Murky Water
Week 16: One thing can be said about the run for the playoffs in 2004, anyone can win. There are still six teams vieing for the final four playoff spots. One of the more surprising teams is the Providence Plague, who after scoring another 300 points in a victory over Cranville (304-187), move only one game away from clinching the Venus Division, currently lead by the Rocko Leopards.
After a mid-season slump, the Plague have amassed a 5-1 record over the past six weeks with notable wins over Chicago and Rocko. Led by the Big Unit and Olivar Perez pitching great ball, Providence has been able to open up the bats and drive in some runs.
In week 17, the Plague face off for the Venus Division Championship against the Rocko Leopards. This game could very well have huge repercussions throughout the league's wildcard race if Providence wins and force's Rocko and their 9-8 record into the wildcard bracket. With four other teams tied at 9-7 entering the final week of the season and none playing each other, it is a must win for all the teams left in order to stay alive.
Michigan 313, Seattle 101
Two of the teams now tied after week 16 are the Twinkies and the Skunks. This was a very important game for the Slugs, who needed this game to stay alive for the Mars Division crown. The Slugs lost a lot of points mid-week and looked like they were going to challenge for the lowest weekly score in league history. This puts next weeks game for the Slugs, against Mars Champion Hummels Wharf, into the must win. They are now trailing the Twinkies in overall fantasy points, the first tiebreaker for Wildcard. Both teams control their own destiny for a playoff spot. Win and they are in. If either Guam or Atlanta lose, they are assured a playoff spot also.
Guam 199, Miami 176
The closest game of the week, spelled the end for a great Hustler late run at a playoff spot. Both teams needed the win to have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. The Hustlers look to play spoiler against division foe Atlanta next week, a game that could very well cost more than $1. Guam has a tough road to make the playoffs. Not only do they face the Pluto Champion, Chicago, in week 17 but they must also outscore both Atlanta, and possibly Rocko in the case of a loss by all three teams. The Leopards currently hold a 70 point lead over both teams in the season fantasy point standings.
Chicago 268, Atlanta 187
Chicago completed their three game sweep over thier division foe knocking out Atlanta's chance to completely control their own destiny. This game was a game the Force wanted bad, in order to make an arguement that they should be the Pluto Champion due to a better overall record, but they fell short with their disappointing performance. Atlanta moves into a near deadlock tie with Guam in the overall fantasy point standings, which could have a big effect on the wildcard race if both teams win or lose.
Hummels Wharf 329, Dundee 225
One of the best weeks Dundee has had all season, fell short of the Braves determination to earn the Mars Crown, and the #1 seed in the playoffs. With the #1 seed, the Braves have earned a first round bye. Hummels Wharf has been once again a dominating force this season and with the most fantasy points on the season, look to be the frontrunner to win the first Sol Series with the league at 12 teams.
Wisconsin 300, Rocko 233
Wisconsin had a rough time handling the move up the 12 teams. The Sol Series runner-up last year, the Wannabes have stuggled for most of the season. They have made a late run, but got eliminated from playoff contention just this week with the Michigan and Guam victories. They are playing for pride, and a couple extra points in the PWFSI Interleague Championship race.
Rocko who started out hot, stand on the verge of losing the Venus crown that looked to be wrapped up earlier in the season. They play in what will turn out to be the Venus Division Championship game in week 17. Although they still have a shot at the playoffs if they lose, they must hope that both Atlanta and Guam drop their games and can't catch up to the Leopards in the season fantasy point standings.
The race for the playoffs has just begun.
