[JayW UK]

2040 Regular Season

Eastern League Review

Boston battled adversity and injuries all season long to claim their fifth consecutive Atlantic division crown winning 89 games, New York (86-76) with Mariano Rojo (17-6, 3.17 RA) heading their strong pitching staff and 1B Jerry Wright (.292, 39 HR, 108 RBI) driving the offense, finished as runners up for the fourth straight year, but crucially ended their fourteen-year playoff drought by claiming the EL Wildcard slot. Philadelphia stumbled to a 77-85 record with second year catcher Carlos Arenas (.284, 29 HR, 83 RBI) and mid-season acquisition 1B Diego Pagan (.291, 26 HR, 67 RBI in just 73 games) giving the Independence hope for the future. Baltimore improved from 68 to 75 wins but had little else to cheer while Washington (73-89) found themselves back in the division basement but with several young players led by catcher Santiago Melendarez (.336, 20 HR, 76 RBI) providing the promise of better days ahead.

In the Central division the expected showdown between Chicago and Indianapolis did not materialise, instead St. Louis, under the stewardship of first-time manager Jesus Velasquez, stormed the top of the standings winning a franchise record 93 games and claiming the club’s maiden division title. Instrumental in the Reds success was the Eastern league’s #1 pitching staff, with ace Les Scott (20-8, 2.27 ERA) and McKenzie Ransford (19-9, 2.94 ERA) leading the way allowed a league low 631 runs and combined for 22 shutouts. Chicago and Indianapolis finished the season tied with 84-wins, both squads possessing plenty of star quality, Chicago calling on C Aaron Payton, SS David Evans and P Eugene Fey while the Racers boasted stars such as SS Pancho Sousa and Jose Cintron. But despite the obvious talent available both teams failed to catch St. Louis for the division or challenge New York for the wildcard spot. Skipper Pat Bennett continued to work his magic in Cleveland (83-79), as the Corsairs led by star 2B Chad Hammond (.349, 30 HR, 99 RBI) finished with above .500 for the first time in thirteen years, while in Detroit the Giants struggled to just 67-wins in manager Mike Anderson’s first year on the job.

Spurred on by star slugger 1B Rick Flynn (.288, 41 HR, 133 RBI) and 2039 Outstanding Hitter Joe Scott (.298, 32 HR, 91 RBI) Tampa Bay took the Southeast division, winning 86 games. Despite strong performances from pitcher David Adams (14-7, 2.73 ERA), RF Mike Hicks (.277, 20 HR, 77 RBI) and Rookie of the Year favourite SS Juan Reyes (.270, 10 HR, 79 RBI), Atlanta fell short of a third consecutive division crown, finishing two games back while Charlotte also ended the season on 84 wins, with second year star Haden Bowden (.294, 35 HR, 115 RBI) and 3B Luis Garza (.280, 26 HR, 108 RBI) providing plenty of runs, Charlotte boasted one of the EL’s top offenses, but an underperforming pitching staff ultimately held the Express back. New Orleans finished with a 71-91 record their best for seven years, while Miami slumped to just 60 wins with pitching the main culprit for their poor record.

Final Standings

Atlantic Division
Boston 89-73*
New York 86-76*
Philadelphia 77-85
Baltimore 75-87
Washington 73-89

Central Division
St. Louis 93-69*
Chicago 84-78
Indianapolis 84-78
Cleveland 83-79
Detroit 67-95

Southeast Division
Tampa Bay 86-76*
Atlanta 84-78
Charlotte 84-78
New Orleans 71-91
Miami 60-102