This Week in Big Ell Pro Ball

Week 21 in Big Ell Pro Ball saw the Seattle Raniers and Missoula Astros clinch playoff spots and in all likelihood clinch division titles. The Astros victory celebration was subdued by the loss of Ben Sheets, who was finally starting to realize his considerable potential. The last week of the season will see battles for the 3rd (EZ Money/Yang Min Shan) and 6th (Marauders/Phillies/E’s) playoff positions.

Game of the Week
Seattle Raniers 9 EZ Money Braves 5
The Raniers extend the Braves losing streak to three games with a convincing win. The Raniers used the big bat of Griffey with the help of Hafner and Jones to pummel the Braves who enjoyed solid weeks from Rodriguez, Jeter and Giles. The Raniers formidable pitching staff dominated the Braves. Zambrano and Hudson were huge while Schilling’s terrible start hurt the Braves. Despite the losses, Braves fans are almost guaranteed of seeing their team finish no worse than 4th unless they self destruct against the All-Stars.

Yang Min Shan Yankees 9 Marauders 5
The Marauders were stymied in their attempt to extend their 2 game lead over the Phillies for the last playoff spot. The Yankees used an all around effort to beat the Marauders. Wright led the offence with 10 R 3 HR and 2 SB but the real story was the pitching staff with a low ERA and Jones picking up 4 saves. The Marauders played well with Martinez, Ortiz and Matsui leading the offence and Willis poitching well on the mound. The Marauders will need to bounce back but with the Crisis on board it is highly likely. The Yankees will be hard pressed to hold their season high 3rd place standing with the upcoming battle with the Astros.

Upset of the Week
S.B. Spittin’ Camels 9 Bingo Long All-Stars 6
The Camels continue to be a pain in the ass for other Canadian Division teams. One week after upsetting the Braves, the Camels do the same to the All-Stars. S.B was led by Giambi who led a balanced attack. The All-Stars were again led by Cantu with help from Suzuki and Helton. Weaver and Glavine led the Bingo pitching staff but were edged by Maddux and the Camels bullpen who had a great week.

Blowout of the Week I
Newcastle Guzzlers 12 Swinging Bats 2
The Bats were on the receiving end of another blowout this week at the hands of the Guzzlers. The Guzzlers bounced back after getting pounded by the Raniers the week before. Jones and Burrell led the way in the field and Peavey led the way on the mound. The Bats were terrible at all aspects of the game and will in all likelihood be relocated.

Blowout of the Week II
Taiwan E’s 12 Cuban Crisis 3
The E’s keep their slim playoff hopes alive by destroying the Crisis. If the E’s can repeat this performance against the Phillies in week 22 they may be able to squeak into the playoffs. The E’s victory was far from convincing as Mora and Westbrook were his only good performers. Clemens continues to waste an incredible year for the Crisis.

Missoula Astros 8 Formosa Phillies 6
The Missoula Astros winning streak reaches 11 weeks after beating the Phillies. The Phillies loss keeps them 2 games out of the playoffs. Delgado and Santana tried to keep the Phillies in it but poor weeks from Bonderman and LeCroy cost them a win. The Astros were again led by Lee and Pierre’s 10 R. The Astros pitching staff was stellar with 8 W 65 K 2.42 ERA. With the Phillies playing the E’s and the Marauders playing the Crisis, the Phillies playoff hopes are looking bleak.