All Star Break NL West Update

Here is my All Star Break Edition of the Around the League Update for the NL West.-toe64

I could make this an easy update and simply say "The Sim has decided Seattle is going to win the NL West and that the other three teams are contending for high draft picks.", and be done with it. But what fun is there in that....

Seattle has taken hold of their destiny going into the All-Star break 58-33. We can only hope the break will fatigue their 6 All-Stars to help slow them down for the second half, but that is doubtful. Since our last update, the Strikers have gone 34-17 over their last 51 games taking a commanding 10 game lead in the division. Pitching continues to be the key to their success leading all of Pine Tar in nearly every pitching category. Alex Guerrero 12-2, John Rucker 11-3, Miguel Rivera 9-3, and Darren Banks 7-3 all have sub 3.00 ERA's with Rucker under 2.00 ERA. Don't let their average looking Team Batting stats fool you. They outscored opponents 234-143 in this last 51 game stretch and they also lead the league in number of pitches per plate appearance, a patient bunch! I predict Seattle wins the NL West without much challenge and becomes either the #1 or #2 seed in the NL playoffs.

Colorado Springs has continued to solidify it's place in mediocrity. Going 26-25 since the last report and heading into the break at 48-43 and wishing the playoffs started today. While starting pitching has improved, they were dealt a huge blow as up and coming rookie Caleb Einertson (pre-injury health rating of 74) injured his elbow requiring surgery and is out for the season. SP Bill Kydd is having a break out season at 8-3 and 2B Juan Perez will make his third All-Star appearance (the only All-Star from CSP). I predict the Night Watchmen will be "watching" once again come playoff time.

Albuquerque has moved up to 3rd place in the standings going above .500 in the last 51 games at 26-25. They still have glimmers of hope for a wildcard spot, heading into the All-Star break with a 3 game sweep of NL East leader Philadelphia. Pitching continues to be their weak spot while hitting is carrying the day with 1B Bert Heismann in the top 15 NL hitters in AVE, RBI, and Slugging %. I predict the Komodo Dragons will continue to be close enough to smell a Wildcard spot but ultimately fall short. However, they may contend for 2nd Place in the division.

Finally, the Oklahoma City Prairie Dogs fell further into their holes with a 15-36 record over the last 51 games, heading into the break at 31-60. That being said, they currently have a 2 game lead for the top draft pick over the New York Damage Controllers. I predict no less than a top five draft pick for Season 23.