In case you missed it in all the playoff hype, the 2010 Silver Hawks schedule has been released.
A few changes this year:
1) Bowling Green (KY) and Lake County (OH) enter the Midwest League, and will move into the Eastern Division. This makes both divisions 8 teams, making it more fair in terms of playoff qualifying. In years past, the East only had 6 teams, and with 4 making the postseason, it was easier for the East than the West. Not anymore.
2) Instead of playing a total of six games against the West (three each home and home), there will only be three games against the West in 2010. For example, the Silver Hawks go to Clinton for three games in July, but the LumberKings never come to the Cove next season. It will be reversed in 2011. I hate this, because that means only 24 games against the West and 116 against the East. Now no one can complain about not playing their division enough, but I wish it would be a bit more balanced.
3) Everything else remains virtually the same. Game times have not been announced as of yet, but they will be determined before you know it.
I was waiting to blog about this until the season was over but I'll comment now :-)
ReplyDeleteBasically, there are 6 teams in the Eastern Division. The first half, 2 teams make the playoffs, leaving 4 teams battling for two playoff spots during the 2nd half of the season.
For all intents and purposes, it is much easier making the playoffs in the Eastern division. To look at it another way, in the East you have 6 teams vying for 4 spots and in the West you have 8 teams vying for 4 spots.
The challenge for the Eastern division now is going to be travel. That's another discussion for another day.
Dave