Pastime Baseball League – Baseball Bi-Weekly
Vol. 6, Monday, June 15, 2009 (cont.)
Location, Location and Location
Schedule disparities could alter races down the line
Though we aren't yet at the midpoint of the season, a quick look at the standings makes very clear that a few scheduling oddities regarding home and road splits are likely to have a significant impact later in the year.
Consider the Charlotte Cougars, who have played 16 more games away from Charlotte than they have at home. Their situation is odd, as the whole Northern League East Division has played much more on the road than at home. But the Cougars have been a bit better at home than their closest rival right now, Louisville, which has gone 11-11 at home compared with 13-8 for Charlotte. More home games could spread that advantage to Charlotte if the trend holds up.
Down south the Memphis Strummers have played 36 games at home and 22 on the road en route to the best record in baseball. Orlando and New Orleans have played 9 and 8 fewer games at home, respectively. Though they trail Memphis by 8.5 and 11 games, could those differentials help close the gap - particularly given how hot New Orleans has been during its resurgence.
Of course, the next few months could render these questions moot. That's why they play the games.