help from the rest of the pen who struggle to limit hits.
BENCH	MONTERREY	The Chicken's Bench features a good couple bats and a little defensive presence. The Aceros feature their defense first approach. If it comes down to the close games the Aceros will be better off, but the top scoring Offense in the league will not be looking to let that be a factor
EXPERIENCE	OKLAHOMA	Edric has not finished out of 1st in 5 seasons; While Jellyd is in his 1st season. Player wise OC has playoff experience on almost the whole team. Monterrey is playing with fresh faces.
INTANGABLES	OKLAHOMA	Monterrey is coming off the biggest upset in the playoffs so far. They have the talent to burn anyone in the short- term, but the Chickens took the season series and swept the last 3 games.

Prediction: Oklahoma in 4

Next up Winner of NY/ Madison

2 Cincinnati vs. 3 Florida
Head to Head record 9-1 Florida
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	CINCINNATI	A 3 man tandem is Cincinnati's weapon of choice. They have ace starters to pull it off. Alex Wang and Clarence Patrick are absolute studs and will give Florida fits. Florida is more traditional in its approach Charlton, Day and Maurer can hold their own in this series but do have the uphill battle.
HITTING	CINCINNATI	Florida's lineup is balanced but worn out. The Bowties are rested, but does that mean rusty? On paper the Bowties have a Superior Lineup with Sluggers Hernandez and Sheets and Hall of Famer Harding in the core of the order they have a hard time missing the ball. Florida's Punto Mahay and Duran are having a great beginning to the playoffs though
FIELDING	FLORIDA	Defensively both teams have their holes. Florida is better suited with his starters though; Spence's SS days are probably behind him in Cincinnati so this might be a key opportunity for Florida to sneak in some runs.
BULLPEN	FLORIDA	Mason is Florida's go to guy in the bullpen saving all 3 of their playoff games in the division series. The rest of the Bullpen combined for 6.2 scoreless innings. To say they are hot might be an understatement. Cincy's pen has been hit or miss all season. With a tandem rotation they are not truly counted on, but they can be lit if they do get on the mound. Florida's biggest goal will be to work the counts and stretch the starters to get to these guys.
BENCH	CINCINNATI	Florida has a few clutch hitters but no one you could depend on in the field. Cincinnati mixes a defensive specialist, a slugger and a base runner to give them a solid bench all around.
EXPERIENCE	CINCINNATI	Cincinnati has only had 1 losing record in his tenure as GM. The Bowties are a playoff contender each season and have the more experienced starting lineup.
INTANGABLES	FLORIDA	Florida seems to relish its role as spoiler and have had Cincinnati's number all season long. They are so driven the ratings and stats might not matter to them. Taking the old Blue Brothers Mantra " We are on a mission from GOD"
Prediction Cincinnati in 5

Next up Winner of NY/ PHILADELPHIA

1 New York vs. 5 Philadelphia
Head to Head record 5-5 EVEN
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	NEW YORK	Burro's are Dominant. They can punch almost anyone's card. All starters have a sub-4 era and have a combined .232 BAA. Philly's starters struggle at times but they can also throw a gem.
HITTING	NEW YORK	The Burro's are better groomed hitters who guard the plate better and are more selective with their pitches. The Balboas are free swingers who can bomb the best of them. Both teams feature some speed, but don't count on it to drive the game.
FIELDING	NEW YORK	The Burros are the best fielding team in the League. Their holes are small and their range is good. Philadelphia has been struggling around the infield, but is fundamentally strong
BULLPEN	PHILADELPHIA	Philly's Bullpen has the experience and the knack for getting the job down. New York's pen is smooth, but is more likely to crack than the hardened Balboa.
BENCH	NEW YORK	New York has a bench which features power and defense; They have no real speed coming off their bench though. Philly has a little of everything on its bench, but overall a team would be more comfortable looking to NY's Bench
EXPERIENCE	NEW YORK	Both GM's have World Series rings. New York though is a perennial playoff contender. Philadelphia is just a step behind. Edge goes to the players with experience.
INTANGABLES		New York as struggled at times and like the Atlanta Braves Winning might be to routine. Philly could take advantage of their underdog Status and Rock the boat and pull off the upset.

Prediction: NEW YORK in 5

Next up Winner Florida Vs Cincinnati

1 Madison vs. 5 New York
Head to Head record 9-1 Madison Advantage
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	NEW YORK	All Bombers starters have a sub-4 era and control the games they are in. Madison's rotation give up many hits and have the job of just keeping the game close until the hitting takes over.
HITTING	MADISON	Both lineups feature veteran hitters who are patient and get the good swings. Both lineups feature a top 5 hitter and both lineups feature perennial all-stars. The major difference is base running the Bombers Dye is their only real base threat. Madison has 4 guys who swipe bases. Overall if this turns into a slugfest New York could be in trouble
FIELDING	NEW YORK	SS for the Massa's has been an issue all season long, but it is their only major soft spot. New York has shown some issues around the infield but overall is a stronger unit.
BULLPEN	MADISON	Ellis Watson contended for the Cy Young as a closer in S8 and is even more dominant in S9. He will be a tough final inning for the Bombers to face. To get to him Hermanson has also been lights out. New York's best chance is to get to the starters and not have to face these guys. The Bombers pen has been adequate all season but is prone to give up hits.
BENCH	MADISON	Madison has a more complete bench feature a little of the keys Speed/Fielding/Hitting. New York has a very heavy swinging lineup. If it doesn't come to a walk off Madison is in good shape.
EXPERIENCE	MADISON	Massa's are 2 time defending Champions. New York has never truly been in a rebuild. They are perennial Post season players.
INTANGABLES	MADISON	Madison has absolutely owned New York for the past 4 seasons. If there is any time to end this it is now for the Bombers. Madison does a lot of things very well, but will be coming off sitting while New York comes off a thrilling 13 inning affair for their playoff lives. Will this adrenaline be a factor?

Prediction: Madison in 5

Next up Winner Monterrey Vs Oklahoma City

NL Playoff 1st Round Match Ups

4 Cheyenne vs 5 Philadelphia
Head to Head record 5-5 split
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	CHEYENNE-Slight	Soto, Forest and Felix vs. Gutierrez, Johnson and Washington. Cheyenne will have the advantage in this match up but the Balboas could change things up, Forest has control issues and if his game is not on he will get lit, Soto and Felix are both Ace quality though.
HITTING	CHEYENNE	Both teams feature a slugging offense with a lot of power and the ability to crush pitching mistakes. Both lineups also strikeout a lot. The difference might be Chris Durbin vs TJ Little. Will Little be able to keep Durbin in check?
FIELDING	CHEYENNE	Cheyenne only has one soft spot in their starting D after that they are one of the smoothest fielding squads in baseball. Philadelphia in hopes to generate more offense sacrifices fielding with their starters and defense does suffer.
BULLPEN	PHILADELPHIA	The bullpen situation is day and night. Philly features all time save leader Sexton, along with ex-closer Rincon and Setup guys Rose and Martinez this is a hard bullpen to get runs on. They can keep a lead and control a game.
BENCH	PHILADELPHIA	Defense is the key to the game late, and the Balboas have the guys to provide that. They would struggle if they had to hit the whole game but they field like a dream. Cheyenne's bench is loaded with speedsters and base runners, but defensively they are liabilities and they don't all have the hitting to make up for that.
EXPERIENCE	PHILADELPHIA	With a World Series under his belt and 5 playoff appearances in Ryan, the Balboas have an edge. Cheyenne is not to shaggy those with 3 playoff appearances all being in the last 3 seasons
INTANGABLES	CHEYENNE	Both teams come prepared to play and are evenly match all season long. Philly stumbled into the playoffs going 3-7 in their last 10 games while the Marmots thundered in going 9-1. You have to play the hot hand with momentum and that would be Cheyenne.

Prediction: CHEYENNE in 5 games

Next up New York

3 Florida vs 6 San Diego
Head to Head record 6-4 Florida advantage
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	SAN DIEGO	No question the Surf is in the playoffs because of their superior starting pitching, 2 starters with sub-3 eras and all 3 averaging under a hit an innings spells trouble for a weak hitting Florida team.
HITTING	FLORIDA	Both teams struggle at the plate. Florida's Punto averages almost a strikeout a game and SD's team has 4 starters with over 100 strikeouts. Campbell will be the key for a Surf win if he can produce, They will win. Florida's lineup is balanced enough that they have the overall edge though
FIELDING	EVEN	Defensively both teams bring holes at 3B and trouble spots in the field, The Surf have a superior SS, While Florida is better prepared at 2B and CF.
BULLPEN	SAN DIEGO	2 premier closers face off. Martin has been spectacular for the Surf with only 3 blown saves in 40 chances. Mason has blown 10 saves in 58 chances and is Florida's go to guy in the bullpen. The difference is rest of the pen. San Diego has 3 other arms that are performing with a sub-4 era. Florida has only 1
BENCH	SAN DIEGO	Extremely balanced bench for the Surf. They combine some speed with good hitting and strong fielders. Florida has a few clutch hitters but no one you could depend on in the field.
EXPERIENCE	SAN DIEGO	Defending NL Champs deserve the experience nod. On top of that San Diego has only missed the playoffs 1 time in 5 seasons. Florida is making just their 2nd appearance, but is a long time owner who knows the ins and outs of the league.
INTANGABLES	SAN DIEGO	Both teams come in hot, Florida overtook their division and soared into the playoffs while the Surf clawed their way in after a season of struggles. You would think San Diego would have major fatigue, but it's actually Florida whose team is worn and might play sluggishly. Advantage goes to freshness
Prediction San Diego in 4

Next up Cincinnati

AL PLAYOFF MATCHUPS Round 1

4 Boston vs 5 New York
Head to Head record New York Leads 8-2
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	NEW YORK	Starting Pitching is strong in New York and a relative weakness in Boston. Beyond Neagle, Boston's Staff struggles more than they succeed, While NY features 4 + starters who are all averaging less than 1 hit an inning.
HITTING	NEW YORK	The Bomber's Lineup is intense down the middle with Beltran, Darwin and Castillo leading the charge. Boston will also need to keep speedster Dye honest on the bases. Boston features a formidable lineup as well with Bonilla, Crede, and Stewart and over a more balanced hitting and running attack
FIELDING	BOSTON-barely	Boston as a team is a better fielding team, but Jenner is defensively a weak SS. New York is solid defensively but has holes in the Infield.
BULLPEN	BOSTON- Barely	On paper the Bombers have the advantage skill-wise, but in performance Boston's bullpen has held their own in a shortened series Boston will get to depend on only it's stronger arms and could hold any lead after the 6th to victory. Getting to the 6th with the lead will be the bigger issue.
BENCH	BOSTON	The Badasses feature a bench of defensive specialists, They don't have a lot of power or a lot of speed, but they are upgrades in the field and hold their own at the plate. Bombers feature a bench of sluggers, but defensively they a downgrade at key positions.
EXPERIENCE	BOSTON	Career playoff Record Bos- 25-32 NY- 10-20. Boston has been in the World Series 1 time. New York has never escaped the conference finals. In their Playoff Meetings Boston has beaten New York. Still 2 classy owners in battle again.
INTANGABLES	BOSTON	The Bomber lineup is completely spent. 5 of their 9 batters show signs of fatigue including stars Castillo, Beltran, and Darwin. Not sure how much is left in the tank.

Prediction: Boston in 5 Games

Next up Madison

3 Wichita vs 6 Monterrey
	ADVANTAGE	NOTE
STARTING PITCHING	WICHITA	Both teams have 2 starters who can pitch with the best, but the 3rd starter is going to be key for both. Wichita has a slight edge there. Both teams can be hurt by walks and both starting rotations are probe to give up the big inning.
HITTING	WICHITA	Both teams feature proven sluggers and proven base stealers. It comes down to those around them and patience at the plate. Flat out the Sizzlers have the edge. 6 Aceros have more than 100 strikeouts with a more over 90. It's all about surrounding the players with good hitters and Monterrey is not there yet.
FIELDING	WICHITA	About even Both team's starters are defensively solid units, but Wichita is fielding cleaner in the infield where their pitching seems to pitch to.
BULLPEN	WICHITA	Vazquez, Post, Mathews is what the Aceros need to avoid succeeding. That means big leads because their bullpen is prone to give up the hits and the runs, unlike those guys.
BENCH	WICHITA	The Sizzler's Bench is old veteran and grizzled, just what a bench should be. They all have holes in their swings and have lost a step, but they can be counted on in the clutch in the field and at bat. Monterrey's bench lacks both experience and skill any time a bench player comes in it will be a huge downgrade both offensively and defensively.
EXPERIENCE	WICHITA	The Sizzlers have been around 3 years and will have made the playoffs 2 of 3. They are 5-4 in their brief playoff history. Monterrey has turned a team around that has not made the playoffs since season 4. Advantage
INTANGABLES	WICHITA	6 starters with major fatigue issue represent the Aceros. Having to fight for the last spot might have taken its toll in Monterrey. Wichita has mild fatigue but could rest starters and get back to full strength in a day or 2.
Prediction Wichita is 3

Next up Oklahoma City

AL Power Rankings, Week 6

Nine games left, and the race for the wild card spots are still wide open. The Bombers are reasonably comfortable, but there are still five different teams that could earn their way in to the postseason.

1 Madison Massas

Record (Since Last Rankings): 111-42 (11-7)
Last Week: #1
Magic # To Clinch Homefield Advantage: 22
Playoff Prognosis: Have clinched no worse than the #2 seed. They can clinch homefield throughout by finishing 5-4 or better.

2 Oklahoma City Chickens

Record (Since Last Rankings): 106-47 (12-6)
Last Week: #2
Magic # To Clinch First-Round Bye: 3
Playoff Prognosis: Barring something like a 1-8 or 8-1 finish, they will almost certainly finish as the #2 seed.

3 Wichita Sizzlers

Record (Since Last Rankings): 100-53 (13-5)
Last Week: #3
Playoff Prognosis: Pretty much locked into the #3 seed. OKC holds the tie-breaker, so even if the Sizzlers finish 9-0, they would need to the Chickens to go 2-7 to get that first-round bye.

4 Boston Badasses

Record (Since Last Rankings): 82-71 (8-10)
Last Week: #4
Playoff Prognosis: Their season summed up in a nutshell-- they have a middling, but losing week, but gain ground and lock up the playoff berth. Unlikely to stick around long in the postseason.

5 New York Bombers

Record (Since Last Rankings): 84-69 (10-8)
Last Week: #5
Currently The #1 Wild Card
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 5
Playoff Prognosis: Five games up on Chicago and seven games up on Kansas City with nine to go. The Bombers' next three games are all against KC, followed by three against Chicago-- unless they lose four or five of those, they're pretty much home-free.

6 Monterrey Acero

Record (Since Last Rankings): 81-72 (9-9)
Last Week: #6
Currently Wild Card #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 8
Playoff Prognosis: The Acero hold the tie-breaker over Kansas City, so a 5-4 finish would eliminate the McCoys. However they're only two games up on Chicago, and the Bearcubs hold the tie-breaker there. They're also two games up on Charlotte with three games still to play against the Winstons. They could still very easily blow what was once a seemingly comfortable lead.

7 (tie) Chicago Bearcubs

Record (Since Last Rankings): 79-74 (10-8)
Last Week: #8
Playoff Prognosis: They have made a great run, but if they're going to finish the year in the playoffs, they are definitely going to have to earn it. After three against lowly Durham, they finish with the powerful Bombers and Massas. Of course, both of those teams may be safely in the playoffs and resting their regulars at the time.

7 (tie) Charlotte Winstons

Record (Since Last Rankings): 68-67 (11-5)
Last Week: #9
Playoff Prognosis: Hold the tie-breaker over the Bombers and Chicago, but not against Kansas City. They need to sweep Monterrey to get the tie-breaker there. Thanks to that series against the Acero and the tie-breaker over Chicago, they actually control their own destiny.

9 Kansas City McCoys

Record (Since Last Rankings): 77-76 (6-12)
Last Week: 7
Playoff Prognosis: Another bad week leaves them basically needing a miracle. Winning the next three over the Bombers is almost a necessity. Otherwise, they need Monterrey to completely collapse and need Charlotte and Chicago to lose a bunch as well. The last six games (Arizona and Las Vegas) are all winnable, but this is a team that just went 3-3 against lowly Baltimore. Likely to miss the postseason for the first time since Season 3.

Everyone else: See you next year.

NL Power Rankings Week 7

1. New York Burros
Last Week: 1
Record: 94-47 (16-6)
The Skinny: The Burros are on cruise control and should have no problem collecting their 7th straight 1st round bye.
POWER INDEX: 151.0 (-3)
Magic Number: Clinched division (7 to clinch 1st round bye 10 to clinch homefield advantage)

2. Cincinnati Bowties -
Last Week: 2
Record: 83-58 (10-12)
The Skinny: 9/21 is the day to mark on your calendar. the Clash for the NL North division with Philadelphia.
POWER INDEX: 148.25 (+1.5)
Magic Number: 10 to clinch playoff berth 19 to clinch division 18 to clinch 1st round bye

3. Texas Outlaws-
Last Week: 3
Record: 80-61 (11-11)
The Skinny: By niw they should have activated LR Juan Palmeiro. His presence wi go a long way to solidifig the Outlaw playoff presence
POWER INDEX: 128.975 (-.975)
Magic Number: 13 to clich playoff berth 19 to clinch division 21 to clich 1st round bye

4. Colorado Springs Organizational Filler-
Last Week: 6
Record: 73-68(12-10)
The Skinny: IMO Sp Hi Telgheder is the guy who should win the NL Cy Young. His record aside, he have the luck of Randy Johnson in Seattle. Without him who knows where the Organizational Fillers will be.
POWER INDEX: 114.25 (+5.375)
Magic Number: 20 to clinch both division and playoff berth

5. Philadelphia Balboas -
Last Week: 4
Record: 81-60 (12-10)
The Skinny: SP Louie Gutierrez is a dark horse for the Cy Young. He' s 17-4 with a 3.63 ERA
POWER INDEX: 108.5 (-1.625)
Magic Number: 12 to clinch playoff berth 21 to take division,

6. Cheyenne Marmots-
Last Week: 5
Record: 72-69 (11-11)
The Skinny: Starting to lose focus and might watch the Surf fly right by them for the division. in Head to head competition they are 6-1 so theres the good news for Marmot fan's.
POWER INDEX: 102.125 (-7.7)
Tragic Number: 20 to be eliminated from the division 15 to be eliminated from the wild card

7. San Diego Surf -
Last Week: 11
Record: 72-69 (14-8)
The Skinny: End of the season divison play is going to make or break this team. Their current record in divison of 9-12 does not bode well they need to come out with a similar week to last to sneak into the playoffs.
POWER INDEX: 96.125 (+21.375)
Tragic Number: 20 to be eliminated from the division 15 to be eliminated from the wild card

8. Florida Marlins-
Last Week: 7
Record: 78-63 (14-8)
The Skinny: I believe their are 2 closers in this league who can control a game. Madison's Ellis Watson and Florida's Stan Mason. At 25 this guy is already a force.
POWER INDEX: 90.5 (2.5)
Magic Number: 15 to take the wild card 23 to take the division

9. Houston Labs -
Last Week: 8
Record: 62-79 (8-14)
Looking to next season: 3 Gold GLovers this season, says the D is in place. Middle relief has been an issue and so has finding a 5th starter. 1B Sanchez had earned a new contract. Hutch, Miyakazi, and Sele are all going for their 2nd year of arbitration, at 26 it might be ftime to lock 1 or 2 up for a few seasons.
POWER INDEX: 80.125 (-13.670)
Tragic Number: 5 to be eliminated from the wild card (3 from the division)

10. Seattle Warbirds-
Last Week: 9
Record: 68-73(8-14)
Looking to next season: Pitching should be set, They spent a King's Ransom to make sure of that, but hitting is still a concern, with no real arbitration or FA leaving the batting corp, the team might have to eat a contract to move forward in season 10.
POWER INDEX: 77.25 (-7.5)
Tragic Number: 11 to be eliminated from the wild card 6 to be eliminated from the division

11. Richmond Revolution-
Last Week: 12
Record: 63-78 (10-12)
Looking to next season: SS Nitkowski, and CL Gentry are the only much haves from arbitration. all the others are fillers. With no really FA being lost the Revolution look to return about the same team that boasted a 87M payroll and a below 500 record. Richmond is finally moving forward but still has some holes to fill.
POWER INDEX: 75.5 (6.9)
Tragic Number: 6 to be eliminated from the wild card 4 from the division

12. Atlanta Braves-
Last Week: 10
Record: 69-72 (11-11)
Looking to next season: They have a few bigger names up for arbitration will increase the payroll. They also aren't losing much in the way of Free Agency. Jose Jose is the biggest departing FA, but do you invest 7M plus in a 31 year old reliever for a few years on a team that needs to rebuild?
POWER INDEX: 75.5 (-11.5)
Magic Number: 12 to be eliminated from the wild card

13. Milwaukee Blues -
Last Week: 14
Record: 62-79 (9-13)
Looking to next season: The Blues already have the offense to compete, a few upgrades and they are set on hitting, pitching is still a ways away. With 13 players to arbratrate not everyone is coming back. Must keeps are Embree, Kinney and Blake. Some of the others still have roles just maybe not as a Blue in Season 10
POWER INDEX: 69.125 (5.50)
Tragic Number: 5 to be eliminated from the wild card 1 from the division

14. Burlington Ballbusters-
Last Week: 13
Record: 64-77 (10-12)
Looking to next season: 10 guys to arbitrate. Most probably not what they are asking for. a couple free agents as well to consider, but mostly this is a good year to rebuild. If they do sign they should look at small term contracts to any of these players.
POWER INDEX: 64.5 (-2.125)
Tragic Number: 7 to be eliminated from the wild card

15. Rochester Raging Reverends--
Last Week: 15
Record: 54-87 (9-13)
Looking to next season: Only 2 players worth taking to arbration in DEF SS Zapata and RP Dispenza. FA Pitchers Rowan and Fisher might return value if they return, Positionally the team can't afford to not renew SS Ross's contract if they can swing a 1 maybe 2 year deal. Interesting Fact RF Marc Brown has 4 WS rings most in Ryan.
POWER INDEX: 40.25 (-4.375)
Tragic Number: Maybe Next Year

16. Omaha MILE HIGH CLUB -
Last Week: 16
Record: 56-85 (11-7)
Looking to next season: FA Vic Mullins, Rafael James, Diego Santiago, and C Alex Lee all are set to depart. I doubt career slugger Mullin's changes jerseys, but this could bring a new look to the old lineup. Average age of the departing is 33.5 years. On top of that Omaha has 7 arbitration eligible players. Time to clean house.
POWER INDEX: 40.0 (2.875)
Tragic Number: 4 from the division eliminated from the wild card

AL Power Rankings, Week 5

There are now just 27 games left in the regular season and the only real drama in the AL is which of five teams will grab the two wild card spots. As the Power Rankings have been expecting for months, the NY Bombers are making their move... and given that team's starting pitching and OPS machines in the middle of the lineup, I wouldn't want to see them in the opposing dugout in the playoffs.

1 Madison Massas

Record (Since Last Rankings): 100-35 (13-3)
Last Week: #1
Magic # To Clinch Division: 2
Magic # To Clinch First-Round Bye: 15
Magic # To Clinch Homefield Advantage: 22
Playoff Prognosis: Madison is the first team in either league to clinch a playoff berth. Barring a major collapse, they will have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. They are six games up on OKC for that #1 seed with just 27 to go.

2 Oklahoma City Chickens

Record (Since Last Rankings): 94-41 (8-8)
Last Week: #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 6
Magic # To Clinch Division: 6
Magic # To Clinch First-Round Bye: 21
Playoff Prognosis: Pretty much locked into the #2 seed now-- down 6 on #1, up 7 on #3.

3 Wichita Sizzlers

Record (Since Last Rankings): 87-48 (10-6)
Last Week: #3
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 12
Magic # To Clinch Division: 12
Playoff Prognosis: Barring a massive hot or cold streak, they will be the #3 seed. They're 7 games do on OKC and 13 games up on #4 Boston.

4 Boston Badasses

Record (Since Last Rankings): 74-61 (13-3)
Last Week: #8
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 14
Magic # To Clinch Division: 14
Playoff Prognosis: A fantastic week pushes them up four spots in the rankings. That, combined with a total collapse in Washington helped them shave off an almost impossible to believe 26 games off their magic number in just 16 games.

5 New York Bombers

Record (Since Last Rankings): 74-61 (10-6)
Last Week: #5 (tied)
Currently The #1 Wild Card
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 25
Playoff Prognosis: One of the hottest teams in Ryan World right now-- they were buried in the standings halfway through the season but have finally started getting some bounces. They the head of a five-team pack chasing two wild card spots. They will be mathematically eliminated from their divisional race with any combination of two Madison wins of Bomber losses. Still, they're looking relatively good to get in to the postseason.

6 Monterrey Acero

Record (Since Last Rankings): 72-63 (7-9)
Last Week: #4
Currently Wild Card #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 43
Playoff Prognosis: While the Bombers have been shooting up the rankings, the Acero have started to slide. They are just 16-21 over the last two weeks and have seen what was once a solid lead in the wild card slide down to a real horse race. With three more teams nipping at their heels that once seemingly-safe postseason berth is in real danger.

7 Kansas City McCoys

Record (Since Last Rankings): 71-64 (7-9)
Last Week: #5 (tied)
Playoff Prognosis: A sluggish week cost them three games relative to the Bombers and pushed them a game out of the playoff picture at the moment. Still very much in the race, but they need to take advantage of seven straight games against lowly Baltimore before the schedule gets a lot tougher.

8 Chicago Bearcubs

Record (Since Last Rankings): 69-66 (7-9)
Last Week: #7
Playoff Prognosis: Mathematically eliminated from the divisional race, but just three games out of the last wild card spot. It's basically one step forward, one step back with this team and they're not alone. The top three teams chasing that #2 wild card spot all went 7-9 this week.

9 Charlotte Winstons

Record (Since Last Rankings): 68-67 (11-5)
Last Week: #9 (tie)
Playoff Prognosis: Last week I said that they probably needed something like a 15-5 week to stay in the playoff picture. Since then, they've gone 11-5 and with the three teams ahead of them just spinning their wheels, they've picked up four games of ground.

10 (tie) Washington DC Old School Warriors

Record (Since Last Rankings): 60-75 (3-13)
Last Week: #9 (tie)
Playoff Prognosis: They were four games back of their division just 16 games ago. Now, thanks to a complete implosion this week they're 14 out in the division, 12 back of the last wild card spot and completely done.

10 (tie) St. Louis Stampede

Record (Since Last Rankings): 52-67 (8-12)
Last Week: #11 (tie)
Playoff Prognosis: Mathematically eliminated from the divisional race, more or less eliminated (12 out) from the wild card.

10 (tie) Cleveland Indians

Record (Since Last Rankings): 60-75 (8-8)
Last Week: #10 (tie)
Playoff Prognosis: Same as St. Louis-- Mathematically eliminated from the divisional race, more or less eliminated (12 out) from the wild card.

13 Arizona Rattlesnakes

Record (Since Last Rankings): 56-79 (7-9)
Last Week: #13
Playoff Prognosis: Done.

14 Las Vegas Gamble

Record (Since Last Rankings): 50-85 (3-13)
Last Week: #14
Playoff Prognosis: Flat-lining after an awful week.

15 Durham Bulls

Record (Since Last Rankings): 45-90 (5-11)
Last Week: #15
Playoff Prognosis: Done. Five games "ahead" of Las Vegas in the race for the #2 pick in next year's draft.

16 Baltimore Wiretappers

Record (Since Last Rankings): 37-98 (8-8)
Last Week: #16
Playoff Prognosis: Eight games "up" on Durham, so unless they really screw up and keep winning, they'll have the #1 pick in next year's draft.