1997 DL Wildcard: Who Ya Got?

[Delandis]

Easily one of the most exciting races in years, the DL wildcard is down to four teams.

<table style="width: 439px; height: 138px;" class="lposhadow" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="title"><td colspan="14">DL Wild Card </td></tr><tr class="headline"><td class="hsc2_l" style="width:180px;">Team</td><td class="hsn2">W</td><td class="hsn2">L</td><td class="hsn2">PCT</td><td class="hsn2">GB</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td><td class="hsn2">
</td></tr> <tr><td class="s1_l">New Orleans Dukes</td><td class="s1">82</td><td class="s1">73</td><td class="s1">.529</td><td class="s1">-</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td></tr> <tr><td class="s2_l">Los Lunas Javelinas</td><td class="s2">82</td><td class="s2">73</td><td class="s2">.529</td><td class="s2">-</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td></tr> <tr><td class="s1_l">Pawtucket Patriots</td><td class="s1">81</td><td class="s1">74</td><td class="s1">.523</td><td class="s1">1</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td><td class="s1">
</td></tr> <tr><td class="s2_l">Maine Guides</td><td class="s2">80</td><td class="s2">75</td><td class="s2">.516</td><td class="s2">2</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td><td class="s2">
</td></tr></tbody></table>
New Orleans Dukes

-The Dukes have had a tough go of it since their ace, R.J. Curtis went down in mid-June. Before his injury, the Dukes looked liked one of the top teams in the DL, going 40-24 before his injury. But since that time, the Dukes are just 42-50. The Dukes lean heavily upon their ability to create runs with the power of their bats. Their 195 home runs leads the BLB and they will need that offense to power into a spot in the playoffs.

Los Lunas Javelinas

-42-31 since the All-Star break, the Furry Pigs have the best record since the break, of all the DL teams that don't already own a playoff spot. Almost the exact opposite of the Dukes, Los Lunas relies on dominant pitching to win most of their games. Unfortunately, Los Javelinas have had a extremely tough September, going just 10-16 during the month.

Pawtucket Patriots

-Most experts counted the Patriots out earlier in the year, however, they have found maintained a groove since late July. Since 7/24, the Patriots have gone 39-22 and tied for the best record in the DL over that same period. Its definitely not the play of Harry Keppel that's keeping them in it, but Pawtucket is getting strong all-around play from guys like Deron Robinson and Murdoch Turcotte.

Maine Guides

-Despite the injuries all year, Maine still finds themselves with an outside chance of making the playoffs. A one man wrecking crew named Chamissa has kept them in it by himself. On first look, Maine doesn't really look like they should be in contention, but they play very well as a team. If the season was just a week longer, Maine would be getting big name guys like Geoff Scott, River Ross, and Tino Suarez back for an end of season run.

[Delandis]

For the record, I think Pawtucket takes it. They are on a tear and looking at their schedule: a resting Hartford and Maine. They may take all seven this week.

[Jistic]

The Clown, because they usually find a way no matter what to get to the post season. Just like they always find a way to lose once they're in.

[Z]

Los Lunas. They have a favorable last week and are already tied for the lead.

[funclown]

Going with Los Lunas.

New Orleans sucks on the road. Maine just doesn't have the horses in the end from all the injuries.

Despite the 7 game home stand Pawtucket's magic runs out. The bullpen is starting to fall apart as the 3 rule V draft class is hitting a wall. Technically we are in rebuilding mode.

FTR- Harry will not be on the team the final week. He's a cancer who's hopefully getting the hint is not welcomed and should hang it up! (We plant stories of his drug dependance in the local paper)

[Dave]

Yes, the one vote for New Orleans was me.

By any kind of statistical analysis, we are the longshot here. So it only makes sense that we would make it.

[Jimmy]

The Javs have the best shot with that 1 game lead (on the Ale) and 7 games at home, but I wouldn't bet against any of the teams in contention.

[Gyrodork]

Nice of you to do that write-up, brother Delandis.

Just a gut feeling, but I'm thinking Pawtucket or New Orleans. It's about time for the Dukes to get their mojo woikin'. And Pawtucket could do it just out of spite.

As for the Furry Pigs... We have been in a bit of a funk. I think the rotation may be getting a little tired, especially Harrison.

[Clay]

I have to take the Pigs. Shavermetrics liked them (but to be fair it also liked Mississippi and LOVED Davenport).

[Delandis]

I have to take the Pigs. Shavermetrics liked them (but to be fair it also liked Mississippi and LOVED Davenport).

And hated the Bulldogs.

[Clay]

Yeah, poor management by D'Port and DC really screwed the landscape of the IL. I have to add a factor for "owner apathy" in the equation next season.