Fascination Factor Power Rankings

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

Before the season, the Ducks, El Diablos and Wicked Aces were predicated to easily make the playoffs. The Warriors and Holy Balls were considered middle of the road teams who would fight for the 4th and final playoff spot. King Friday, Belgian Wiffles, and the Islanders were predicted to fight for 6th place, but didn’t get much respect in terms of the playoffs. With the season in its home stretch, a lot of the preseason predictions are right on, while others are way off.

The Fascination Factor is based on who will be the most interesting teams to watch in these last few weeks. For a lot of teams, we already know their fate, while others are a bit of a mystery.

1.  Holy Balls

The Holy Balls were a team with a plethora of #2 pitchers, with average hitting, speed, and defense. The team was filled with free agents so chemistry was also a question mark. I used to think they were overachieving but when you go 3-5 against the Aces and El Diablos, you have to put them in the contender category. Third place is on their mind, and I really think they have a great chance to get it.

2.  Westside Warriors
The Warriors are sitting comfortably right now to get into the playoffs, but they really don’t strike too much fear in their opponents. Well, that may change now since Sam Hatt is healthy and will now headline an already above average pitching rotation. If Sam is able to play in 7 out of their next 12 games to get playoff eligible, this team just got a whole lot more fascinating.

3.  Ducks
Who are the Ducks? The Satellite #2 Champs were swept at home against the lowly Islanders earlier in the season and then went out and beat Craig Skinner. The Garcia title won’t be there’s this year, but a wildcard spot is well in their reach, especially since six of their remaining games are against the Holy Balls and Warriors.

4.  King Friday
All of King Friday’s wins are against the Belgian Wiffle and Islanders, but they aren’t making any excuses and are happy to be 8-8. It won’t be easy for these guys to sneak into the top 4, but at least now with the Brannan’s they have a fighting chance.

5.  Islanders
Why is a 4-18 team more fascinating over both 1st place teams? The answer is Will Mundel. Mundel has taken the league by storm, and gives the Islanders a chance to win every time he takes the mound, regardless of who their opponent is.

6.  El Diablos
El Diablos are absolutely running away with the Garcia Pennant, and there really isn’t much fascination with these guys anymore. They are sitting comfortably in 2nd place, but with two games still remaining against the Aces, they still have a great chance at the #1 seed.

7.  Wicked Aces
Wicked Aces are the top team in our league, and one of the top teams in the country. You pretty much know what to expect from them every time you face them. I would say their only true questions mark is whether or not Evan Bortmas can handle big stage games on the mound.

8.  Belgian Wiffles
Belgian started off the season 3-1 and was ranked #24 in the country at one point. Their season however completely fell apart and their last four games are against the Aces and Holy Balls. 4-24 will most likely be their final record.