As of the All-Star Break, here are the league standings and a quick analysis of each division race:
The defending champion Blackbirds have a strong hold on the ABC East, and should win this division again with way more than 81 wins this time. The Rebels and Knights have been mediocre, and the Ironmen have just been bad, as they have been no-hit twice this year already.
The ABC North appears to be competitive, although nobody expected the Toronto Giants to be this bad. This division had four teams that all looked like playoff contenders. Now it's down to three, although Buffalo is trending in the wrong direction after a hot start.
The ABC South looks like the Atlanta Colonels' division to lose. The Silverbacks do not look up to the challenge, and neither do the recent expansion teams the Wolves or Gators. The Gators have at least been trying to be competitive; the jury is still out on the Wolves.
The Sea Monsters have cemented themselves as the favorites in the ABC West. The Panthers and Sharks look to challenge them, although the Sharks' manager drama may be a factor after all for them. They also have been no-hit twice this season, but at least they are way better than the Ironmen. The Stars are a non-factor and their manager is reportedly on the hot seat.
The NBC East is a two-horse race (no pun intended) between the Stallions and the Hornets. The Dragons and Dragonflies will not be a factor.
The NBC North is also a very competitive division with three teams in contention: the Lions and Tigers and Bears (oh, my!). The Cardinals do not stand a chance here.
The NBC South looks like a foregone conclusion: the Charlotte Roadrunners will win this division again. The other three teams in the division have given no indication of being real contenders.
The NBC West has a very familiar story: the California teams are competing for the playoffs, and the Texas teams are not. Since this division was formed in 1984, the only Texas team to finish in the top two was the Apollos in 1986 (with a 71-91 record, and only one game ahead of the Seals).
Some noteworthy events of the first half of the season:
