SHL — Pennant Fever… Catch It! A Primer for the Stretch Run in the SHL

With 12 games left in the season, there are still 19 teams with a mathematical chance at continuing their season into the playoffs of the Seamheads Historical League.  Barring an ’07 Rockies-type run, the number of teams alive is a more realistic 15 but even that is optimistic for a few.  Here’s how the teams sit heading into the final two weeks of the season:

IN

Cleveland Indians (87-55, American Midwest Champions)

Ahead by 19 games over their next competitor — the Chicago White Sox — the Indians are a remarkable 56-26 since June 17th.  Staff ace Addie Jossis 17-11 with a 3.64 ERA and closer Doug Jones(2-2, 2.79 ERA) is second in the SHL in saves with 37.  Their powerful lineup, led by Joe Jackson(.336, league leading 50 doubles), is second in runs scored.  Slugger Albert Belleleads the team with 33 homers and 116 RBI.

Pittsburgh Pirates (87-55, National Association Champions)

Ed Morrishas 20 wins and Jesse Tannehill(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.  Despite a season-ending injury to Barry Bondsin mid-July, the Pirates haven’t missed a beat and slugger Willie Stargellhas been their offense with a .309 average, 36 homers and 130 RBI.  Those 130 RBI are the most in the SHL.

Boston Red Sox (92-50, Clinched at least Wild Card, 1st in American Atlantic — Magic Number 8 –)

Owners of the SHL’s best record, the Red Sox have pulled away from the Athletics with a 16-5 September record.  Cy Youngis in Cy Young contention with his spectacular 24-5 record and 2.60 ERA.  And Pedro Martinezand his 17-10 record and 218 strikeouts is no slouch either.  It’s no surprise that Ted Williams(.337), Tris Speaker(.333), and Wade Boggs(.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.  Despite his high ERA, Roger Clemenshas turned in an impressive 12-3 record in 18 starts to go along with his pedestrian 4.50 ERA.

IN (IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY)

Atlanta Braves (83-59, 1st in National Originals — Magic Number 7 –)

Six ahead of the Cubs and eight ahead of the Phillies, the Braves have distanced themselves from the pack with an impressive August run that has held through September.  Greg Maddux(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.  Also, Kid Nichols(15-8, 3.09 ERA) has been consistent from the mound.  Hank Aaronneeds just three homers and seven RBI for a 30-100 season while sluggers Eddie Mathews(29 dingers) and Fred McGriff(28 dingers) are also close to the 30-homer threshold.

Montreal Expos (74-68, 1st in Expansion Two — Magic Number 8 –)

If the workmanlike Expos can hold off the Padres who are five back, can they be the surprise team in the SHL?  The only Expos on the statistical leaderboard is Ron Huntwho owns the dubious distinction of most times hit by a pitch with 13 and Rusty Staub, fifth in on-base percentage at .421.  Pascual Perezleads the team with 15 wins and Pedro Martinezshould join his Boston clone with 200-plus strikeouts — he needs 9 more to hit that number.

Los Angeles Angels (66-76, 1st in Expansion One — Magic Number 10 –)

This division is still largely undecided with the only thing likely being the winner will have a losing record.  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.  Led by Mike Napoli(.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.  Dean Chance(15-13, 4.11 ERA) is the only starter with a winning record and while Nolan Ryan‘s 229 strikeouts are impressive, his league-leading 164 walks are definitely not.  And if Frank Tanana(2-8, 5.90 ERA) has anything to do with their playoff aspirations, the Halos could be in trouble.

Toronto Blue Jays (74-68, 1st in Expansion Three — Magic Number 11 –)

With a two-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.  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.  Not an easy route.  Carlos Delgadohas been a monster with a .323 average, 38 homers, and 107 RBI.  If he gets hot, he could held his club hold on to the top spot and pass Arizona/Colorado’s Troy Glausfor the home run crown.  Delgado also leads the league in slugging (.635) and OPS (1.051).

Oakland Athletics (87-55, 2nd in American Atlantic — Wild Card Magic Number 3 –)

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.  Rube Waddell(22-9, 3.07), Chief Bender(18-9, 3.40 ERA), and Lefty Grove(17-9, 3.39 ERA) form a formidable threesome but their bullpen — ranked 18th in ERA — leaves some doubt.  Both Jimmie Foxx(104) and Reggie Jackson(101) have eclipsed 100 RBI and Jackson has pounded 36 homers to go along with his .314 average.  Also, Eddie Collins(not Rickey Henderson) leads the SHL in steals with 75.

THE “REAL” CONTENDERS

Arizona/Colorado D-backs/Rockies (72-70, 2nd in Expansion Three — 2 Games Behind)

Statistically, this team has flash.  Troy Glausowns the league’s home run crown at the moment with 40 and starters Randy Johnson(253) and Curt Schilling(234) are second and third for the strikeout title behind Seattle’s “Big Unit.”  Johnson might win 20 — he’s 19-9 — and Larry Walker(at 99) should join Glaus (106) in the 100-RBI club.  Most importantly, the D-Rocks close with four against Florida/Tampa Bay, the league’s worst team.

Houston Astros (63-79, Tied 2nd in Expansion One — 3 Games Behind)

How bad is the Expansion One division?  The Astros, lacking a starter with a winning record, still have a shot at postseason glory.  Only Mike Scott(8-9, 3.97) has an ERA below 5.00 and the club owns a 5.10 ERA, good for 25th in the SHL.  Offensively, Lance Berkman(.298, 30 HR, 98 RBI) is the star.  They wrap up the season with four against the Mets who they are tied with for second place.  There’s a good chance these two mediocre clubs cancel each other out and hand the Angels the division crown.

New York Mets (63-79, Tied 2nd in Expansion One — 3 Games Behind)

Tom Seavermight be the division’s best pitcher at 16-12 with a 3.98 ERA.  And Johan Santana(2-13, 7.49 ERA) might be the worst.  This team has some offensive pop and Darryl Strawberryand his 33 homers and 103 RBI has led the offensive charge.  Even still, they are just 22nd in runs scored despite a club OPS of .759, good for 12th in the SHL.

Seattle Mariners (70-72, 3rd in Expansion Three — 4 Games Behind)

Good hitting and bad pitching have turned this club into a mediocre squad that still has an outside shot at the postseason.  Ken Phelpsleads the squad with 36 homers and 101 RBI and Ken Griffey Jr.‘s 31 dingers and 98 RBI aren’t far behind.  Edgar Martinez(.331), Ichiro(.327), and Raul Ibanez(.314) should all end the season above .300 with Alex Rodriguez(.297) having an outside shot to join them.  Starter Erik Hansonowns a surprising 15-10 record to go with his 4.54 ERA and Randy Johnson‘s only saving grace is his likelihood of being the SHL’s K man with 262.

San Diego Padres (69-73, 2nd in Expansion Two — 5 Games Behind)

The Padres own SHL’s best batting average, so it’s no surprise that Tony Gwynn(.367) is on the verge of capturing the batting title.  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.  Closer Trevor Hoffman‘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.  Steve Finleyhas already pounded out a surprising 108 RBI and Jake Peavyis eight strikeouts short of 200.  Bruce Hurst(17-9, 4.20 ERA) won’t get 20 wins but should be considered the All-Time Padres most effective pitcher.

Texas Rangers (61-81, 4th in Expansion One — 5 Games Behind)

The Rangers have the odd distinction of possibly making the playoffs or finishing with the 27th best record in the SHL.  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.  Al Oliveris making a late offensive splash and is currently on a 25-game hitting streak.  Alex Rodriguezand his 36 home runs and 114 RBI is their best offensive weapon.  On the mound, Bert Blylevenis first in wins with 13 and second in losses with 17 and has a shot to pass Gaylord Perry(6-18) and own the team lead in both columns.  No shock that Nolan Ryanhas 217 Ks to his name and a losing record (10-16).  Is anyone really surprised the Rangers own the SHL’s second worst pitching ERA at 5.36?

Chicago Cubs (77-65, 2nd in National Originals — 6 Games Behind)

Pythagorean W-L says the Cubs should be the division’s worst team but that hasn’t stopped them from hanging in the race.  Arguably the league’s worst offense, their top stat leaders are Billy Williams(.293 BA, 17 HR), Hack Wilson(17 HR), and Ryne Sandberg(70 RBI)…. YAWN!  Despite the lack of run support, Mordecai Brown(18-11, 2.99 ERA) is two wins away from a 20-win season.  Brown is due for a clunker, though — his last two starts were shutouts.  He leads the SHL in innings (277-1/3) and shutouts (4).  Closer Bruce Sutteris likely to be the league’s top fireman with a league-high 40 saves and a stingy 2.83 ERA.

MATHEMATICALLY ALIVE

Philadelphia Phillies (75-67, 3rd in National Originals — 8 Games Behind)

One of the best in the SHL in the first half, the Phillies dropped off and are nearly out of contention.  Steve Carlton(21-9, 2.88 ERA) has been the team’s ace and MVP.  Despite their relative power and tiny ballpark, no one on the club has managed 20 homers including team leader Ryan Howardwith 19.  Because of their disappointing offensive output, it looks like the league’s third best pitching staff will be home for the playoffs.

Milwaukee Brewers (66-76, 3rd in Expansion Two – 8 Games Behind)

Jeromy Burnitz and his 34 homers and 104 RBI has to be in the running for most surprising performances of the year.  The fact that Ben Sheetshas remained healthy en route to a 17-13 record and 4.85 ERA is pretty darn shocking, too.

Minnesota Twins (77-65, 3rd in American Atlantic – 10 Games Behind)

The Twins were respectable in the league’s toughest division and they might finish ahead of the Yankees.  That’s got to count for something, right?  Tony Olivais Gwynn’s biggest threat in the batting title race just .002 behind at .365.  Walter Johnsonmight get overlooked in the Cy Young race despite his 24-7 record and 2.77 ERA.  Joe Nathan‘s 34 saves and 2.13 ERA have gone largely unnoticed, too.

San Francisco Giants (71-71, 4th in National Originals — 12 Games Behind)

A Braves win or Giants loss and they are officially gone.  Willie McCoveypounded 34 home runs and knocked in 100 while Barry Bonds(.233/.385/.421) did a fairly decent Adam Dunn impression.  Other highlights included Willie Mays‘ 29-game hitting streak.

ELIMINATED (BUT NOT FORGOTTEN)

New York Yankees (74-68, 4th in American Atlantic)

Owning the league’s best offense wasn’t enough thanks to a sub-par pitching staff.  Lou Gehrig(.364-26-124) could win the batting title and a big final two weeks could even threaten for the RBI crown.  It’s hard to find a player more suited as the MVP of the league.  Babe Ruthpounded 36 homers and picked up 100 RBI to go with his .308 average.  It’s no wonder these two are one-two in postional player VORP — Gehrig (80.7) is first, Ruth (64.9) is second.  On the mound, it wasn’t all bad — Whitey Fordis 17-7 with a 4.22 ERA.

Los Angeles Dodgers (74-68, 2nd in National Association)

It’s worth mentioning Sandy Koufax‘s no-hitter one more time.  Koufax’s no-no wasn’t his only highlight — he was 17-10 with a 3.90 ERA and 227 strikeouts.  Maybe if closer Eric Gagne(5-12, 23 saves, 6.13 ERA) didn’t take such a beating, this club would still have hope.

St. Louis Cardinals (72-70, 3rd in National Association)

Called up in June, Harry Brecheenis on the verge of stealing the ERA title.  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.  Jim Edmonds(36 HR, 120 RBI) and Rogers Hornsby(.334 BA) — not Albert Pujols— have paced the offense.  The second-best Bruce Sutterin the SHL wasn’t half bad with 31 saves and a 1-3 record despite a high 4.15 ERA.

Chicago White Sox (68-74, 2nd in American Midwest)

The oddest club in the SHL.  What was more strange?  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.  Carlton Fiskand Frank Thomas(23 each) have accounted for more than half of Chicago’s homer totals with Magglio Ordonez‘s 12 the third highest.  On the pitching side, Eddie Cicotte(22-6, 2.46 ERA) is a Cy Young contender while Ed Walsh(9-22, 3.72 ERA) wishes he had Yankees-type offensive support.

Cincinnati Reds (62-80, 4th in National Association)

Better than their record, the Reds never really got things going.  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.  Joe Morganhas quietly put together a season worthy of the league’s fifth highest VORP at 58.1.

Detroit Tigers (61-81, Tied 3rd in American Midwest)

Ty Cobbis hitting .339 and Harry Heilmannis hitting .326 with 120 RBI.  A healthy(?) Joel Zumayacollected 29 saves.  Not bad for a 61-win team.

Baltimore Orioles (61-81, Tied 3rd in American Midwest)

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.  Frank Robinsonshould win the team Triple Crown with a .314 batting average, 29 homers and 105 RBI.

Kansas City Royals (56-86, 4th in Expansion Two)

Willie Wilson(57 steals) should be joined by Carlos Beltran(49 steals) in the 50-steal club but not much else is positive in K.C.  That’s not completely true — their bullpen ERA is fourth best in the SHL and Joakim Soria‘s 24 saves and 2.96 ERA are pretty decent, too.

Florida/Tampa Bay Marlin/Rays (46-96, 4th in Expansion Three)

Maybe Josh Beckettshould get some credit for showing up every day after posting a 4-21 record and 6.29 ERA.  A.J. Burnett(8-18, 6.33 ERA), James Shields(4-15, 5.30 ERA), and Kevin Brown(7-13, 5.20 ERA).  Minor Leaguers Carl Pavano, Brad Penny, Dontrelle Willis, Al Leiter, and Ryan Dempsterare wondering what they needed to do to get a look.  Carl Crawfordis the league leader in triples with 15 and also has 53 steals.  So, it wasn’t all bad.