That's right, I'm back! My devoted readers and a sweetened deal from MRLB Weekly Update have persuaded me to continue writing the weekly column. I apologize for the emotional roller coaster I have taken you on. From now on it will be just pony rides and cotton candy, I promise.
Now, on to the column. Thanks to an idea by a fellow MRLB owner, I thought it might be interesting to post the odds of each team winning the MRLB title. As always, MRLB does not encourage gambling (or at least not while Big Brother is watching), so naturally these odds are just for kicks and giggles - and for starting arguments.
I've broken down the odds into 2 categories: the first category is the odds of winning the whole proverbial pie, and the second category is the odds of finishing "in the money" (3rd place or better). Using a detailed scientific method I like to call "my opinion," here are the numbers.
North Siders
Title: 2 - 1
In the money: 1 - 2
The North Siders are just too strong not to win something, and with their explosive lineup, there doesn't seem to be any indication of a letup which is why they are the current favorite to win it all. They hold a comfortable lead in several categories and have a chance to gain in others. However, poor pitching, trading away some good hitters, and the always possible "Cubs collapse" give the nine other teams a fighting chance.
Stonecutters
Title: 3 - 1
In the money: 1 - 1
Smart acquisitions and avoiding the injury bug have spelled success for the Stonecutters this year. Despite leading the league just as much as the North Siders, Broghammer's team doesn't have as much cushion in their category leads. This is why the nod goes to North Siders for the time being.
Vavster
Title: 6 - 1
In the money: 2 - 1
By no means is Vavster out of it, but if he doesn' t make some moves to improve his poorer categories, he will be stuck in 3rd (or worse). There's still time for him to beat the odds, though.
Slim Shady
Title: 7 - 1
In the money: 3 - 1
This team can still finish anywhere from 1st to 8th. A solid but young staff coupled with a potent lineup still give Slim a shot at the prize. Several of Slim's players are in slumps now, and if they start hitting again, Vavster may soon find himself out ot the money.
Eggs
Title: 14 - 1
In the money: 5 - 1
Eggs has the best month of any team it seemed. Unfortunately, that month was April. His pitching has improved but at the expense of trading some of his hitters. This will make it very difficult for Eggs to climb the ranks since his hitting categories are his worst.
Redrum
Title: 18 - 1
In the money: 5 - 1
If Redrum's dominant staff can withstand losing Schilling, the acquisition of Helton may give them a serious chance at winning some money before the year is over. The title is still a long shot, but 3rd place is not out of the question.
Threepeats
Title: 25 - 1
In the money: 7 - 1
Although they have performed well, it will be tough to win with the hitters Threepeats has. Chipper and Giles are solid but the rest are not as consistent. The pitching staff has high totals in several categories but the margins are slim and may erode as time passes. This team is a tough one to call.
Sj & Associates
Title: 40 - 1
In the money: 25 - 1
Sj keeps making deals to keep his team interested. His hitting has just been abysmal lately, though, and unless they turn it around really fast, there won't be any extra money in Sj's pocket at the end of the season.
Firewire
Title: 40 - 1
In the money: 30 - 1
Every time I look at Firewire's roster, I can't understand how he's not in last place. This team will have difficulty winning anything with a decimated pitching staff and players like Joe Randa and Brent Butler in the starting lineup.
Badass Cowboys
Title: 60 - 1
In the money: 30 - 1
Do you believe in miracles? Even if you did, God would probably reserve them for saving lives and not for giving this slouch the MRLB title. The BC's have bolstered their hitting, hoping to reach 3rd place by year's end, but the lack of an ace on the mound will make that tougher than frozen beef jerky.
The Commish