Almost a week without a post. Hey, if you haven’t noticed, it’s a busy time of the year.
We’re almost there, really … a couple more group previews, some last-minute adjustments and we’ll be able to play ball at last. In fact, there will be some exhibition games taking place this weekend.
I think it will be well worth the wait, as we will have basically every significant player, at least the ones who qualified for their teams. The Strat-O-Matic Negro leagues set has surpassed even the very high expectations, and so our timing has been most fortuitous.
OK. As Lewis and Clark may have said, on to the Pacific. California is alone at the top here, but Japan is clearly an outstanding team, and certainly one to watch for in the tournament portion. Japan is in here because there aren’t that many Western states, with some combining to form teams, and as we mentioned last time, the international group had no vacancies.
Because of pitching, I think the smaller combo teams here are better than most and this group might not be as one-sided as it appears. I don’t think there’s a ton of upset potential, but the teams at the top of this crew will have to work harder for their wins.
1. California. Can’t wait to play the outfield of Bonds, DiMaggio and Williams. I think if we were playing a full season with the best teams, they’d win. I’m not so sure about the tournament, however.
2. Japan. Not really a sleeper because they won the 2006 and 2009 WBC tournaments. But just to remind everyone, they’re real good.
3. Oregon. The battle for third is going to be interesting. In time, Washington may nudge ahead on their young pitchers. But for now I like the Oregonians.
4. Washington. Probably will get in the tournament anyway, and really it’s a coin flip for third.
5. Yellowstone. Killebrew and some solid pitching could help the Bison sneak up on the previous two in the short-season format.
6. Alaska/Hawaii. Great rotation, but lack of offense will keep the 59ers from being more than a pain-in-the-neck factor in the Pacific.
Next: The South rises again.