AL Division Champions: Part I "Out With the Old and In with the New, or a Continuation of a Divisional Dynasty?

Recently, in a press conference (Chat Board) 5/20/2009 at 11:58 A.M. Manager of the Albuquerque Pilots, Threester, responded to our Hobbs Headline's Media inquiry that asked: "Any other requests, anyone? Maybe a press conference or two?" In response he said, "You can write about how The Pilots just clinched their third straight division title. :)" Well this is our response! "Great Job!"

Seriously though, as it is a great suggestion consider this Part I of II (The AL) of "Division Champions: Out With the Old and In with the New, or a Continuation of a Divisional Dynasty," a look at the playoff picture and a quick look at our division champs. S4 has been a very tough and discouraging road for some, and for others it has come as easy as pie. Still, many divisions remain up for grabs, as are the wild cards for both the AL and NL. This is what it is all about and Hobbs has a way of assuring that things get interesting, and once again they are as we head into the last 20 game stretch. That said, lets take a look!

In the AL North the term "interesting" is an understatement. For the first time since Hobbs was born Seattle fans are worriesome that their division title will be stripped from the tight grip that they have had on it in S1, S2, and S3. With the recent replacement of manager Sheirbon and perhaps an ill advised franchise move sending Sven West to the NL, the division title does not appear to be coming as easy as in years past. Still, under management of The_Oat Seattle fans should be assured that their future is in good hands. However, he may be discouraged. Following a recent 8-7 loss to the Huntington Tyro Mavins (76-70), which marked a 5 game losing streak, he had only to comment to the media, "Sometimes...I hate this game..." Now At 82-64, and on a 6 game losing streak with Wholck's Philadelphia Phillies (80-65) bearing down on them, this type of discouragment would be expected. After all, Seattle is not used to losing the division. And now even Dakar's Kansas City Jayhawks (78-68), standing only 4 games back, may have a shot at the division and currently hold the second AL wild-card spot. As for m22pank's Milwaukee High Lifes (71-75) who are 11.0 games back, the division title, while possible, is unlikely. Likewise, while they still have time to make a "run" for the wild card, this seems unlikely as well. The basis for such an empty prediction I have only their difficult schedule to point out. They would "pretty much" need to sweep the likes of Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, all very tough teams. Still, I believe in M22pank!

Things in the AL East are a lot less unsure with Keeid12x's Rochester EliteDucks (88-58) having a comfortable 13 game lead on the divison. Still, Tamadrumr's Washington D.C. Lobbyists (75-71) and their recent "hot streak" - that has since cooled - sufficed to assure that things remain interesting. Now, though they have cooled some, the Lobbyists have a great shot at a wild-card spot but will need to pick themselves back up. Also with a decent shot is new comer Kybucki and his Louisville Sluggers (73-73) who have a wild card conducive remaining schedule. That is, despite being just recently swept by K.C., and now on a 4 game losing streak, they now face 3 of AL's 5 worst teams (Statistically Speaking). That includes a 4 game series with the Nashville Slumberjacks (61-85) whose manager appears to be M.I.A. Then the Sluggers will have a shot to "Slug" the Lobbyist's who will perhaps even be in that last wild card spot. And lastly, they will finish off the season with a 3 game series vs. the Eliteducks, who by then will likely have clinched the division title and will be resting starters. Now back to the "Statistically Speaking" mumbo, well Ronazbill's Columbus Buckeyes (68-78), with all due respect, are a part of that "worst 5." However, they are the "best" of the "worst" and are currently on a 6 game winning streak and rising quickly! So chances are still very slim, and their case may be one of those cliche "too little too late" things, but don't count them out just yet!

Then there is the AL South where there has virtually been "no contest." Kemosabe11's New Orleans Bayou Bengals (91-55) are a "divisional dynasty" and have toppled over the Al South in S1, S2, S3, and now S4. Following a recent 4-5 loss to the Lobbyists, their second loss to them in a row, manager Kemosabe11 expressed surprising discouragement with the season. Despite this "powerhouse" of a franchise and already having obtained 90+ wins and clinched a division title he said, "This is turning into a frustrating season. Slumping at this point doesn't bode well for a team that hasn't performed well in the playoffs. Probably another one and done for the Bengals." I suppose 90+ wins being a success is all relative to expectations. After all, the Bengals did turn in a Hobbs record last year with a 112-50 record and has won the division now for 4 straight years. Perhaps such a feat for the city of New Orleans is not a feat at all, but an expectation. At this rate another year or two and the city of New Orleans may be joining the "AL South Division Title" with "death and taxes." With the Nashville "Slumberjacks" (61-85) out of the way the only contenders for 2nd place, and a wild-card, is Thewheaties's Huntington Tyro Mavins (76-70) and Jpelot's San Juan Mojos (73-73). If I had to put my money down on one of them it would be Thewheaties's Huntington Tyro Mavins who are "hot" and on a 4 game win streak just 2 games out of the 2nd wild-card spot. They have beat San Juan in their first game of the series, will take on K.C next, then Washington D.C., N.O., and finish off with 3 wins against the Slumberjacks. Their destiny, as far as playoffs are concerned, are in their hands. They will face the two teams that make the strongest running for the 2nd spot, and if they prevail then they may just be the team with it in the end.

The AL West continues to have its struggles as far as "intra-divisional" competition is concerned. Threester's Albuquerque Pilots (85-61) are quickly becoming another "divisional Dynasty" having won the AL West now for 3 straight years and currently running away on a 6 game win streak. So, as the spark of this post I believe a "Good Job!" is in order, and well-deserved. (See "Smiley" and his two thumbs above). The other three teams are, unfortunately, but quite simply, done for the year! (Including Las Vegas, Honolulu, and San Diego). On the upside, however, in a press held conference 5/11/2009 3:06 P.M. manager Blackmamaba22 displayed a healthy attitude and hopeful outlook on the future of his franchise when he addressed the Las Vegas fanbase. "So Legends fans I am here to tell you that we will begin a rebuild this franchise from the ground up, and while remaining competitive as possible we, however, do not plan contending for at least 1-2 years. To achieve the level of sucess we are aiming for we have to start from scratch and begin to construct in a fashion consistent with our enviroment (cashman field ) and our competitors." We wish you luck Mamaba, and hope that Iceman67 and Coltjj can also contend soon!

This concludes our look at the the AL playoff picture as it stands now. The two-wild card spots are far from decided, and a host of teams have more than valid shots at filling them. Anything could happen at this point! So "Good luck to those still pushing for those 2 spots and Good Job to those who dont have to!"