Not much has really changed in the West. The Red Lectroids remain the division leaders, despite a negative run differential; the Sparta Hoplites remain the Wild Card leaders, despite a negative run differential. The Indiana Black Sox and the Brighton Shadows switched places 3rd and 4th, but both teams player mediocre baseball over the last 15 with records right around .500. The Daffiness boys had a horrible week, winning just 3 of 15 and are now in last place, 12 games off the pace. This did allow the Willets Point "Mechanics"to move into 5th place but both teams are struggling, very much in danger of falling too far behind to make a realistic push for the pennant.
Interestingly, the division as a whole is being smashed by the AL East. The East averages a +22 RD per team, while the West just a -23. In fact, only one team in West even has a positive RD, the third place Shadows. Much of the damage has been done by the "Big 2", which have combined to go 42-17 (.712 Wpct) against the West.
One potential positive? The preseason juggernaut Sparta Hoplites are on a 6 game winning streak and are finally showing signs of life. While their offense continued to struggle (Week 4 team OPS of .609), the pitching staff caught a fire. Starters Stan Coveleski, Zach Grienke, and Bobby Shantz combined to give up just 12 earned runs in 8 starts. The team as a whole managed a 3.12 ERA in Week 4.
It's also time we paid a little bit of attention to the Bertrand Island Carnies. Currently on pace for 126 wins, the Carnies when 14-1 on the week and show no signs of easing up (purposeful self jinx to see if this is for real). Much of the team excelled in Week 4, with 6 regulars posting OPS scores over .900 and three others over .800. The staff was just as good, if not better, turning in a team ERA of 2.12. I am not sure who was more valuable, starter Curt Schilling (3-0, 26 IP, 2 BB, 29 K, 5 R) or Mike Jackson (10 IP, 0 R) out of the pen.
The Carnies opened up only a 6 game lead on division rival Gold Country, as the Gossamers had a great week themselves winning 10 of 14. Fighting of several team injuries - at one point their Top 3 picks were all sidelined simultaneously - Tris Speaker led the way batting .411 / .476 / .500 in 13 games. Carl Hubbell was the squad's best pitcher putting up a 1.84 ERA in 4 starts.
"Nothing like going 8 for my last 10 and LOSING ground in the playoff hunt. You two are ridiculous!" This, comment, posted by the third place Pinata Beaters, just about sums up the feelings of the while division.
Week 4 Hero's
Larry Walker (WPM) - .340 / .439 / .766
Barry Bonds (BS) -.346 / 456 / .596, 18 RBI
Mark McGwire (SPB) - .283 / .450 / .674
Todd Helton (WPM) - 6 doubles
Willie Mays (IBS) - 7 HR
Fred Carroll (BIC) - 13 Runs
Billy Hamilton (DCC) - 7 SB
Jimmy Key (BS) - 3-0, 0.71 ERA
Babe Adams (SPB) - 2-1, 1.13 ERA
Curt Schilling (BIC) - 3-0, 1.73 ERA, 29 K
Dennis Eckersley (DCC) - 15 IP, 0.59 ERA
Nels Potter (PRL) - 15 IP, 0.60 ERA
Joakim Soria (WPM) - 5 Sv, 0.00 ERA
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