Hardball Dynasty – Kenesaw Mountain Landis
Season 28: Third-Quarter Power Rankings
132 Games Down. 30 to Go. October Is Getting Closer.
With 132 games in the books, the regular season has entered its final stretch. There are only 30 games remaining, and the division races and wild-card battles are beginning to take shape. Some clubs have positioned themselves as legitimate championship contenders, while others are running out of time to make a move.
The third-quarter numbers give us a clearer picture of who these teams really are. Baltimore has paired the league's best pitching staff with a strong record. Philadelphia continues to overwhelm opponents offensively. Huntington has the league's best run differential, while Hartford has quietly put together the best record in the league.
But the margins are getting thinner. A strong final month could change the playoff picture dramatically, and a few teams that look comfortable today could find themselves sweating out the final week.
Here are the Season 28 power rankings with 30 games remaining.
Tier 1: Championship Favorites
These seven teams have separated themselves from the pack. Each has a compelling case to be considered a legitimate World Series contender.
1. Baltimore Crab Cakes (77-55) – NL East
Run Differential: +164 | Last 10: 6-4
Baltimore has quietly assembled one of the most complete teams in the league. The Crab Cakes have the best pitching staff in KML, allowing just 457 runs while posting a 3.33 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Those numbers are comfortably the best in the league, and the rotation has been led by Yasmani Ordonez (2.53 ERA) and Cozy Kennedy (2.99 ERA).
The offense isn't nearly as imposing as some of the other contenders, but it has been productive enough, scoring 621 runs. Henderson Long has supplied 36 home runs, while the lineup has received plenty of help from Donaldo Izquierdo and others.
Baltimore's +164 run differential is second only to Huntington, and the Crab Cakes are playing like a team that could make another deep postseason run. With a pitching staff this good, they will be a difficult matchup for anyone.
2. Philadelphia Union (80-52) – AL East
Run Differential: +163 | Last 10: 6-4
Philadelphia has the second-best record in the league and arguably the most dangerous offense. The Union have scored 741 runs, tops in KML, while posting an impressive .805 OPS. The middle of this lineup is downright frightening.
Carl Vining is putting together an MVP-caliber season, leading the league with 54 home runs, 135 RBI and a 1.077 OPS. Jacque Blake has added 39 home runs and a .992 OPS, while Beau Guyer has contributed 34 homers and a .940 OPS. Philadelphia has three of the league's most productive hitters, and that's a tough combination for opposing pitching staffs to handle.
The concern is on the mound. The Union's 4.14 ERA is below average, and they've allowed 578 runs. That's a manageable weakness with this offense, but it could become a problem against the league's elite clubs in October.
Philadelphia is a serious contender, and its lineup gives it a chance to beat anyone.
3. Huntington Apex (74-58) – AL East
Run Differential: +183 | Last 10: 6-4
Huntington owns the league's best run differential. The Apex have outscored opponents by 183 runs, thanks to a powerful offense that has scored 738 runs and an above-average pitching staff.
The offense ranks among the league's best in nearly every meaningful category, including a .350 OBP and .824 OPS. Fernando Hechavarria has 40 home runs, while Skeeter Spiezio has posted a .903 OPS. Geronimo Gonzales has also been a productive contributor, batting .307 with 103 runs scored.
The pitching staff has been solid rather than spectacular, with a 4.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. But the run differential suggests this team has been more dominant than its 74-58 record might indicate.
The Apex have some ground to make up in the AL East, but their underlying numbers make them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
4. Florida Manatees (77-55) – AL South
Run Differential: +124 | Last 10: 8-2
Florida has been one of the league's most consistent teams, and the Manatees are finishing the third quarter in excellent form. An 8-2 record over their last ten games has helped them maintain a comfortable lead in the AL South.
The pitching staff is the foundation. Florida ranks second in the league with a 3.44 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, and the rotation has been led by Al Mesa, who has posted a 2.11 ERA across 149 innings. Rich Strickland has also been excellent, winning 16 games with a 3.05 ERA.
The offense has been productive without being overwhelming, scoring 612 runs. Turner MacDougal has been a major contributor, batting .309 with 53 stolen bases and 104 runs scored.
Florida doesn't have quite the offensive firepower of Philadelphia or Huntington, but its pitching gives it a very high floor. The Manatees look like a team that will be difficult to eliminate.
5. Fresno Fox (76-56) – NL West
Run Differential: +134 | Last 10: 7-3
Fresno continues to be one of the league's most balanced teams. The Fox are 76-56, have won seven of their last ten, and own the fourth-best run differential in KML.
The offense has scored 689 runs, comfortably above the league average, with a .755 OPS. Jose Navarre has been a standout, hitting .306 with 25 home runs and an .879 OPS. The pitching staff has also done its part, posting a 3.94 ERA and allowing 555 runs.
Kaleb Liefer has been particularly effective, going 14-3 with a 3.10 ERA, while Derrick Hill has supplied 221.2 innings. The bullpen has received a strong contribution from Garry Torrealba, who has a 2.19 ERA in 98.2 innings.
Fresno may not have the flashiest roster in the league, but the Fox have the record, run differential and recent performance of a legitimate contender.
6. Augusta Admirals (76-56) – AL East
Run Differential: +122 | Last 10: 6-4
The defending champions are right where they want to be, sitting just four games behind Philadelphia in the AL East and holding the top wild-card position. Augusta has also won four straight, giving the Admirals some momentum heading into the final 30 games.
The pitching staff remains the team's biggest strength. Augusta has a 3.65 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, both among the best in the league. Ordomar Gutierrez has been outstanding, going 14-4 with a 2.39 ERA and a remarkable 0.96 WHIP. B.J. Valaika has added 12 wins and a 3.18 ERA.
The offense has been more middle-of-the-pack, scoring 618 runs with a .753 OPS. It doesn't have the same explosive potential as Philadelphia or Huntington, but the pitching staff gives Augusta a chance every night.
The Admirals have the experience of a defending champion and the pitching to make another run. Nobody should be eager to see them in a playoff series.
7. Hartford Whalers (81-51) – AL North
Run Differential: +81 | Last 10: 4-6
Hartford has the best record in KML, but the Whalers' position in these rankings reflects a little more caution than their 81 wins might suggest.
The offense has been excellent, scoring 736 runs with an .804 OPS. Roger Atchison has launched 43 home runs and driven in 99, while Farmer Haynes is hitting .326 with a .909 OPS. Pat Brett has added 33 stolen bases, giving Hartford another dimension offensively.
The concern is the pitching staff. Hartford has allowed 655 runs and owns a 4.66 ERA, among the worst marks in the league. The Whalers have managed to overcome those issues, but the margin for error gets smaller in the postseason.
Hartford has earned its place at the top of the standings. Still, the pitching staff will need to improve if the Whalers want to turn the league's best regular-season record into a championship.
Tier 2: Serious Playoff Contenders
These teams have the talent to make noise in October. Some have the numbers to support a deep run, while others need to address a weakness before they can be considered championship favorites.
8. Iowa City Farmers (76-56) – AL West
Run Differential: +55 | Last 10: 8-2
Iowa City has been one of the hottest teams in the league, winning eight of its last ten and six straight. The Farmers have taken control of the AL West and look to be building momentum at exactly the right time.
The offense is fairly average, with 606 runs scored and a .741 OPS. The pitching staff, however, has been excellent, posting a 3.94 ERA. Iowa City has also recorded seven shutouts, tied for the most in the league.
The Farmers don't have the same offensive ceiling as some of the other contenders, but their recent performance and pitching give them a chance to be a difficult postseason opponent.
9. Austin Jiveturkeys (75-57) – NL South
Run Differential: +71 | Last 10: 5-5
Austin remains one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams. The Jiveturkeys are hitting .284 with a .353 OBP and have scored 708 runs, all well above league average.
The lineup has plenty of depth. Douglas Stevenson has a .911 OPS, Onelki Flores is at .892, and Denard Chambers has added 22 home runs in just 107 games. The team also has a strong running game, with 131 stolen bases.
The problem is the pitching staff, which has posted a 4.47 ERA and allowed 637 runs. Austin has enough offense to overcome that on many nights, but it will be harder to do against the best teams in the league.
The Jiveturkeys are in a good position in the NL South, but their postseason ceiling may depend on whether the pitching staff can find another gear.
10. Jackson Grim Reapers (72-60) – NL South
Run Differential: +78 | Last 10: 6-4
Jackson has put together a very respectable season and remains firmly in the playoff picture. The Grim Reapers have a three-game deficit in the NL South and currently hold the top NL wild-card spot.
The pitching staff has been a strength, posting a 3.82 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. The offense has been less impressive, scoring 596 runs with a .732 OPS, but Phillip Post has provided some pop and speed with 27 home runs and 34 stolen bases.
Jackson may not have the offensive firepower of Austin, but the pitching staff makes the Grim Reapers a dangerous opponent. The division race is still very much alive.
11. Sioux Falls Blackfoot Nation (71-61) – AL North
Run Differential: +36 | Last 10: 6-4
Sioux Falls continues to hang around in the AL North and is currently in contention for a wild-card berth. The Blackfoot Nation have been carried by a strong pitching staff, which has posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.26 WHIP.
Gaby Grudzielanek has been one of the league's best starters, going 18-5 with a 2.68 ERA. The offense is fairly average, but Steven Bordick is batting .309 with an .875 OPS, and Tsubasa Inouoe has also been productive.
Sioux Falls doesn't have the overwhelming numbers of the top contenders, but its pitching gives it a legitimate chance to win a postseason series.
12. New York Wise Guys (67-65) – NL East
Run Differential: +48 | Last 10: 7-3
New York has been one of the more interesting teams in the NL. The Wise Guys are only two games above .500, but they've won seven of their last ten and have a positive run differential.
The offense has been productive, scoring 663 runs with a .762 OPS. The pitching staff has been more inconsistent, allowing 615 runs and posting a 4.33 ERA.
Fred Miller has been a workhorse, leading the league with 19 wins, while Henry Zambrano has added 16 victories. The Wise Guys have enough offensive talent and starting pitching to be a factor, but they'll need more consistency over the final month.
13. Colorado Springs Bighorn (67-65) – AL West
Run Differential: +25 | Last 10: 6-4
Colorado Springs is still within striking distance of Iowa City in the AL West and remains in the wild-card conversation. The Bighorn have a respectable offense, scoring 641 runs with a .756 OPS.
The pitching staff has been adequate, posting a 4.15 ERA. Yovani Torres has been a bright spot at the plate, hitting .303 with an .860 OPS, while Kent Gregerson has supplied 28 home runs.
Colorado Springs has been competitive all season, but it needs to string together a strong finish to make a serious push for the division.
14. Buffalo Fudds (66-66) – NL North
Run Differential: +11 | Last 10: 3-7
Buffalo is exactly .500, but the Fudds remain in first place in the NL North. The division has been a relatively open race, and Buffalo has done enough to stay in front despite a difficult stretch.
The pitching staff has been respectable, with a 4.11 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Victor Richardson has been the offensive centerpiece, hitting 39 home runs with 109 RBI and a .912 OPS.
The Fudds have a narrow lead in the division, but the recent 3-7 stretch is a concern. Montreal and Tacoma are still within reach, and Buffalo will need to get back on track.
Tier 3: On the Playoff Bubble
These clubs are still alive, but the final 30 games will be critical. Some are within reach of a playoff spot, while others need a significant turnaround.
15. Nashville Knights (67-65) – AL South
Run Differential: -52 | Last 10: 5-5
Nashville is still in the AL wild-card race, but the numbers suggest the Knights have been fortunate to reach 67 wins. The offense has been productive, scoring 634 runs with a .760 OPS, but the pitching staff has struggled to a 4.77 ERA.
Brady Radinsky has been a bright spot, posting a .893 OPS and an excellent .416 OBP. Clay Hennessey has added 32 home runs and 92 runs scored.
The Knights are seven games out of the final playoff spot, but they'll need a significant improvement from the pitching staff to make a real run.
16. Louisville Tempted (66-66) – NL South
Run Differential: -13 | Last 10: 7-3
Louisville has been playing well lately, winning seven of its last ten and three straight. The Tempted are still nine games behind Austin in the NL South, but they remain within striking distance of a wild-card spot.
The offense has some power, with 196 home runs, and the pitching staff has been solid with a 3.97 ERA. Buck Bell has been a standout, going 16-6 with a 2.95 ERA and 195 innings pitched.
Louisville is not far from being a more dangerous team. A strong final month could put the Tempted in the postseason conversation.
17. Las Vegas High Rollers (67-65) – NL West
Run Differential: -2 | Last 10: 4-6
Las Vegas is hanging around the NL wild-card picture, but the High Rollers have been inconsistent. Their run differential is essentially even, suggesting the 67-65 record is a fair reflection of their performance.
The offense has hit 182 home runs, led by Hugh McNamara's 37 and Zelous Houston's 36. The pitching staff has been respectable, with a 4.19 ERA.
Las Vegas has enough power to make things interesting, but the team needs more consistency if it wants to hold onto a wild-card position.
18. Salem Witchland (66-66) – NL West
Run Differential: -16 | Last 10: 5-5
Salem is still in the wild-card hunt, but the Witchland have been a middle-of-the-pack team for much of the season. The offense has scored 600 runs, while the pitching staff has posted a 4.27 ERA.
Patsy Payne has been a key power source with 31 home runs and 95 RBI, while Luis Francisco has stolen 47 bases. The combination of power and speed gives Salem some offensive options, but the overall production has been inconsistent.
The Witchland are only one game back of the final wild card spot, so there's still an opportunity to make a move.
19. Trenton Hessians (62-70) – NL East
Run Differential: -51 | Last 10: 6-4
Trenton is 5 games behind in the NL wild-card race, but the Hessians have started to show some life. They've won five straight and are 6-4 over their last ten.
Arismendy Mota has been a standout, batting .310 with 29 home runs and a .929 OPS. The offense has been decent overall, but the pitching staff has allowed 642 runs.
Trenton has a steep climb ahead, but the recent winning streak has at least made the final month interesting.
20. London Hot Spurs (62-70) – NL East
Run Differential: -10 | Last 10: 5-5
London has been a frustrating team to evaluate. The Hot Spurs are eight games under .500, but their -10 run differential suggests they've been much more competitive than their record indicates.
The offense has scored 588 runs and posted a .752 OPS. Marvin Hall has 34 home runs and an .895 OPS, while Ehire Torres has stolen 32 bases.
The pitching staff has been closer to average, with a 4.16 ERA. London has some talent, but needs to get hot now to have any chance of making the playoffs.
21. Montreal Marauders (61-71) – NL North
Run Differential: -44 | Last 10: 6-4
Montreal has shown some signs of life, winning six of its last ten and two straight. The Marauders are five games behind Buffalo in the NL North, so the division race isn't completely out of reach.
The offense has been average at best, scoring 550 runs with a .728 OPS. The pitching staff has posted a 4.20 ERA, and Vic Tarraga has been a workhorse, throwing 220.1 innings with a 3.10 ERA.
Montreal needs to keep winning to make the division race interesting. The recent results are encouraging, but there isn't much room for error.
Tier 4: Long Shots and Playing for Pride
These teams have work to do. Some are still mathematically alive, but they'll need an exceptional finish to make the postseason.
22. Cheyenne Chinook (63-69) – AL West
Run Differential: -57 | Last 10: 5-5
Cheyenne has struggled to put together a consistent season, and the Chinook are within 13 games of Iowa City in the AL West. Tyson Burch has been excellent, posting a 2.70 ERA across nearly 200 innings with 192 strikeouts.
The offense has been a problem, scoring just 572 runs and posting a .705 OPS. Cheyenne needs more production from its lineup if it hopes to make a late push.
23. Kansas City Lightning (61-71) – AL West
Run Differential: -14 | Last 10: 3-7
Kansas City has been more competitive than its record suggests, with a -14 run differential. The offense has scored 636 runs, and the pitching staff has struggled to a 4.62 ERA.
Shane Blevins has been a bright spot, going 16-7 with a 3.19 ERA. The Lightning have enough offensive production to be competitive, but the pitching staff outside of Blevins needs to improve considerably.
24. Toronto Savage (66-66) – AL North
Run Differential: -121 | Last 10: 4-6
Toronto is sitting at .500, but the run differential tells a much less encouraging story. The Savage have scored 571 runs while allowing 692, a gap of 121 runs.
The offense has been average, and the pitching staff has been one of the league's weakest, posting a 4.88 ERA. Brutus Munro has been a bright spot in the rotation with a 2.90 ERA, but the team needs much more consistency behind him.
Toronto is still within reach of a wild-card spot, but the numbers suggest a difficult final month.
25. Arizona Artists (58-74) – NL West
Run Differential: -64 | Last 10: 3-7
Arizona has had trouble putting together a complete season. The Artists have scored 603 runs, but the pitching staff has allowed 667. The offense has some speed, with 136 stolen bases, but the .720 OPS is below average.
Oscar Haynes has stolen 36 bases, while Marquis Affeldt has provided a .303 average. Arizona has some useful pieces, but it will need a much better overall performance to climb back into contention.
26. Jacksonville Black Market Alligator Dealers (56-76) – AL South
Run Differential: -58 | Last 10: 4-6
Jacksonville has been unable to keep pace in the AL South. The offense has scored 555 runs, while the pitching staff has allowed 613 and posted a 4.45 ERA.
Bruce Dunn has been one of the bright spots, hitting .321 with a .896 OPS. Roenis Dominguez has also provided some power with 28 home runs.
The Alligator Dealers have shown some offensive ability, but the overall results have not been there.
27. St. Louis Arch of Beers (56-76) – NL North
Run Differential: -99 | Last 10: 5-5
St. Louis has had a difficult season on both sides of the ball. The Arch of Beers have scored just 538 runs, the third-lowest total in the league, and have allowed 637.
The pitching staff has posted a 4.47 ERA, while the offense has struggled to a .682 OPS. There are some individual contributors, but the overall production has been well below league average.
28. Atlanta Braves (58-74) – NL South
Run Differential: -175 | Last 10: 4-6
Atlanta has the second-worst run differential in KML, and the numbers reflect a team that has struggled throughout the season. The Braves have scored 522 runs while allowing 697, with a 4.99 ERA and a .674 OPS.
The offense has been particularly difficult to watch, ranking near the bottom of the league in nearly every major category. Atlanta will need a major overhaul of its performance to become competitive again.
29. Tacoma Tigers (59-73) – NL North
Run Differential: -1 | Last 10: 1-9
Tacoma's run differential is almost perfectly even, but the Tigers have struggled badly over the last ten games, going 1-9 and losing nine straight.
The offense has been decent, scoring 630 runs with a .753 OPS. Irving Quentin and Joel Gilbert have been productive, while Elvis Einertson has added 31 home runs.
The pitching staff has been closer to average, but the recent slide has put Tacoma in a difficult position. The Tigers need to stop the bleeding quickly.
30. Vancouver Tweakers (47-85) – AL North
Run Differential: -151 | Last 10: 2-8
Vancouver has struggled on both sides of the ball. The Tweakers have scored 570 runs and allowed 721, the most in the league. The pitching staff has a 5.05 ERA, while the offense has posted a .710 OPS.
There are a few bright spots, including Henderson Barrett's .891 OPS and Kris Craig's 27 home runs, but the overall results have been disappointing.
31. Charleston Bumpy Roses (52-80) – AL South
Run Differential: -171 | Last 10: 2-8
Charleston has had a rough season, ranking near the bottom of the league in both offense and pitching. The Bumpy Roses have scored just 507 runs while allowing 678, and their 4.81 ERA is among the league's worst.
The offense has struggled to a .687 OPS, and the team has not been able to find enough consistent production to stay competitive.
32. Pittsburgh Parking Chairs (50-82) – AL East
Run Differential: -196 | Last 10: 5-5
Pittsburgh brings up the rear in this edition of the power rankings. The Parking Chairs have the worst run differential in KML at -196, having scored 519 runs while allowing 715.
The pitching staff has posted a 5.01 ERA, and the offense has managed just a .697 OPS. Even a respectable 5-5 stretch over the last ten games hasn't been enough to change the overall picture.
The Playoff Picture: 30 Games to Go
The division races are beginning to take shape, but there are still plenty of opportunities for movement.
American League division leaders
AL North: Hartford Whalers (81-51)
AL East: Philadelphia Union (80-52)
AL South: Florida Manatees (77-55)
AL West: Iowa City Farmers (76-56)
American League wild-card positions
Augusta Admirals (76-56)
Huntington Apex (74-58)
Sioux Falls (71-61) is three games back, while Colorado Springs and Nashville are seven games back.
National League division leaders
NL North: Buffalo Fudds (66-66)
NL East: Baltimore Crab Cakes (77-55)
NL South: Austin Jiveturkeys (75-57)
NL West: Fresno Fox (76-56)
National League wild-card positions
Jackson Grim Reapers (72-60)
New York Wise Guys (67-65)
New York is tied with Las Vegas but owns the head-to-head tiebreaker, while Louisville and Salem are one game back. Trenton is five games back.
Final Thoughts: The Race to October
With 30 games remaining, the championship picture is becoming clearer, but there is still plenty of room for surprises.
Baltimore, Philadelphia and Huntington have the strongest statistical cases as the league's top teams. Florida, Fresno and Augusta have the pitching and overall balance to make deep runs, while Hartford's outstanding record will put the Whalers in a favorable position despite some questions about the pitching staff.
The most intriguing races may be in the AL East and the NL South, where the division leaders have challengers close enough to make things interesting. The NL North is wide open, with Buffalo trying to hold off Montreal and Tacoma. And the wild-card races in both leagues have plenty of teams still fighting for a spot.
Thirty games remain. The contenders are starting to separate themselves, but nobody has punched a ticket to the World Series just yet.
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