1 (3)- Chicago Gray Stockings (68-39)- The Gray Sox continue to surprise this season. Usually a team that wins with pitching and defense, this year they're winning with hitting and defense. While the pitching is middle of the pack in the NL, the offense is ranked 2nd in runs, AVG and OBP. Tony Benitez has provided a nice spark for the team since returning from the DL with a broken hand. In the 40 games he has played, he is hitting .282 with 7 home runs and 27 RBI.
2 (4)- Vancouver Tragedy Twins (68-39)- The Twins have been in a great race all season long with San Diego, as they try to win their 4th straight division title. This team is probably the most balanced team in the NL too. The team leads the NL in HR, is 3rd in SB, 3rd in runs and also leads the NL in lowest team ERA. JJ Haley is having a breakout season, hitting .297 with 27 HR and 62 RBI.
3 (10)- Honolulu Rainbow Warriors (67-40)- The surprising Warriors have been red hot, and currently hold the best record in the AL. They've done it with a great offensive attack (2nd in the AL in runs) that has a disciplined, station-to-station approach. While the team only has 9 stolen bases for the entire season, they are 2nd in OBP. Honolulu lifer Gerald Martin has found the Fountain of Youth this season, hitting .300 with 20 HR and 97 RBI. Bill Howell is also having a stellar season, and on pace to win the AL batting title hitting .372.
4 (1)- Norfolk Whiskey Jacks (66-41)- The Jacks seem to be in cruise control as this loaded team awaits the playoffs to start. Though they keep a wary on Baltimore, who has struggled some this season, they seem to be in a comfortable spot winning the division and in line for a bye. They lead the AL in runs, led by Maicer Almanza, who is hitting .293 with 30 HR and an AL leading 99 RBI.
5 (5)- Richmond Rebellion (66-41)- The Rebellion have been one of the top performers in the NL all season long, and have probably been the most consistent team in the entire league. They will win their division for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Ted Westmoreland has rebounded from a down season, and it performing at close to his MVP level from a couple of seasons ago. He is hitting .297 with 92 RBI and leading the NL in home runs with 36.
6 (6)- San Diego Wiley Coyotes (66-41)- Despite maintaining one of the lowest payrolls in the league, and trading away some ML contributors this season, the Coyotes have continued to be a force in the NL and should make the postseason for the first time in ten seasons, the first time since the team has moved to San Diego and only the third time in franchise history. The fans in this city have waited a long time for playoff baseball, and are very excited to have the chance to compete for a pennant this season. While the team and the pitching staff is built around the best pitcher in the NL, and perennial Cy Young candidate Pepe Sosa (who is leading the league in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and is second in ERA), it has been the emergence of Andres Delgado as a solid #2 starter that has played a large part in the team's great success this season. Delgado is 11-1 with a 3.72 ERA.
7 (13)- Pittsburgh Polar Bears- Fans in Pittsburgh are very confused this season. They are never in second place and don't know whether or not to be upset about that, or happy that their team is still playing very well, and on pace to play in the playoffs. The Bears have the current longest winning streak in the league at 5, and are only 3 games behind Chicago right now. They could still easily win their 13th consecutive division title. Ramon Yamamoto is showing no signs of age. He is 9-3 with a league best 2.09 ERA this season.
8 (2)- Baltimore Revolution (62-45)- The Revolution have had a very tough time this season with injuries to the pitching staff. Julian Castillo, Erv Webber, Tony Espinosa and Wascar Hernandez have all had been to the DL this season. Even despite those injuries, the Rev have such a depth of talent that they are 3rd in the AL in lowest team ERA. The defense has been stellar (in large part due to the move of Aurelio Diaz to LF) ranking 1st in fielding, 1st in fewest '-' plays (only 4 all season!) and 2nd in most '+' plays. They are also 3rd in HR and 1st in SB. While the Rev may be scuffling a bit right now. Nobody is gonna take this sleeping Juggernaut lightly come playoff time.
9 (18)- Charlotte Dukies (59-48)- So far in Season 18, the Dukies are boasting one of the biggest single season turn arounds in SPL history. They went from nearly 100 losses last season (94 to be exact) to on-pace for 90 wins this season. They've done it with a very solid pitching staff, currently leading the AL in team ERA. They are, in fact, one of only two AL teams with an ERA of lower than 4.00. Julio Mercado is having a terrific rookie campaign, and is still undefeated so far in his young career. In his 15 starts this season, Julio is 6-0 with a 2.09 ERA. That would be low enough to lead the league if he had enough innings to qualify.
10 (17)- Anaheim Hitmen (58-49)- After a bit of a rough start, the Hitmen have bounced back. They look like the team we've become accustomed to. They lead the league in home runs and are 4th in runs scored. They will be hard pressed to make up the 9-game deficit to catch Honolulu for the division, which leaves them in a dog fight in the newly balanced AL for the last Wild Card spot. Cesar Morales and Cristobal Roque have been the key to Anaheim's attack this season. They have combined for 54 home runs and 147 RBI.
11 (12)- New Orleans Jazz (58-49)
12 (-)- Iowa City Badgers (57-50)
13 (19)- Scottsdale Camels (56-51)
14 (-)- Scranton Wild (55-52)
15 (-)- Minnesota Target (54-53)
16 (8)- Milwaukee Titans (54-53)
17 (9)- Cleveland Lake Shores (54-53)
18 (11)- Houston Buushwackerz (53-54)
19 (7)- Philadelphia Stomp (53-54)
20 (15)- Kansas City Krazies (50-57)
Bounced Out:
Atlanta Soda Poppers (14)
Cincinnati Red Bolts (15)
Salem Blues (20)
