What's Left to Figure Out?

Here’s an update on the current standing and how the last week of the regular season could affect the playoff positioning.

Eagan East:

The Eastern Division title and first round bye may be determined Tuesday night as the Gothams and Reds square off for the final time this regular season.  The Gothams currently have a 4 game lead on the Reds and can seal the deal with just one win.  If the Reds win 2 on Tuesday, they’d need to sweep the Indians and get help from the Marlins later in the week just to have a shot and the division.  The Expos, Yankees, and Marlins all have 2 games left a piece to jockey for position in the upcoming playoffs. 

Eagan West:

The Pilots have had this division locked up since the end of July and seem to be cruising into the playoffs going 8-2 in their last 10 games.  The Indians have 2^nd place in the division secured, but will look to finish strong because there are several teams in the league right around their record that could leap frog them for playoff seeding.  The Colts, Mets, and Pirates all get a clean slate when they join the field of 16 in the double elimination draw on August 27^th.

Hopkins East:

The Orioles have clinched the division and are simply working on breaking as many HRL records as possible before the start their title run next Sunday.  The perennial division champ Braves will have to work their way through the field with the other 16 next week.  With a solid 27-9 record it came down to finishing 1-4 against the Orioles that kept them from another division crown.  The White Sox were also in the mix but will come up short with another solid 23-13 record to date despite going 8-2 in their last 10 contests.  The Angels and A’s will both get a chance to play spoiler and make a run through the tourney bracket next weekend.

Hopkins West:

One of the tightest division races all year has seen the Red Sox, Phillies, and Twins battling for the elusive first round bye.  Its currently down to the Sox and Phillies.  The Phils will not only need to win their final 2 games, but will need the Sox to lose 4 straight to end the year.  This is for sure, the Twins, Blue Jays and Giants will again be joining the 16 team field and try to be one of four teams remaining to face the division winners.

Good luck to all teams in the upcoming playoffs!