[jlangjr]

In a stunning shift of power, three teams made their postseason debuts, and one of the most improbable champions in sports history emerged from the Pacific.

In the India Division, the Mumbai Directors (76–44) took control of the league, securing their first-ever playoff appearance and the Table Trophy. Meanwhile, the Pacific Division was worse. The Shanghai Ossen Red Eagles (SORE) finished the regular season at 56–65 but managed to win a tiebreaker game against the Guangzhou Rams (55–66) just to sneak into the dance. The Bengaluru Royal Challengers (73–47) rounded out the field, claiming the Wildcard spot for their first taste of October baseball.

Shanghai capitalized on their good luck with cold-blooded efficiency. They dismantled the 73-win Royal Challengers 4–2, then stunned the baseball world by sweeping the Mumbai Directors 4–0 in the Finals.

The Shanghai Ossen Red Eagles (SORE) may have the trophy, but their path to the 2013 title has ignited a firestorm of debate across the federation. Before a single playoff pitch was even thrown, the India Division was in an uproar over the league's seeding structure. Despite finishing with a losing record (56–65), Shanghai was awarded a two-game higher seed advantage for winning the Pacific Division. This meant the Bengaluru Royal Challengers (RCB), who despite winning 17 more games than Shanghai during the regular season, started the semifinals down 0–2.

The higher seed advantage and divisions controversy has deepened the ideological divide between the two regions. Critics in India are calling the Pacific Division "systemically weak," pointing out that a sub-.500 champion undermines the prestige of the BFA Bracket.

The India-China rivalry has reached a fever pitch. With Mumbai (Table Champion) and Shanghai (Bracket Champion) both heading to the GAC alongside the defending champion Beijing Guardian Lions, the international stage is set for a massive collision of regional pride. If that isn't enough the 2014 AAEC should setup a massive showdown between to only two countries to win a WBC.

Bracket Champion: Shanghai Ossen Red Eagles
Table Champion: Mumbai Directors