Old Lines, New Season
As we step into the second season of Major Sim Baseball, I find myself less interested in predictions and more interested in patterns. What held last year. What faded. And which lines might still matter now that the league has taken its first breath and is beginning to settle into itself.
Last season in the Eastern League, the Northeast and Southeast Regions told two different but related stories. Indianapolis took the North. Charlotte took the South. Baltimore won 91 games — and still didn’t make the playoffs. That alone is worth remembering.
Now, in Year Two, the league introduces a wild card. Baltimore was good last year. Charlotte and Indy were good last year. That raises a natural question: does the addition of a wild card reward consistency, or does it invite disruption?
In the Northeast Region, New York looked like a division winner early and then faded. That matters. Philadelphia and Boston both appear improved, and with the right breaks, either could step into the conversation and challenge Indianapolis at the top. Whether Indy holds, or whether pressure comes from below, is something I’m watching closely.
In the Southeast Region, Charlotte and Baltimore remain the reference points. Baltimore should be back in the mix. As for the rest — Nashville, Miami, Atlanta — I’m not sure yet. Atlanta made some deals. They may be improved. We’ll see. This feels like a region where clarity will come slowly, not immediately.
Out West, the Northwest Region is where the defending champion lives. Seattle set the standard last year. San Francisco is also a strong club in that region. Denver, though, looks improved — and that has my attention. Whether that improvement translates into real contention is something I’m genuinely curious to watch. Portland? Salt Lake City? I don’t know yet — and that’s part of the appeal. This region feels like one that will reveal itself rather than announce itself.
The Southwest Region might be the most intriguing of all. Four of the five teams finished above .500 last season, including Dallas and Phoenix. Phoenix looked like an early favorite to win it all before fading late, though they still finished above .500. Dallas brings strong pitching and appears to have improved their offense as well. Reggie Jackson is a year older — maybe a year better. It feels like a tough race.
That leaves teams like the LA Stars and Houston — both in the race last year — who may or may not factor in this time around. Houston added a natural power bat, a hitter who doesn’t strike out the way a Dave Kingman type might. Whether that changes the equation remains to be seen.
So I don’t have predictions. I have curiosities.
Do old lines hold?
Do new teams step forward?
Does Year Two confirm what we think we know — or undo it?
The teams will reveal themselves. I’m looking forward to watching how.
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