XBL Semifinals and box scores
(1) Minnesota vs. (5) Sacramento   SAC 4-1
(3) Las Vegas vs. (7) Oklahoma      OKL 4-2

2010 XBL World Series and box scores
(5) Sacramento vs. (7) Oklahoma     SAC 4-3
 

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 9/26
HOME AT THE CRACKERBOX -- QUAKES WIN FIRST TITLE
(Commissioner's note: This series ended on September 14. Sorry about being late with this report.)

After many hard playoff exits dating back to their ABL days when their current manager Robin Ventura was their third baseman, the Sacramento Quakes got that monkey off thier back, defeating the Oklahoma Rockhunds in a hard-fought, seven game series in which the home team won every game for their first-ever championship.

"I remember seeing the interview where someone in our front office and the fans were saying they'd be surprised to see us win 20 games this season," Ventura stated as he posed with the XBL World Championship trophy. "I'd say we did OK to meet that expectation, don't ya think?"

The Sacramento Quakes, who are being brought under the financial wing of Trump International, had The Donald in attendance for the final two games of the series. 

"I don't know baseball that well," Trump said in a post-series interview. "But this championship is yyyuge for this community and for this storied franchise, and I look forward to working with both the Atlantic City and Sacramento franchises moving forward."

The title series opened at the Crackerbox with a pre-series and pre-game concert from both longtime Quakes partner LL Cool J and new partner Sir Mix A Lot, who both performed at every game in Sacramento for the series. Other former Quakes players, such as Jay Buhner, Dave Wilson, and Marquis Grissom among others were in attendance. Zack Grienke took the hill for the Rockhounds against Chris Carpenter for the home Quakes. The Quakes responded to a run by the Rockhounds in the third inning with two of their own, and followed suit again in the sixth inning. Carpenter went seven strong innings before letting the suspect bullpen close the 4-3 opening game win.

The Quakes tagged Jered Weaver for a pair of first inning runs in game two, The Rockhounds bats showed up in the fourth inning, with a Josh Hamilton three-run blast, and extended the lead to 6-2 in the fifth inning on Justin Morneau and Ryan Raburn RBIs. But the Quakes weren't done. They tacked on a run of their own in the fifth, and followed with three more in the sixth when Andre Ethier smacked a three-run shot of his own to tie the game. The game stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth, when Ichiro ended the game with a two-run home run. The Quakes hit four home runs in the game to take a 2-0 series lead to Oklahoma.

Sacramento looked to keep the momentum going by sending Clay Buccholz to the mound for game three against Johan Santana. Both starters pitched pretty well, the only run in the first five innings scored by the Rockhounds. Two innings later, Sacramento responded with a two-run home run by Nelson Cruz, and adding another run in the eighth to take a 3-1 lead. Oklahoma went off for five runs in the bottom half of the eighth and Andrew Bailey came in to shut the door and give Oklahoma their first win of the series.

Game four saw both teams tee off early and often against the opposition. Sacramento scores a run in each of the first four innings, while Oklahoma waited until the third inning, but came through with four runs of their own, and three more in the fourth, knocking out Sacramento starter Freddy Garcia after only 3 1/3 innings. Their run in the fifth inning was the last scored in this game, and Oklahoma tied the series, turning the series into a best-of-three.

With the Quakes reeling after the preceeding two days, and both aces taking the ball to start the game, Oklahoma looked like they wanted to go for the kill, scoring twice in the third inning, but Sacramento had other ideas, getting another three-run blast from Cruz. Oklahoma small-balled their way to the tying run in the bottom of the fifth, and another in the sixth, allowing Boone Logan and Bailey to close the rest of the game for the 4-3 win, sending the series back to California up three games to two.

The series back in Sacramento, John Danks had a much better outing for the Quakes, getting 7 1/3 innings, and allowing three runs. Meanwhile the batters did their part, with Miguel Cabrera knocking in three runs in this game, and Ichiro scoring two of the team's six runs. Hamilton got a pair of solo home runs in this game, but it wasn't enough, as Oklahoma couldn't keep runners on base, and Sacramento tied the series with a 6-4 win.

In the decisive seventh game, Ventura gave Buccholz the ball. "I told him, this is your game," Ventura recalled. "The guys around you right now will do their part, you take care of their hitters." 

He did just that going the distance, allowing one run on six hits and striking out eight, while the batters gave him a quick three run lead, and added two more along the way, ending the series with a 5-1 victory and putting the cap on the franchise's first championship in their 15-year history.

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 9/4
RAINING ON VEGAS' PARADE - WORLD SERIES SET
The 2011 XBL World Series matchup is now set. The Sacramento Quakes swiftly kicked the top-seeded Minnesota Marshals out of the Crackerbox, winning all three home games and taking the first semifinal 4 games to 1.

Their opponent has won two titles in the last three years. The Oklahoma Rockhounds won the title in their first season in the XBL in 2008, and also won the last IBE championship in 2007. They did that by stopping Vegas while at home, thereby stopping the Craps from winning on the road, something they've done quite well this season. 

The Quakes have been to this point twice before, in 2004 and again in 2007, losing both times to New Jersey. Now the Quakes take their show against Oklahoma's strong lineup. A cursory look at both teams will suggest that this could be an incredibly high scoring series. Sacramento will have to try and avoid using their bullpen as much as possible, while Oklahoma will attempt to do what they've done throughout these playoffs -- Outhit, outscore and outlast the other team. 

The 11th XBL World Series is set to start on Wednesday.

Posted by SDX International on 9/3
The Craps had a great start in the original Game 6, then somehow ... got RAINED OUT ... in ... Vegas. How the hell does that happen?

"Well, I'm not surprised we couldn't win at home, but more than a little surprised we couldn't win more than one on the road," Craps manager Richard Cheese said. "That said, think we did OK this year. Did a lot better than I thought we'd do this season."

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 8/27
BOTH SERIES SPLIT
Both semifinal series are tied at one game apiece heading to the other venues for games 3, 4 and 5. Here's the quick recap of both series to date:

Sacramento Quakes at Minnesota Marshals
The Quakes quickly adapted to General Mills Stadium and became one of a very few teams to solve Marhsals' ace Felix Hernandez in game one. Ichiro led off the game with a base hit, but it was Nelson Cruz knocking in Chase Utley to give the Quakes a 1-0 lead. The Quakes added to their lead in the fourth inning, where they tacked on two more runs as Derrek Lee doubled in Cruz and Evan Longoria, and Utley followed in the sixth with a solo home run. Clay Buccholz tossed a three-hit shutout to give the Quakes a quick 1-0 series lead.

Game two started much like game one did, with the Quakes grabbing the early lead with a Longoria home run. Minnesota came back in the sixth with two runs of their own to make the score 2-1 Minnesota. In the ninth inning, Angel Cabrera brought in Andre Ethier to tie the game at two. Quakes starter Chris Carpenter started the ninth inning, but gave up a baserunning early on and was relieved by Phil Coke, who got two outs, but Freddy Sanchez got a base hit, bringing in Mike Morse to win the game, sending the series back to the Crackerbox tied at one game each. In game three, the expected starters are John Danks for Sacramento duelling with Ubaldo Jimenez for Minnesota.

Oklahoma Rockhounds at Las Vegas Craps
The Rockhounds' htiting prowess showed up early in this series. Martin Prado and Ryan Raburn each took Vegas starter Colby Lewis deep in the first two innings, giving Oklahoma the early 2-0 lead. The game stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth, when an Adrian Beltre home run started a rally in which seven Craps hitters came to the plate, and ended with Nick Markakis knocking in Adam Kennedy on a base hit to give the home Craps the 1-0 series lead.

The Rockhounds then took a page out of the New Jersey playbook and got serious in game two. Johan Santana held the Craps batters silent for eight innings, while the hitters clobbered the parade of seven Vegas pitchers that appeared in this game for a decisive 9-0 win to head back home with a 1-1 series split.

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 8/18
ON TO THE SEMIFINALS
All four quarterfinal series ended before reaching a deciding fifth game. A strong Atlantic City team was felled by an incredible Oklahoma lineup, while the defending champions are defending no more, and the Craps used one of the league's best road records to advance past the top two pitchers while north of the border. As a result, all three western division playoff teams have advanced to the semifinal round, and no more eastern division teams remain. Here's the recap of games three and four in the quarterfinals:

Minnesota Marshals at Orlando Rage
Roy Oswalt took the hill for the Rage, who were against the wall against the league's best squad. Minnesota responded with Mat Latos. Oswalt did what he could, going eight innings, and only giving up two runs in the third inning, but the home team's bats were held quiet, only garnering one hit, a double from Andres Torres that knocked in Raul Ibanez in the sixth inning. Minnesota's bullpen held the Rage and earned the sweep with the 2-1 road win.

"Sheesh.....We could have at least tried to pretend we knew how to hit," former manager Dennis Scott said from his seat in the upper deck of Rage Stadium. 

Manager Stewie Griffin also vowed to "Clean house" after this game. 

"Qualifying for extra games is well and good, but our death continues to be quick and painful. We need to build a team that others will rue. No expense shall be spared!"

New Jersey Rhinos at Sacramento Quakes
The Quakes stand to possibly pull off what Calgary did last season -- Beat three of Jason's teams on the way to winning the XBL World Series. Sacramento took the first step toward that, taking down the Rhinos to sweep through to the semifinals. 

Dan Haren went eight innings for the Rhinos and gave up only three hits before being pulled for Francisco Rodriguez to close a close 1-0 game. Unfortunately, the Quakes picked the ninth inning to start hitting the ball. Ichiro got on base, and was knocked in by Nelson Cruz to tie the game with two out. After Evan Longoria's single moved Cruz to third, and Derrick Lee walked, the bases were loaded. Catcher Yorvit Torrealba never had to take the bat off his shoulder because Rodriguez tossed a pitch about three feet wide of the plate (Juuuuuuuuusst a bit outside) allowing Cruz to score the winning run and end the series on a wild pitch of all things. Sacramento will take on Minnesota in the semifinals. Minnesota won the season series 2 games to 1.

Las Vegas Craps at Calgary Cowboys
The Craps came into Calgary with the series split at two games apiece, and one the league's best road records (22-11). They faced Calgary ace Trevor Cahill who rather looked as if he just came from vomiting before starting his first postseason game. Las Vegas sent Dallas Braden to the mound, who promptly allowed two runs to the Cowboys' bats in the first inning. Cahill remained calm through the first few innings, but the wheels came flying off in the third inning, and before the fourth inning ended, Cahill had been replaced on the mound, and the Craps had a 6-2 lead. The Craps added three more eff-you runs in the ninth in the 9-3 win. All but two of the Craps' starters scored a run in this game, and put the Cowboys on the brink of elimination, which they'd faced last season in the first round.

Game four didn't go much better for the home team. Starting pitcher Tommy Hanson only lasted a third of an inning longer than Cahill the previous night, and the Craps had a 5-0 lead before the Calgary bats started hitting Jeremy Guthrie's pitches. Calgary did draw to within a run, but the Vegas bullpen put the defending champions to sleep for the season as the Craps' bats added another run to win the game 6-4 and the series three games to one.

Atlantic City Trumps at Oklahoma Rockhounds
Oklahoma was coming off a strong 8-4 win in Atlantic City in game two, and looked to carry that momentum back to Purina Park in Oklahoma City. Jamie Garcia took the mound for the Rockhounds against veteran Jon Garland for the Trumps. The Trumps got the first strike in the second inning on an Orlando Hudson base hit, but the lead was short lived. Oklahoma score a run in each of the next three innings, giving the Rockhounds a lead they wouldn't relinquish, taking a 2-1 series lead. 

The bad news for the Trumps is they were facing Zack Grienke, one of the league's best playoff starters. Ryan Dempster took the ball for the Trumps, but only lasted 5 2/3 innings before being pulled with the Trumps down 3-0. The Trumps were only able to scatter seven hits thoughout this game against Grienke, who went eight innings, without allowing a run. Andrew Bailey slammed the door shut on the Trumps' 2010 campaign, and Oklahoma go through to the semifinals, where they get the Las Vegas Craps. The Craps won the season series between the two teams 4-2, but the Rockhounds have much more playoff experience. The Craps haven't really been a relevant playoff team since they won the 2003 IBE title as the Havana Cigars.

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 8/13
XBL QUARTERFINALS: SDX TEAMS IN TROUBLE
The first two games in all quarterfinal series are in the books, and the playoffs have already featured some late-game heroics, as well as a near-no hitter. Here's a brief recap of the playoff series as they stand:

Orlando Rage at Minnesota Marshals
Orlando slipped back late in the season, and that was a worry of manager Stewie Griffin heading into their series at General Mills Stadium in St. Paul. Minnesota, holders of the best overall record, sent thier ace Felix Hernandez to start the first game of the series against the more experienced Andy Pettitte taking the hill for Orlando. "The Manimal" David Wright got things going early, hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against Hernandez, and Pettitte held that lead until the eighth inning, when he was pulled for closer Heath Bell. Pinch runner Coco Crisp stole second and third bases, and Mike Morse knocked in the run. Adam Dunn tied the game in the ninth with a solo home run, and Crisp's speed (and third stolen base of the game) set up Rajai Davis' 10th inning game-winning RBI to give the Marshals the 1-0 series lead.

Minnesota snet Ubaldo Jimenez to start game two against C.J. Wilson. Once again, the Rage had a lead late in the game, and once again, Bell blew the save opportunity, as the Marshals scored three in the bottom of the ninth inning to steal another game from Orlando. Game three is in Orlando, where the expected starters are Roy Oswalt for Orlando, against Mat Latos for Minnesota, who has the oppotunity for the sweep.

Sacramento Quakes at New Jersey Rhinos
"If there's one team in these playoff that really scare me, It's these Sacramento Quakes."

-- New Jersey Rhinos' manager Rick Leach

It seems Leach's fears were well-founded, as the Quakes' starting pitchers were able to hold the leads their strong lineup gave them. Clay Buccholz took the ball for Sacramento in game one against Cole Hamels. Both starters held the opposition silent for the first six innings, but Derrek Lee broke the scoreboard silence with a cracking home run to give the Quakes a 3-0 lead. Buccholz took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning, before Danny Valencia broke up the no-hitter with two outs in the ninth inning. Buccholz finished the game a batter later, and Sacramento had a 1-0 series lead on the road.

Game two started the same way game one did, this time with Chris Carpenter throwing zeroes for Sacramento, and Jonathan Sanchez doing the same for New Jersey. Again the first six innings were scorless, and again a Sacramento home run broke the radio silence, this time off the bat of Evan Longoria. Valencia responded more quickly than last game, tying the game in the bottom of the seventh with a home run of his own. Miguel Cabrera smacked a two-run shot in the top of the ninth, and Ramon Ramirez shut down the Rhinos, sending this series to the Crackerbox with the Quakes leading 2 games to none.

Calgary Cowboys at Las Vegas Craps
Both teams were using their top starters in trying to win their division and/or hold a playoff spot in the final week of the regular season, so the opening game starting matchup of Ricky Romero for the defending champions vs. Colby Lewis wasn't the most stellar of the first round slate. However, the Craps' bats had something to say about that -- ten runs and 18 hits later, the Craps had the first game well in hand with a 10-1 win. Lewis went eight strong innings, allowing only three hits and getting five strikeouts in the win.

The Calgary starting pitchers' problems continued in game two. Cowboys' starter Brett Anderson was knocked out after 5 1/3 innings. Vegas starter Max Scherzer was pulled in the seventh, after giving up two runs that tied the game. The Cowboys' continued the beatdown of the Craps' bullpen, notching five runs in the seventh inning. Calgary went on to win the game 7-5, sending the series north of the border tied at a game each.

Oklahoma Rockhounds at Atlantic City Trumps
The league's best bullpen was well used in shortening the closer games at the Trump Colosseum. Jeff Weaver and Adam Wainwright were given the ball for Oklahoma and Atlantic City, respectively, to open the series. Atlantic City opened the scoring with a two-run third inning, and added another to make the score 3-0 after six. Pete Rose then turned to his bullpen as Joel Zumaya handled the seventh inning, Brian Fuentes the eigth and an out in the ninth before allowing two runs, before Mariano Rivera slammed the door shut on the Rockhounds to cap the series opener for the Trumps.

Oklahoma's strong offense showed up in game two, beating down Trumps starter Clayton Kershaw for six runs in the first two innings, and while the Trumps' bats were getting plenty of hits against Johan Santana, Oklahoma added another two runs to take the second game with their offensive prowess 8-4. Game three will be in Oklahoma tied at a game each, with Freddy Garcia scheduled to take the hill for Oklahoma against Jon Garland for Atlantic City.

Posted by ASPN Insider on 8/7
2010 XBL PLAYOFFS PREVIEW
Only nine games separate the eight playoff teams this season in what has been one of the most contested seasons of the season. Here's a brief look at the first round series, which is a best-of-five series:

(1) Minnesota Marshals (Jason) vs. (8) Orlando Rage (Scott)
A rematch of the 2006 XBL World Series, this marks the second straight season the Marshals have grabbed the top seed in the playoffs, and a cursory look at their team one can tell why -- They have the best pitcher in the league (Felix Hernandez) and The Gift (Albert Pujols). Those two have been worth several wins over any replacement and will drive the Marshals against the Rage. The Rage have backlid into the playoffs, having only won 4 of their last ten games. That's a lot to overcome to beat the Marshals, a team that has won two games in every three this season.

(4) New Jersey Rhinos (Jason) vs. (5) Sacramento Quakes (Brian)
Neither manager thought much of their team going into the 2010 XBL Draft, but after about 10 weeks, both realized how good their respective teams really were. Sacramento battled Vegas to the final day of the season for their division championship. The bad news for the Quakes is that they must now hit the road to face one of this league's best home teams. The Rhinos are 21-12 when the Get Serious (tm) at home this season, but the Quakes have the same record on the road. The Rhinos have the playoff tradition, and the league's best team offense, both by runs scored and batting average, but has failed a bit with their pitching staff, finishing in the bottom third of the league in ERA. Sacramento is third in the league in both hitting and pitching, but must be able to fill their late-game relief pitching problem to advance.

(3) Las Vegas Craps (Scott) vs. (6) Calgary Cowboys (Bruce)
The Craps did not get their wish. They won their division, which was great, but must play at home, a place they haven't especially played well this season, holding a mere 17-16 record at Exotica Field. Calgary is the defending league champions, and face a similar uphill battle in this season's playoffs. They've played equally well at home as on the road, and hold the best overall pitching staff statistically in this league, with a league-topping 3.07 team ERA this season. Both teams can shut down the other in the late innings, and this along with the New Jersey-Sacramento series has the potential to be the best of the bunch in the first round.

(2) Atlantic City Trumps (Brian) vs. (7) Oklahoma Rockhounds (Jason)
Unlike thier Trump International partners, the Trumps fully expected to be here this season, and actually improved on last year's performance, being much more consistent this season, and winning 40 games on their way to the team's first ever division title. Clay Buccholz tied for the league's best win total from the mound, and he'll need it to get around one of the best offensive lineups in the league, and features the league's best bat, the .408 hitting Josh Hamilton. The Rockhounds need to send a shot to their pitching, which has been mediocre at best this season to get past the Trumps in the first round. 

Posted by Commissioner's Office on 8/7
BASE DRAFT ORDER FOR 2011 SEASON
The first ten teams (non-playoff teams) will be in the draft lottery to determine the first three picks overall.

1. San Jose Stealth
2. Wichita Tornadoes
3. Buffalo Bolts
4. Omaha Rowdies
5. Birmingham Bombers
6. Nashville Slammers
7. Memphis Maniax
8. Tucson Cacti
9. Indiana Stars
10. Rhode Island Peanuts

11. Orlando Rage
12. Oklahoma Rockhounds
13. Calgary Cowboys
14. Sacramento Quakes
15. New Jersey Rhinos
16. Las Vegas Craps
17. Atlantic City Trumps
18. Minnesota Marshals

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 8/7
2010 FINAL PITCHING STAT LEADERS
WINS - Clay Buccholz, Atlantic City; Felix Hernandez, Minnesota, 12
ERA STARTING - Felix Hernandez, 1.82
INNINGS PITCHED, STARTING - Felix Hernandez, Minnesota, 119.0
COMPLETE GAMES - Roy Halladay, Tucson, 8
SHUTOUTS - Clayton Richard, Rhode Island; Roy Oswalt, Orlando, 4
STRIKEOUTS, STARTNG - Felix Hernandez, Minnesota, 133
HITS/9 INNINGS, STARTING - Roy Halladay, Tucson, 5.0
WALKS/9 INNINGS, STARTING - Roy Halladay, Tucson; Cliff Lee, Indiana, 1.3
SAVES - Brian Wilson, Calgary, 16
ERA RELIEVING - Joe Thatcher, New Jersey, 0.40
INNINGS PITCHED, RELIEVING - Matt Boggs, San Jose, 51.2
STRIKEOUTS, RELIEVING - Joakim Soria, Nashville, 58
HITS/9 INNINGS, RELIEVING - Darren Oliver, Tucson, 4.6
WALKS/9 INNINGS, RELIEVING - Wilton Lopez, Las Vegas, 1.1

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 8/7
2010 FINAL BATTING STAT LEADERS
BATTING AVERAGE - Josh Hamilton, Oklahoma, .408
SLUGGING AVERAGE - Josh Hamilton, Oklahoma, .791
ON BASE PERCENTAGE - Josh Hamilton, Oklahoma, .465
RUNS - Jose Bautista, Rhode Island, 55
RUNS BATTED IN - Albert Pujols, Minnesota, 63
HITS - Ichiro Suzuki, Sacramento, 85
DOUBLES - Robinson Cano, Oklahoma, 26
TRIPLES - Carlos Gonzalez, Wichita, 6
HOME RUNS - Jose Bautista, Rhode Island, 23
WALKS - Jose Bautista, Rhode Island, 63
STOLEN BASES - Brett Gardner, Atlantic City, 24

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 8/7
FINAL WEEK MADNESS RE-SHUFFLES PLAYOFF PACK
Though there were three teams on the outside of the playoff field with a shot of getting in when the week started, they were all eliminated after they'd all played their second game of their series. Tucson was eliminated in the first game, taking a loss to Wichita, but had a strong finish and won the last two to finish .500 for the season. Indiana took a shot by losing their first game to New Jersey and Rhode Island had won their first game against Buffalo. By virtue of the losses by both Indiana and Rhode Island on day two, both teams were eliminated, even though Calgary had ensured their playoff spot by taking down Orlando for the second time. 

All that was left for the final day of the XBL's 11th regular season was to work out the seeding for the playoffs, and decide the western division title. Vegas and Sacramento, the tied teams were starting thier games simultaneously. Vegas won thier game, and San Jose took a game from Sacramento, giving Vegas the western division title. New Jersey's two wins also allowed the Rhinos to pass the Quakes for the fourth seed as well. 

The four brothers will duke it out for an XBL championship this season, before they take their battle to the golf course in October for the 18th Bro-O.

Posted by Gail on 8/7
OMAHA UNABLE TO FINISH STRONG
The Marshals' pitching and speed proved to be too much for the Rowdies in the final week of the season, but the Rowdies were able to take one game. 

"The first game we had chances, but they kept putting up numbers," commented Rowdies manager Tony Oliva.  "It's just weird, why in the world would [Adam] Dunn pick this game to get 2 of his hits he usually gets in what about 60 games! The kids looked good though, that Pence fella could really be something and Barton and Pagan, we're expectin' great thin's from those boys", Oliva concluded.

Omaha couldn't prevent being handed their 40th loss of the season, but as Oliva mentioned, better things are ahead for the Rowdies with the right offseason strategy.

Posted by Trump International on 8/6
OWNERSHIP MERGER ANNOUNCED
Trump International, which has been the ownership group of the Atlantic City Trumps, announced it has now also taken ownership of the Sacramento Quakes on the next-to-final day of the regular season. Trump is also reportedly interested in picking up a third franchise, as they're clearing space on Staten Island for an unnamed project, possibly a baseball stadium.

The leadership groups within each franchise will remain intact. That is, Robin Ventura will continue as Quakes manager, and Pete Rose will stay as Trumps manager. The managing partners, LL Cool J, Sir Mix-A-Lot for the Quakes, and Bill Mauldin for the Trumps are also staying on. The Trumps will be incorporating the golden T logo that is the symbol of everything Trump.

Posted by SDX International on 8/5
VEGAS WINS TWO
We can only hope the Quakes sweep and win the division so we can play on the road.

NOTE: Nope that didn't happen, and even if it did. Vegas would have likely been the #4 seed and playing at home, anyway.

Posted by ASPN Insider on 7/31
CURRENT PLAYOFF STANDING
1. Minnesota Marshals (1)          42-21
2. Atlantic City Trumps              39-24
3. Las Vegas Craps                   37-26
4. New Jersey Rhinos                36-27
5. Sacramento Quakes               36-27
6. Oklahoma Rockhounds           35-28
7. Orlando Rage                       34-29
8. Calgary Cowboys                  34-29
--------------------------------------------------
9. Indiana Stars                       33-30
10. Rhode Island Peanuts          32-31
11. Tucson Cacti                      31-32

Posted by ASPN Final Score on 7/31
36 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
With nothing left to lose, the worst five teams in the league (Buffalo, Birmingham, Omaha, Wichita and San Jose) all won their respective series last week against teams that are either playoff bound or were attemptng to lock down their playoff spots. The result was that three more teams clinched their playoff spots, one series whose winner will punch thier playoff pass, and in all, six teams fighting for the remaining three playoff spots and a team getting to 36 wins will get to the postseason this year. Here's the summary of the playoff chances:

MINNESOTA (at Omaha week 22): Kept their pattern of winning two out of three games every week. The Marshals have clinched the central division, and will lock down the top seed in the playoffs with either a win or an Atlantic City loss in the final week.

ATLANTIC CITY (vs. Memphis): Lost thier series against Buffalo last week, and is a baby step from winning their first division title in team history. Either one win against the Maniax or one loss from the Rhinos will give manager Pete Rose his first division championship. There is an outside shot at winning top overall seed, but that would take an Atlantic City sweep coupled with an Omaha sweep of Minnesota.

LAS VEGAS (vs. Oklahoma): Locked down their playoff spot, despite dropping two games in Sacramento last week. The Craps are still in the driver's seat in the western division, and take the division with either a sweep of Oklahoma, or two wins and one Sacramento loss, or one win and two Sacramento losses.

SACRAMENTO (vs. San Jose): Got a favorable final week series from the schedulemakers, and won their playoff spot by virtue of the fact that Calgary and Orlando face each other this week and are currently tied for the last playoff spot. They can win the western division by sweeping San Jose and getting one Vegas loss, or two wins and two Vegas losses.

OKLAHOMA (at Las Vegas):  Got a wake up call last week by getting swept at home by Wichita. That leaves the Rockhounds still looking to earn their playoff spot. They will do just that if they win one game and get one loss from Indiana this week. The Rockhounds also have an outside shot at the division title as well, though that'll take a sweep in Vegas as well as at least two Sacramento losses.

NEW JERSEY (at Indiana): Took a sweep from the Rhode Island Peanuts last week, but clinched their playoff berth anyway. It left the Rhinos as long shots to win the eastern division. They can do it, but they need to win all three games from the Stars and get three wins by Memphis over Atlantic City.

ORLANDO RAGE/CALGARY COWBOYS (series at Calgary): Both teams in the same situation, playoff wise. This series holds the key to the three teams still looking to get in the playoffs, who are looking for either team to sweep this series. The long and short of it is the winner of this series will clinch their playoff spot. If the team losing the series wins one game, an Indiana loss puts them into the playoffs anyway. If the team losing the series gets swept, the prerequesite list gets longer. That team would need Indiana to lose two games, along with at least one loss from both Rhode Island and Tucson to get in the playoff party.

INDIANA STARS (vs. New Jersey): The team currently outside the playoff velvet rope, it is a tightrope they walk because the Stars lose most of the tiebreakers they could be involved in. The Stars can get past the bouncers with a sweep of New Jersey, or two wins paired with a sweep by either team in the Orlando-Calgary series, and a loss from Rhode Island.

RHODE ISLAND PEANUTS (vs. Buffalo): The only original XBL team that has yet to qualify for the playoffs, The Peanuts gave themselves a shot by sweeping the Rhinos on the road last week. It's still a long shot, but the Peanuts will get there for the first time with a sweep of Buffalo in the final week, a sweep by either team in the Orlando-Calgary series, and a loss from Indiana.

TUCSON CACTI (vs. Wichita): Consistently inconsistent this season, the Cacti have always seemed to wedge their way into the playoff hunt each season. The Cacti have the longest odds of any of these teams, but here's the recipe for their perfect storm: Tucson must sweep Wichita at home, as well as get two losses from Indiana, as well as one loss from Rhode Island, and if all that weren't enough, they'll also need a sweep by either team in the Orlando-Calgary series.