With 12 games left in the season, there are still\u00c2\u00a019 teams with a mathematical chance at continuing their season into the playoffs of the Seamheads Historical League.\u00c2\u00a0 Barring an ’07 Rockies-type run, the number of teams alive is a more realistic\u00c2\u00a015 but even that is optimistic for a few.\u00c2\u00a0 Here’s how the teams sit heading into the final two weeks of the season:<\/p>\n
IN<\/strong><\/p>\n Cleveland Indians (87-55, American Midwest Champions)<\/em><\/p>\n Ahead by 19 games over their next competitor — the Chicago White Sox — the Indians are a remarkable 56-26 since June 17th.\u00c2\u00a0 Staff ace Addie Joss <\/strong>is 17-11 with a 3.64 ERA and closer Doug Jones <\/strong>(2-2, 2.79 ERA) is second in the SHL in saves with 37.\u00c2\u00a0 Their powerful lineup, led by Joe Jackson <\/strong>(.336, league leading\u00c2\u00a050 doubles), is second in runs scored.\u00c2\u00a0 Slugger Albert Belle <\/strong>leads the team with 33 homers and 116 RBI.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh Pirates (87-55, National Association Champions)<\/em><\/p>\n Ed Morris <\/strong>has 20 wins and Jesse Tannehill <\/strong>(owner of the SHL’s best VORP, BAA, Opp. OBP, Opp. SLG, Opp. OPS, WHIP, and BABIP) will have a few shots to join him as he looks to improve on his 19-11 record and league’s third best ERA of 2.58.\u00c2\u00a0 Despite a season-ending injury to Barry Bonds <\/strong>in mid-July, the Pirates haven’t missed a beat and slugger Willie Stargell <\/strong>has been their offense with a .309 average, 36 homers and 130 RBI.\u00c2\u00a0 Those 130 RBI are the most in the SHL.<\/p>\n Boston Red Sox (92-50, Clinched at least Wild Card, 1st in American Atlantic — Magic Number 8 –)<\/em><\/p>\n Owners of the SHL’s best record, the Red Sox have pulled away from the Athletics with a 16-5 September record.\u00c2\u00a0 Cy Young <\/strong>is in Cy Young contention with his spectacular 24-5 record and 2.60 ERA.\u00c2\u00a0 And Pedro Martinez <\/strong>and his 17-10 record and 218 strikeouts is no slouch either.\u00c2\u00a0 It’s no surprise that Ted Williams <\/strong>(.337), Tris Speaker <\/strong>(.333), and Wade Boggs <\/strong>(.327) are hitting over .300 but it’s a mild surprise that Williams is the only BoSox player to muster up 20-plus homers — he has 21.\u00c2\u00a0 Despite his high ERA, Roger Clemens <\/strong>has turned in an impressive 12-3 record in 18 starts to go along with his pedestrian 4.50 ERA.<\/p>\n IN (IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY)<\/strong><\/p>\n Atlanta Braves (83-59, 1st in National Originals — Magic Number 7 –)<\/em><\/p>\n Six ahead of the Cubs and\u00c2\u00a0eight ahead of the Phillies, the Braves have distanced themselves from the pack with an impressive August run that has held through\u00c2\u00a0September.\u00c2\u00a0 Greg Maddux <\/strong>(15-7, 2.74 ERA) was the league’s ERA leader for most of the season but five consecutive no-decision non-quality starts from August 19 to September 12 put a dent into Mad Dog’s still stellar ERA.\u00c2\u00a0 Also, Kid Nichols <\/strong>(15-8, 3.09 ERA) has been consistent from the mound.\u00c2\u00a0 Hank Aaron <\/strong>needs just\u00c2\u00a0three homers and\u00c2\u00a0seven RBI for a 30-100 season while sluggers Eddie Mathews <\/strong>(29 dingers) and Fred McGriff <\/strong>(28 dingers) are also close to the 30-homer threshold.<\/p>\n Montreal Expos (74-68, 1st in Expansion Two — Magic Number 8 –)<\/em><\/p>\n If the workmanlike Expos can hold off the Padres who are five back, can they be the surprise team in the SHL?\u00c2\u00a0 The only Expos on the statistical leaderboard is Ron Hunt <\/strong>who owns the dubious distinction of most times hit by a pitch with 13 and Rusty Staub<\/strong>, fifth in on-base percentage at .421.\u00c2\u00a0 Pascual Perez <\/strong>leads the team with 15 wins and Pedro Martinez <\/strong>should join his Boston clone with 200-plus strikeouts — he needs\u00c2\u00a09 more to hit that number.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Angels (66-76, 1st in Expansion One — Magic Number 10 –)<\/em><\/p>\n This division is still largely undecided with the only thing likely being the winner will have a losing record.\u00c2\u00a0 The Angels started the season 9-22 but have rebounded since and no one in this below-average division has been able to take the reins.\u00c2\u00a0 Led by Mike Napoli <\/strong>(.297 BA, 32 HR, 98 RBI), the Angels have the lineup to make it but need better pitching from the 20th-best staff in the league.\u00c2\u00a0 Dean Chance <\/strong>(15-13, 4.11 ERA) is the only starter with a winning record and while Nolan Ryan<\/strong>‘s 229 strikeouts are impressive, his league-leading 164 walks are definitely not.\u00c2\u00a0 And if Frank Tanana <\/strong>(2-8, 5.90 ERA) has anything to do with their playoff aspirations, the Halos could be in trouble.<\/p>\n Toronto Blue Jays (74-68, 1st in Expansion Three — Magic Number 11 –)<\/em><\/p>\n With a\u00c2\u00a0two-game lead over the D-back\/Rox and four games ahead of the lurking Mariners, the Blue Jays have to hold off both to make the postseason.\u00c2\u00a0 They end the season with two at Boston, two at Minnesota, two at Pittsburgh, and two at the Dodgers before heading home for their final four games against the Mariners.\u00c2\u00a0 Not an easy route.\u00c2\u00a0 Carlos Delgado <\/strong>has been a monster with a .323 average, 38 homers, and 107 RBI.\u00c2\u00a0 If he gets hot, he could held his club hold on to the top spot and pass Arizona\/Colorado’s Troy Glaus <\/strong>for the home run crown.\u00c2\u00a0 Delgado also leads the league in slugging (.635) and OPS (1.051).<\/p>\n Oakland Athletics (87-55, 2nd in American Atlantic — Wild Card Magic Number 3 –)<\/em><\/p>\n Five games behind the Red Sox, the Athletics might be on a collision course for a first round match-up with their division rivals as the top seed has the misfortune of drawing the Wild Card, a team better than almost every division winner.\u00c2\u00a0 Rube Waddell <\/strong>(22-9, 3.07), Chief Bender <\/strong>(18-9, 3.40 ERA), and Lefty Grove <\/strong>(17-9, 3.39 ERA) form a formidable threesome but their bullpen — ranked 18th in ERA — leaves some doubt.\u00c2\u00a0 Both Jimmie Foxx <\/strong>(104) and Reggie Jackson <\/strong>(101) have eclipsed 100 RBI and Jackson has pounded 36 homers to go along with his .314 average.\u00c2\u00a0 Also, Eddie Collins <\/strong>(not Rickey Henderson<\/strong>) leads the SHL in steals with 75.<\/p>\n THE “REAL” CONTENDERS<\/strong><\/p>\n Arizona\/Colorado D-backs\/Rockies (72-70, 2nd in Expansion Three — 2 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n Statistically, this team has flash.\u00c2\u00a0 Troy Glaus <\/strong>owns the league’s home run crown at the moment with 40 and starters Randy Johnson <\/strong>(253) and Curt Schilling <\/strong>(234) are second and third for the strikeout title behind Seattle’s “Big Unit.”\u00c2\u00a0 Johnson might win 20 — he’s 19-9 — and Larry Walker <\/strong>(at 99) should join Glaus (106) in the 100-RBI club.\u00c2\u00a0 Most importantly, the D-Rocks close with four against Florida\/Tampa Bay, the league’s worst team.<\/p>\n Houston Astros (63-79, Tied 2nd in Expansion One — 3 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n How bad is the Expansion One division?\u00c2\u00a0 The Astros, lacking a starter with a winning record, still have a shot at postseason glory.\u00c2\u00a0 Only Mike Scott <\/strong>(8-9, 3.97) has an ERA below 5.00 and the club owns a 5.10 ERA, good for 25th in the SHL.\u00c2\u00a0 Offensively, Lance Berkman <\/strong>(.298,\u00c2\u00a030 HR, 98 RBI) is the star.\u00c2\u00a0 They wrap up the season with four against the Mets who they are tied with for second place.\u00c2\u00a0 There’s a good chance these two mediocre clubs cancel each other out and hand the Angels the division crown.<\/p>\n New York Mets (63-79, Tied 2nd in Expansion One — 3 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n Tom Seaver <\/strong>might be the division’s best pitcher at 16-12 with a 3.98 ERA.\u00c2\u00a0 And Johan Santana <\/strong>(2-13, 7.49 ERA) might be the worst.\u00c2\u00a0 This team has some offensive pop and Darryl Strawberry <\/strong>and his 33 homers and 103 RBI has led the offensive charge.\u00c2\u00a0 Even still, they are just 22nd in runs scored despite a club OPS of .759, good for 12th in the SHL.<\/p>\n Seattle Mariners (70-72, 3rd in Expansion Three — 4 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n Good hitting and bad pitching have turned this club into a mediocre squad that still has an outside shot at the postseason.\u00c2\u00a0 Ken Phelps <\/strong>leads the squad with 36 homers and 101 RBI and Ken Griffey Jr.<\/strong>‘s 31 dingers and 98 RBI aren’t far behind.\u00c2\u00a0 Edgar Martinez <\/strong>(.331), Ichiro <\/strong>(.327), and Raul Ibanez <\/strong>(.314) should all end the season above .300 with Alex Rodriguez <\/strong>(.297) having an outside shot to join them.\u00c2\u00a0 Starter Erik Hanson <\/strong>owns a surprising 15-10 record to go with his 4.54 ERA and Randy Johnson<\/strong>‘s only saving grace is his likelihood of being the SHL’s K man with 262.<\/p>\n San Diego Padres (69-73, 2nd in Expansion Two — 5 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n The Padres own SHL’s best batting average, so it’s no surprise that Tony Gwynn <\/strong>(.367) is on the verge of capturing the batting title.\u00c2\u00a0 Knowing Gwynn, he’d likely trade it for a division crown and they’ll need help from the Brewers to have a shot at catching the Expos.\u00c2\u00a0 Closer Trevor Hoffman<\/strong>‘s odd line of 0-7 with 32 saves and a 3.83 ERA may give some insight on why this team is where they are.\u00c2\u00a0 Steve Finley <\/strong>has already pounded out a surprising 108 RBI and Jake Peavy <\/strong>is eight strikeouts short of 200.\u00c2\u00a0 Bruce Hurst <\/strong>(17-9, 4.20 ERA) won’t get 20 wins but should be considered the All-Time Padres most effective pitcher.<\/p>\n Texas Rangers (61-81, 4th in Expansion One — 5 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n The Rangers have the odd distinction of possibly making the playoffs or finishing with the 27th best record in the SHL.\u00c2\u00a0 Only five games behind the Angels for the division lead and five games ahead of the Royals for the next-to-worst record in the league, the Rangers’ final 12 games will go a long way in classifying their season.\u00c2\u00a0 Al Oliver <\/strong>is making a late offensive splash and is currently on a 25-game hitting streak.\u00c2\u00a0 Alex Rodriguez <\/strong>and his 36 home runs and 114 RBI is their best offensive weapon.\u00c2\u00a0 On the mound, Bert Blyleven <\/strong>is first in wins with 13 and second in losses with 17 and has a shot to pass Gaylord Perry <\/strong>(6-18) and own the team lead in both columns.\u00c2\u00a0 No shock that Nolan Ryan <\/strong>has 217 Ks to his name and a losing record (10-16).\u00c2\u00a0 Is anyone really surprised the Rangers own the SHL’s second worst pitching ERA at 5.36?<\/p>\n Chicago Cubs (77-65, 2nd in National Originals — 6 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n Pythagorean W-L says the Cubs should be the division’s worst team but that hasn’t stopped them from hanging in the race.\u00c2\u00a0 Arguably the league’s worst offense, their top stat leaders are Billy Williams <\/strong>(.293 BA, 17 HR), Hack Wilson <\/strong>(17 HR), and Ryne Sandberg <\/strong>(70 RBI)…. YAWN!\u00c2\u00a0 Despite the lack of run support, Mordecai Brown <\/strong>(18-11, 2.99 ERA) is two wins away from a 20-win season.\u00c2\u00a0 Brown is due for a clunker, though — his last two starts were shutouts.\u00c2\u00a0 He leads the SHL in innings (277-1\/3) and shutouts (4).\u00c2\u00a0 Closer Bruce Sutter <\/strong>is likely to be the league’s top fireman with a league-high 40 saves and a stingy 2.83 ERA.<\/p>\n MATHEMATICALLY ALIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n Philadelphia Phillies (75-67, 3rd in National Originals — 8 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n One of the best in the SHL in the first half, the Phillies dropped off and are nearly out of contention.\u00c2\u00a0 Steve Carlton <\/strong>(21-9, 2.88 ERA) has been the team’s ace and MVP.\u00c2\u00a0 Despite their relative power and tiny ballpark, no one on the club has managed 20 homers including team leader Ryan Howard <\/strong>with 19.\u00c2\u00a0 Because of their disappointing offensive output, it looks like the league’s third best pitching staff will be home for the playoffs.<\/p>\n Milwaukee Brewers (66-76, 3rd in Expansion Two –\u00c2\u00a08 Games\u00c2\u00a0Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n Jeromy Burnitz\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>and his 34 homers and 104 RBI has to be in the running for most surprising\u00c2\u00a0performances of the year.\u00c2\u00a0 The fact that Ben Sheets <\/strong>has remained healthy en route to a 17-13 record and 4.85 ERA is pretty darn shocking, too.<\/p>\n Minnesota Twins (77-65, 3rd in American Atlantic – 10 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n The Twins were respectable in the league’s toughest division and they might finish ahead of the Yankees.\u00c2\u00a0 That’s got to count for something, right?\u00c2\u00a0 Tony Oliva <\/strong>is Gwynn’s biggest threat in the batting title race just .002 behind at .365.\u00c2\u00a0 Walter Johnson <\/strong>might get overlooked in the Cy Young race despite his 24-7 record and 2.77 ERA.\u00c2\u00a0 Joe Nathan<\/strong>‘s 34 saves and 2.13 ERA have gone largely unnoticed, too.<\/p>\n San Francisco Giants (71-71, 4th in National Originals — 12 Games Behind)<\/em><\/p>\n A Braves win or Giants loss and they are officially gone.\u00c2\u00a0 Willie McCovey <\/strong>pounded 34 home runs and knocked in 100 while Barry Bonds <\/strong>(.233\/.385\/.421) did a fairly decent Adam Dunn impression.\u00c2\u00a0 Other highlights included Willie Mays<\/strong>‘ 29-game hitting streak.<\/p>\n ELIMINATED (BUT NOT FORGOTTEN)<\/strong><\/p>\n New York Yankees (74-68, 4th in American Atlantic)<\/em><\/p>\n Owning the league’s best offense wasn’t enough thanks to a sub-par pitching staff.\u00c2\u00a0 Lou Gehrig <\/strong>(.364-26-124) could win the batting title and a big final two weeks could even threaten for the RBI crown.\u00c2\u00a0 It’s hard to find a player more suited as the MVP of the league.\u00c2\u00a0 Babe Ruth <\/strong>pounded 36 homers and picked up 100 RBI to go with his .308 average.\u00c2\u00a0 It’s no wonder these two are one-two in postional player VORP — Gehrig (80.7) is first, Ruth (64.9) is second.\u00c2\u00a0 On the mound, it wasn’t all bad — Whitey Ford <\/strong>is 17-7 with a 4.22 ERA.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Dodgers (74-68, 2nd in National Association)<\/em><\/p>\n It’s worth mentioning Sandy Koufax<\/strong>‘s no-hitter one more time.\u00c2\u00a0 Koufax’s no-no wasn’t his only highlight — he was 17-10 with a 3.90 ERA and 227 strikeouts.\u00c2\u00a0 Maybe if closer Eric Gagne <\/strong>(5-12, 23 saves, 6.13 ERA) didn’t take such a beating, this club would still have hope.<\/p>\n St. Louis Cardinals (72-70, 3rd in National Association)<\/em><\/p>\n Called up in June, Harry Brecheen <\/strong>is on the verge of stealing the ERA title.\u00c2\u00a0 His 11-3 record and 2.39 ERA with just enough innings to qualify for the title might be good enough if “The Cat” can claw his way through two more starts.\u00c2\u00a0 Jim Edmonds <\/strong>(36 HR, 120 RBI) and Rogers Hornsby <\/strong>(.334 BA) — not Albert Pujols <\/strong>— have paced the offense.\u00c2\u00a0 The second-best Bruce Sutter <\/strong>in the SHL wasn’t half bad with 31 saves and a 1-3 record despite a high 4.15 ERA.<\/p>\n Chicago White Sox (68-74, 2nd in American Midwest)<\/em><\/p>\n The oddest club in the SHL.\u00c2\u00a0 What was more strange?\u00c2\u00a0 The power outage that saw them hit just 90 homers (second lowest in the SHL) or the fact that the Sox had a 20-game winner and a 20-game loser.\u00c2\u00a0 Carlton Fisk <\/strong>and Frank Thomas <\/strong>(23 each) have accounted for more than half of Chicago’s homer totals with Magglio Ordonez<\/strong>‘s 12 the third highest.\u00c2\u00a0 On the pitching side, Eddie Cicotte <\/strong>(22-6, 2.46 ERA) is a Cy Young contender while Ed Walsh <\/strong>(9-22, 3.72 ERA) wishes he had Yankees-type offensive support.<\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds (62-80, 4th in National Association)<\/em><\/p>\n Better than their record, the Reds never really got things going.\u00c2\u00a0 Their 11-23 record in one-run games was definitely not helpful and the use of 11 different starters throughout the season wasn’t helpful either.\u00c2\u00a0 Joe Morgan <\/strong>has quietly put together a season worthy of the league’s fifth highest VORP at 58.1.<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers (61-81, Tied 3rd in American Midwest)<\/em><\/p>\n Ty Cobb <\/strong>is hitting .339 and Harry Heilmann <\/strong>is hitting .326 with 120 RBI.\u00c2\u00a0 A healthy(?) Joel Zumaya <\/strong>collected 29 saves.\u00c2\u00a0 Not bad for a 61-win team.<\/p>\n Baltimore Orioles (61-81, Tied 3rd in American Midwest)<\/em><\/p>\n After a 30-15 start, the O’s have gone 31-66 and are on the verge of single digit wins for the third consecutive month.\u00c2\u00a0 Frank Robinson <\/strong>should win the team Triple Crown with a .314 batting average, 29 homers and 105 RBI.<\/p>\n Kansas City Royals (56-86, 4th in Expansion Two)<\/em><\/p>\n Willie Wilson <\/strong>(57 steals) should be joined by Carlos Beltran <\/strong>(49 steals) in the 50-steal club but not much else is positive in K.C.\u00c2\u00a0 That’s not completely true — their bullpen ERA is fourth best in the SHL and Joakim Soria<\/strong>‘s 24 saves and 2.96 ERA are pretty decent, too.<\/p>\n Florida\/Tampa Bay Marlin\/Rays (46-96, 4th in Expansion Three)<\/em><\/p>\n Maybe Josh Beckett <\/strong>should get some credit for showing up every day after posting a 4-21 record and 6.29 ERA.\u00c2\u00a0 A.J. Burnett <\/strong>(8-18, 6.33 ERA), James Shields <\/strong>(4-15, 5.30 ERA), and Kevin Brown <\/strong>(7-13, 5.20 ERA).\u00c2\u00a0 Minor Leaguers Carl Pavano<\/strong>, Brad Penny<\/strong>, Dontrelle Willis<\/strong>, Al Leiter<\/strong>, and Ryan Dempster <\/strong>are wondering what they needed to do to get a look.\u00c2\u00a0 Carl Crawford <\/strong>is the league leader in triples with 15 and also has 53 steals.\u00c2\u00a0 So, it wasn’t all bad.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With 12 games left in the season, there are still\u00c2\u00a019 teams with a mathematical chance at continuing their season into the playoffs of the Seamheads Historical League.\u00c2\u00a0 Barring an ’07 Rockies-type run, the number of teams alive is a more realistic\u00c2\u00a015 but even that is optimistic for a few.\u00c2\u00a0 Here’s how the teams sit heading […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1069","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1069"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1069\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1069"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1069"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}