[JayW UK]

2041 Regular Season

Eastern League Review

Boston (83-79) stumbled to their sixth straight Atlantic Division crown, LF Rob Penney (.317, 34 HR, 96 RBI), CF Weldon Render (.271, 29 HR, 100 RBI) and C Eduardo Romero (27 HR, 94 RBI) led their high powered offense but their pitching proved to be problematic, as outside of Jess McGregor (17-7, 3.99 ERA) and Brett Knight (14-7, 3.10 ERA) no-one else stood out, the fact Boston claimed the division title at all was down to their rivals failing to take advantage rather than anything the Pilgrims accomplished themselves. New York boasted the EL’s #3 pitching staff headlined by ace Mariano Rojo (18-7, 2.63 ERA) but their offense was just middle of the road despite strong seasons from C Roberto Saldana (.297, 35 HR, 100 RBI) and 1B Jerry Wright (.287, 36 HR, 87 RBI), while Philadelphia featured the one-man wrecking crew 1B Diego Pagan (.316, 55 HR, 143 RBI) and not a lot else. Both teams finished the season four games back with identical 79-83 records and with more consistent play, either squad could have conceivably taken the division. Baltimore finished one game further back, their issues were twofold, a struggling offense and a young and inexperienced pitching staff, whilst new manager Jorge Castro’s first season in D.C was not the success the Generals hoped for as held back by underwhelming offensive play Washington ended the campaign in the division basement with a 73-89 record.
The Central division turned into a two-team race with Chicago edging Indianapolis for the crown. Chicago used the EL #1 offense paced by C Aaron Payton (.301, 31 HR, 98 RBI) and 3B David Evans (.329, 22 HR, 108 RBI) along with the EL’s top pitching staff led by ace Eugene Fey to claim their sixth division title finishing the season 98-64. Indianapolis, who possessed a pitching staff starring Ramon Schoof (19-9, 3.87 ERA) that was second only to Chicago in the EL and also a prolific offense that topped the league in batting average, finished four games back with a 94-68 record and claimed the EL wildcard spot. Despite excellent individual campaigns from 23-year-old pitcher Paul Everhart (19-7, 3.05 ERA), 2B Chad Hammond (.370, 27 HR, 92 RBI) and 3B Blake Hanson (.279, 38 HR, 119 RBI) Cleveland could only manage a 79-wins. Mike Anderson’s second season in charge in Detroit saw some improvement as the Giants finished in fourth place with a 76-86 record while Jesus Velasquez’s second year in St. Louis was an unmitigated disaster, as hit by the injury bug all season long, the Reds fell from 93-69 and top spot, to 59-103 and a last place finish.
With 3B Bryant Manton (.261, 37 HR, 103 RBI) and LF Joe Scott (.261, 35 HR, 104 RBI) leading the way Tampa Bay rolled to the Southeast division title finishing the season 93-69, nine games ahead of nearest challengers New Orleans (82-80). The Blues found a star of the future in the form of 22-year-old rookie LF Jim Hopkins (.317, 24 HR, 75 RBI) who helped them to a winning record for the first time in eight years, one game ahead of Atlanta (81-81), who despite the best efforts of 1B Glenn Hansen (.385, 11 HR, 56 RBI) and LF Mike Hicks (.288, 18 HR, 91 RBI) could only finish the season at .500. Charlotte could still call on the services of always reliable RF Daron Murphy (.309, 27 HR, 113 RBI) but with little support elsewhere he could only do so much, as the Express slumped to a 76-86 record while Miami (72-90) remained mired at the foot of the standings. There was a silver lining for Miami however, as apart from veteran 1B Keith Fairchild (.298, 29 HR, 100 RBI) most of their main contributors were under 25-years old.

Final Standings

Atlantic division
Boston 83-79*
New York 79-83
Philadelphia 79-83
Baltimore 78-84
Washington 73-89

Central Division
Chicago 98-64*
Indianapolis 94-68*
Cleveland 79-83
Detroit 76-86
St. Louis 59-103

Southeast Division
Tampa Bay 93-69*
New Orleans 82-80
Atlanta 81-81
Charlotte 76-86
Miami 72-90