With three teams tying for the leagues best record it was tough deciding #1. The Dirt Bags took the #3 spot due to a lower expected win percentage than the Astros and Swingers. I compared the stats between the Swingers and Astros and they were close with the Astros having a slight edge in hitting stats and the Swingers a slight edge in pitching stats. Ultimately it came down to the three game series against the two teams with the Swingers taking two of three.
1. Louisville Swingers - Its no surprise that the Swingers are #1. They have the leagues best era, and last seasons MVP Albert Johnson is off to a hot start. The NL South should be a good battle between the Astros, Swingers and Beach Bums.
2. Houston Astros - The Astros off to another fast start which is similar to last season. Last season they collapsed at the halfway point, but it appears this season may be different for the Astros. The Astros have made significant improvements to their defense. Last season they were dead last in most defensive categories, this season they are near the top of league. Steve Crow appears to be fully recovered from his season 6 elbow injury. He is 3 - 0 in 4 starts this season.
3. San Diego Dirt Bags - One of last seasons biggest surprises was the emergence of the Dirt Bags as a legitimate playoff contender. After 4 straight mediocre seasons Thomas maganed to turn the Dirt Bags into playoff contenders last season. This season they appear to be even better. They are currently tied for the leagues best record.
4. Toronto Blue Jays - Last season the Blue Jays struggled and finished last in the AL North. The Blue Jays have been one of the leagues best franchises since season 1, so they weren't going to stay down too long. It appears they are back and ready to battle for a division title in the AL North, one of the strongest divions in the league.
5. Detroit Detroit - Detroit was arguably the biggest surprise in the league last season. In Johns first season with the team he took them to the number one wild card spot in the AL. Detroit is currently in a tie with the Blue Jays for the lead in the AL North.
6. Milwaukee Brewers - Told you so. I knew the Brewers would be back. They are currently leading the NL North, the division voted to be toughest division in the NL. Are they better than the Cubs, and Reds? Probably not, but a wild card spot is realistic.
7. Monterrey Corn Dogs - After early season problems the Corn Dogs are back on track. It didnt take long for them to take over the top spot in the AL South. If they didn't have those early season issues they would probably be number 1 in the rankings.
8. Cincinnati Reds - The Reds at #8? They are too good to be #8, so they wont be here long. Is Yamil Pulido on steroids? I think they should go ahead and permantently engrave his name on the CY Young award.
9. Las Vegas Slobs - The Slobs at #9? There better than this. The last two seasons they started off slow. This season their not off to a slow start, but not a great start (not off to a great start based on the team that has 1 WS title and 1 AL title in the past 3 seasons). They will move up as the season progresses.
10. New York Yankees - Last season they were one of the more disappointing teams. This season the Yankees appear to have turned things around. These are pretty impressive stats - 8 seasons all .500 or better, 8 division titles.
Just missed the cut:
Cubs, Pork N Beans, Community College, Royals, Mayhem.
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