[StLee]

Analysis

The Diamond City Swatters are back in sole possession of the #1 spot, while the Silver Shroud shrink down to #3. Goodneighbor is back to the #2 spot, while Nordhagen Beach jostles in for #4 and their league mates, The Slog finishes the Top 5. Atom is again at the bottom, with strange company in Easy Town dropping to #23.

It seems like a week ago since we last looked at these teams, so a quick assessment of standings and statistics show that there are a few facts to ponder. For one, is University Point going to be there in the end? For the second-straight week, the Deathclaws have climbed the Power Rankings (now up to #9) after earlier having taken a huge tumble from #7 two weeks ago. While they are still on the outside looking in for the Minutemen League wildcard spot at three games back of Quincy, the Claws could be a team on the move.

At this point of the season, most of the dividing lines look to be set, especially the Brotherhood League with the Party Boys and Ghouls looking to be the definitive playoff teams. Unless the stimpack shortage really comes to bite them, those two teams are likely to ride out the season as #1 and #2.

The Institute League could be interesting, though the Silver Shroud look to have control. If they continue to go 3-2 on average, no other team in the IL will catch them. Abernathy is probably going to return to the playoffs, but Starlight seems to be a few moves away from making a strong run for the wildcard spot.

The Railroad League may look like the current wildcard team, the Oberland T-51s are in danger, but expect the league title to come out to a late-season battle between the T-51s and Swatters. Realistically, that league is decided for who will be in the playoffs.

Weekly Team Power Rankings

Here are the current team power rankings for Commonwealth Baseball Organization:

Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Diamond City Swatters (145.9, o)
2) Goodneighbor Hancocks (136.6, +2)
3) Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (133.6, -2)
4) Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (126.4, +2)
5) The Slog Ghouls (121.3, -2)
6) Quincy Gunners (114.1, -1)
7) Abernathy Adamantium (107.9, +2)
8) Oberland T-51s (102.7, -1)
9) University Point Deathclaws (100.7, +2)
10) Starlight Lady Killers (87.6, -2)
11) Finch Farm Four Leafs (83.3, +3)
12) Roxbury Knuckle Punchers (83.3, -1)
13) Jamaica Plain Red Rockets (79.3, +6)
14) Vault 81 Dwellers (78.1, +1)
15) Lexington Synths (77.1, +8)
16) County Crossing Bloodbugs (73.0, o)
17) Egret Ninjas (71.1, -5)
18) Concord Radstags (71.0, -5)
19) Salem Witch Hats (71.0, +1)
20) Warwick Mirelurks (69.0, -3)
21) FHE Yao Guai (67.0, +1)
22) Sunshine Tidings Chemists (64.0, -4)
23) Easy Town Assaultrons (63.9, -2)
24) Atom Cats (32.1, o)

Team Focus

Let us take a look at two teams that have been quietly good (as in consistent) all season, so they have not really been featured a lot, like last week's "Playoffs Stratements" section indicated.

Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (24-11, -- GB, BL)

The Party Boys have been relying more on their pitching, currently second in the North Charles Association in runs allowed (128) and Starters ERA (3.59) and fourth in Bullpen ERA (2.90), than their offense. Fourth starter Derek Gist (6-0, 4.33) is one to thank when Nordhagen Beach faces off against other fourth starters. Chet Arthur (4-1, 2.55) is the true team leader, though Tommy Beach (4-4, 3.28) is not getting as much luck against other staff aces. Closer Nigh Demon Archaki (2-1, 0.56, 14 SV) has finally emerged as a star player.

On offense, the Boys are fourth in runs scored (178), second in batting average (.293), and first in OBP (.359). They are low in power at T-9th (32 HR), so they need to find the long ball more to score more runs. RF Jonathan Angelou (.355/5/17) has emerged, leading to rumors that injured star Tomas Jones may be on the way out. The only really negative bat in the lineup is SS Taboo Richardson (.135/4/16) who either hits the ball over the fence or not at all. His 15 total hits (4 singles, 7 doubles, and 4 HR) is among the worst in the CBO for everyday starters.

Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (25-10, -- GB, IL)

The Shroud have been the best in the NCA in overall production. Like Nordhagen Beach, Fort Hagen is doing better in pitching than hitting, though both are good. The Shroud are the best in runs allowed (118) and Starters ERA (3.06) while just 8th in Bullpen ERA (3.83). All four starters--Mike Cartrette (6-1, 1.64), Brent Hooker (5-2, 3.35), Derek Green (4-1, 3.99), and Matt Hope (5-1, 3.38)--are pitching well each game. Closer Curtis Thriceshot (2-1, 1.00, 8 SV) is leading the endgame.

On offense, the Fort is 3rd in runs (179), 1st in batting average (.296), and 2nd in OBP (.350). They are a bit better in homers, currently tied for 3rd (37). LF Andrew Nuka (.321/11/29) has been an extreme trade benefit from the Quincy Gunners, while 1B Jim Tiller (.320/7/17), RF David Driftwood (.285/6/24), and 3B Micah Morals (.270/6/21) are smacking in homers and runs. Catchers Paul Grog (.208/0/6--currently injured) and rookie Seemore Mares (.120/0/2) have been a detriment, leading to some questioning why Bixton Moore (.429/1/5) does not get more playing time, especially when Moore has a reputation for better defense despite not being considered a great bat.