Delta Premier

By Anchorage Aces, Last Edited 7/7/2021

League Favorites:

The Cincinnati Reds (17-2) always seem to be the league favorite here, although that definitely doesn't always translate into playoff success as we've seen in the last few seasons. The two San Diego Teams, Bombers (17-2) and Giants (12-7) are always close runners-up to the Reds, and usually have more success in the playoffs. As always it will be interesting to see who wins the Delta Premier league title, and who will take the league playoff crown and head to the ever-elusive World Playoffs.

North:

With the San Diego Giants (12-7) the only team in this division with a winning record, it is pretty obvious as to who will win this one. The only question left unanswered for the Giants this season is whether or not they have the roster capable of beating out teams like the Reds and Bombers in the League playoffs, and taking their shot at the Season 99 World Playoffs.

South:

The Ontario Lightning (15-4) are strong favorites to win the division this season. Usually the Washington DBucs (12-7) are a competitive team, and lately they are starting to make a bit of a comeback, giving Ontario a fight for first place. While it is still a three game lead, there are still many games to go, and plenty of time for the DBucs to come back. 

East:

The east is one of two divisions (alongside the Northeast) in Delta to sport only five teams as opposed to six. As of July 5th, this division is totally up for grabs, however teams such as the Miami Vipers (13-6) and Washington Nationals (11-8) are usually the favorites to take the Delta Premier East title. The Boston Books (11-8) are a bit of a surprise team in this division, but are expected to fall out of the race within a few days.

West:

The West is deceiving because it is obvious that San Diego is going to run away with the division. One of the best teams in all of Franchise Ball, the Bombers leave almost no chance for the other teams in the West to get their shot at the Delta Premier League Playoffs. However, there are a few other competitive teams in this division, such as the Regina Saskatchewan Ice (9-9) and the slow but sometimes competitive Grand Rapids BBBB (7-12). These teams are off to rather slow starts in '99, but look for them to make runs in the epic season 99 Wildcard Tournament.

Northeast:

Much like the West, the Northeast division is extremely deceiving. The Cincinnati Reds are arguably the best team in Franchise Ball history, and will obviously win the division. However, three other teams are currently sporting a winning record (Oakland ObZen: 14-5, Milwaukee Lightning Badger: 11-8, and Knoxville Smokies: 11-8). It will be interesting to see how many of these teams can keep that pace for the entirety of season 99. Quick note: the Shreveport Captains will not have enough games to qualify for the playoffs, so while they may do well, it will not matter in the end, as they cannot win the division, or even participate in the wildcard tournament. 

Northwest:

The big story in this division is how surprisingly bad the Rochester Spoofly (7-12) are after winning the division and upsetting the heavily favored San Diego Bombers in Round 1 of the Delta Premier League Playoffs in season 98. The well-renowned Canberra Cranberries (13-6) are the heavy favorites, as a slow start for the Oakland Athletics (10-9) has put them back by three games early, and gives the Cranberries a heavy advantage as we near the halfway point to season 99. The Northwest division also is home to (currently) the worst team in Delta Premier, BigPappi22 (3-16).

Southeast:

While there is currently a close race between the Cincinnati Cyclones (13-6) and the Chicago Stallions (11-8), the Cyclones are the favorites to win the Southeast division. While they are only two games ahead of Chicago, their run differential (+/-) is currently 29 runs better, and is one of the key clues as to why they may be the better team. They also sport the league's current Home Run AND RBI leader in Jaheim Crawley (11 HR's, 26 RBI), which is hard to do in a league that is home to teams such as the Reds and Bombers.

Southwest:

Last but not least, the Southwest division is shaping up to be an exciting race. The Virginia Beach jimmies (12-7), Vancouver Terrace Ice (12-7), and Akron Bonafide (12-7) are all tied for the division lead, while the Blazers (10-9) are only two games back. If history says anything, this division will come down to the jimmies and the Terrace Ice, but you never know who may give those two teams a run for their money...

Best Record:

T-1: Cincinnati Reds (17-2)

T-1: San Diego Bombers (17-2)

3: Ontario Lightning (15-4)

4: Oakland ObZen (14-5)

5: (3 Teams Tied - 13-6)

Team Average:

1: Cincinnati Reds (.377)

2: San Diego Bombers (.341)

3: Terrace Storm (.338)

4: Ontario Lightning (..312)

5: Cincinnati Cyclones (.309)

Team ERA:

1: San Diego Bombers (3.19)

2: San Diego Giants (3.25)

3: Oakland ObZen (3.48)

T-4: Ontario Lightning (3.74)

T-4: Milwaukee Lightning Badger (3.74)

Team Homers:

T-1: San Diego Bombers (54)

T-1: Cincinnati Reds (54)

3: Ontario Lightning (49)

T-4: Virginia Beach jimmies (48)

T-4: Orange Juice (48)