IFB Week 21 Wild Card Outlook

As of the end of Week 20, 13 teams in the Illinois Fantasy Baseball League are still in contention for one of the eight spots in the postseason.  The actual number of spots up for grabs is 7, because Sparland Hilltoppers claimed a playoff spot in Week 19, and won the Reagan Division in Week 20.

In this week's wild card outlook, we'll take a look at how the teams in contention for a playoff spot are doing in the past month, and who has the easiest road to the postseason, based off of opponents' record for the rest of the way.  The current division leaders; JSloan, BJ Penn, and BooBooCubs, are not for consideration in these stats because they are not in wild card spots right now.

There are 9 teams left that will be looked at.  They are:

• 2010 not a Holliday
• All Balls No Strikes
• Anabolic A Rods
• Bo Hart All Stars
• Ferris Indians
• Funky Cold Molina
• Most Daring
• Muse Academy Muses
• Triple Crown

Here is a look at how those 9 teams have performed in the past 4 weeks, ranked by best record:

1. Funky Cold Molina - 24-18-6 (.563)
2. 2010 not a Holliday - 25-21-2 (.542)
3. All Balls No Strikes - 22-22-4 (.500)
4. Most Daring - 21-23-4 (.479)
5. Muse Academy Muses - 20-21-5 (.469)
6. Ferris Indians - 20-25-3 (.448)
7. Bo Hart All Stars - 18-25-5 (.427)
8. Anabolic A Rods - 14-28-6 (.357)
9. Triple Crown - 12-35-1 (.260)

Based on the numbers, only 2 teams have posted winning records, 1 team even, and the other 6 posting sub-.500 records.  One of the above .500 teams, 2010 not a Holliday, is currently 5th overall and could potentially clinch a playoff spot this week, and still has a very good chance to win its division.  The other, Funky Cold Molina, currently sits in 10th overall, with a very good chance to sneak into the playoffs with who they play in the last two weeks.

And now the other component of the breakdown, a look at who has the easiest schedule in the last two weeks:

1. Ferris Indians vs. Bo Hart All Stars & Anabolic A Rods - 191-245-44 (.444)
2. Funky Cold Molina vs. Bambinos & All Balls No Strikes - 200-238-42 (.460)
3. Bo Hart All Stars vs. Ferris Indians & Triple Crown - 216-233-31 (.482)
4. Triple Crown vs. Muse Academy Muses & Bo Hart All Stars - 216-227-37 (.489)
5. All Balls No Strikes vs. Most Daring & Funky Cold Molina - 223-229-28 (.494)
6. Muse Academy Muses vs. Triple Crown & 2010 not a Holliday - 225-229-26 (.496)
7. Most Daring vs. All Balls No Strikes & BJ Penn - 242-201-37 (.543)
8. 2010 not a Holliday vs. BooBooCubs & Muse Academy Muses - 246-202-32 (.579)
9. Anabolic A Rods vs. Sparland Hilltoppers & Ferris Indians - 268-175-37 (.597)

Not only has Funky Cold Molina posted the best record amongst the wild card contenders, but they also have the 2nd easiest schedule for the final two weeks.  It would not be surprising to see Funky Cold Molina sneak into the 8th and final spot, or go even higher, but their last match-up of the year is against the current 8th placed team, All Balls No Strikes.  If there was a bet for an outsider to sneak in, it would be Funky Cold Molina.

Despite hitting a tiny cold streak that saw them drop from the Lincoln Division lead, Ferris Indians is still in good position to advance to the playoffs with the easiest schedule, and being in the 6th position.

2010 not a Holliday has posted the 2nd best month amongst the 9, but has the 2nd toughest schedule as well.  They are in a good position for a playoff spot with more than one possible route, as 2010 not a Holliday is only 2 games back in the Grant Division.

Statistically, All Balls No Strikes is the 3rd hottest team amongst the 9, with the 5th easiest (or toughest, either works) schedule.  But considering they are playing the current 9th and 10th placed teams respectively to close out the season, they have a tougher than appears task to hold on to 8th.

And don't forgot, it is possible that things may work out the way they shouldn't.