Around the League - 09/20/10

Just 2 weeks (4 series) to go in the regular season. Let's see how we're shaping up in the stretch run.

EAST

- Though they aren't officially "in" yet, Atlanta is a lock for the playoffs. Even if Jersey City makes a miraculous run to overtake the Flyers in the final two weeks, Atlanta won the first half. Expect them to not only make the playoffs (comfortably), but to get a first round bye as well.

- Further good news for Atlanta is that they will be getting Hanley Ramirez and Adam Lind back in the next week, just in time for the playoffs. Expect some starters to get some rest in the final two weeks.

- Jersey City is in the driver's seat for a wildcard spot, but has some work to do. They have a 3 game lead on Columbus, but neither team has been all that great in September. The two teams play each other in the final series of the season, which could be a mini-playoff of its own depending on how the standings shake out.

- Columbus has a glimmer of hope, just 3 games back of a wildcard spot. After going 11 games over .500 in the first half, the team has struggled to stay afloat in the second half. Can they finally put a win streak together when it matters most (and after they traded away key parts of the team at the deadline)?

- Miami is looking to play spoiler in the final 2 weeks. The team has had a pretty good 2nd half, and has found some key players to build on for 2011. Nick Blackburn has given up just 6 HR in 117 IP (10-2, 2.30 ERA). Will he get any Cy Young votes?

- It's been a season to forget for New York, but it hasn't been without some positives. The pitching rotation has been very good, and some young hitters have started to play well. Still, the team needs some sluggers next year (or hope that Pujols starts playing like he's supposed to).

WEST

- The Bison have played well in the past few months, and are just 3 games out of a first-round bye. There has been an offensive explosion, as the team is suddenly second in SLB in runs scored. The team has two 100+ RBI guys (Longoria/Gonzalez), while Jimmy Rollins continues to set the table. Is there enough pitching for a playoff run?

- Springfield continues a good second half on their way to a playoff berth. It's a nice turn around for a team that struggled so much in the first half of the season. Choo and Martin have proven to be invaluable additions to a lineup that struggled to score runs. If the pitching performs, this team could surprise come October.

- Kansas should thank it's lucky stars that the playoff format is what it is, because after winning the first half of the season, the team has completely crapped the bed in the second (10 over .500 at the break, 18 under since). So while the Twisters limp into a playoff spot, do they have anything in the tank to do anything in the post season? They have the bats, but the pitching has been just terrible lately.

- La Brea was "this close" to winning the first half of the season, and now are long shots. It's unlikely they can make up 7 games in the final two weeks, but funnier things have happened. Why is the team leader in HR and RBI (Howard) batting 8th?

- Sioux Falls can't wait for October. It's been a terrible inaugural season, and now they're being kicked while they're down; CF BJ Upton suddenly announced his retirement this week. As if it wasn't bad enough that the Tomahawks have half their team on the shelf, now this. 2011 can't come soon enough.

WORLD

- This division got a lot of crap in the first half, what with Brisbane winning it with a .500 record. But the Koalas have been red hot since the All-Star Break, going 15 over .500 and essentially blowing out the rest of the division. The pitching has been phenomenal, and if the team can work around the recent injury to Joel Piniero (out for the season), they can do damage in the playoffs.

- Caracas is one win streak away from sneaking into the playoffs, but can they overcome a season of inconsistencies to do it? The offense is tops in the league (with a trio of 100+ RBI sluggers knocking in MVP candidate Jacoby Ellisbury). It's a tough final 2 weeks for the Bolivares (QBC, SPR, FRE, BRI), but if they can enter that final weekend within shouting distance, they might just shock the world.

- Quebec has made a valiant effort to stay in this thing, and are just 2 1/2 games behind Brisbane for the 2nd half lead. Their next two series are against Caracas and Brisbane, which is pretty much their season; win those two series, and they could make the playoffs. Struggle, and the season is over. Not to be lost in this race is the performance of Roy Oswalt, who should garner a lot of Cy Young votes.

- Fremantle just never got over the hump. Early struggles by the offense put them in a hole and they haven't managed to climb out. It's been fun to see Matt Cain finally pitch (after missing most of the year). He has put up a 2.89 ERA and 4 quality starts (in 6 starts) since returning from the DL.