Below are the standings as of the All-Star Break for 1991, with a short synopsis of each division race so far, as well as some notable events:
ABC East: With the Blackbirds uncharacteristically struggling, the Rebels and Knights are battling it out with them to steal it. Pittsburgh, while in striking distance, has no realistic shot at it.
ABC North: The Lakers are leading the division but have two things working against them. One, they have a losing record. And two, one of their top hitters just abruptly retired a couple of weeks ago. They have what it takes to hold off Indiana and Toronto (but how realistic of a contender are they, 10 games under .500?), but they probably should try to trade for a bat. And the Fireflies also have all eyes on veteran pitcher Will Newman, who needs only six wins to tie the all-time record of 437.
ABC South: The Silverbacks are looking to repeat as division champs, but the Gators are not about to just let them walk away with it. Atlanta also has a realistic shot to get revenge for last year and come back and steal the division. The Wolves look like a lock for last place.
ABC West: With the best record in all of baseball, the defending champion Seattle Sea Monsters have a comfortable lead in the division as they look to try to repeat as champions. The third place Sharks, 14 games out of first, would be in first place in the ABC East, ABC North or NBC South. The last place California Stars would be tied for first place in the ABC North. Looks like we know which division is the strongest.
NBC East: The Dragons got off to a hot start, but have cooled off considerably lately. This once again looks like a race between Philly and Jersey. The Stallions are lobbying hard for the return of the wild card, as they could once again win 90+ games, finish in second place and miss the playoffs while a team with a win total in the low 80s gets in by winning a weak division. It's possible more than one could pull that off.
NBC North: The Cardinals have improved, while the Lions and Tigers have taken a huge step back. The Bears appear to have this one in the bag.
NBC South: The Roadrunners do not look like their usual playoff contending selves. That being said, the Eagles currently lead this weak division while barely over .500, and the Bobcats have a realistic shot at it. Good for them, as they have not made the playoffs in 28 years (and that most recent playoff appearance is their only one to date).
NBC West: The Seals are once again in control of this division, but the Coyotes may be finally putting something together after years of futility. Dallas has only finished over .500 twice since 1970.
Will Newman is approaching the all-time wins record. Two hitters reached 3,000 hits this year already: Toronto's Mike Murdock and Philadelphia's Tristin Holbrook. Seattle's Ken George is closing in on 3,500 hits and 450 home runs. Roadrunners pitcher Keaton Scagnelli is 4 wins away from 200 for his career. Sharks closer Bryan McGowen is 11 saves away from 300 for his career, and is on pace to break Geoff Goldin's all time record of 322 next year sometime. We've only seen one no-hitter so far this year: Charlotte's Tom McLain.
