PEBA Expands Post-Season

[Board of the PEBA]

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PEBA Expands Post-Season
by Francis Ferry, NLN baseball beat writer

November 1, 2037: Charleston, West Virginia – On the Front Range it was another disappointing finish to the season as the Borealis flew into Japan with tempered hopes and flew out with their tails between their legs and whip marks on their backs – ingloriously sent home by the Toyama Wind Dancers, who moved on to the PEC to face the West Virginia Alleghenies, who will be seeking their third title – after beating Aurora in 2030 and Neo-Tokyo in 2032. The Wind Dancers will be making their second appearance in the PEC, losing to Florida in 2034. They are looking to be the 3rd member of the Rising Sun division and LRS refugee to make the championship and win a Rodriguez Cup – following the Shin Seiki Evas (who have won twice) and last years champs – the Niihama-shi Ghosts; two teams that were victims of Toyama during this years playoff run.

Meanwhile, at the PEC League press conference, PEBA Commissioner ‘Harry’ Castle dropped a bombshell amongst his numerous, meandering, commentaries about the state of the League – ranging from hailing the excellent play of recent expansion teams New Jersey, Tempe and, of course Niihama-shi, while showing displeasure as to the progress of many teams in the league that seemed content with their standing. “More than one club has approached me about eliminating the revenue sharing ‘tax’ if ‘those teams were not going to take advantage of the gift’.

This humble reporter can see the concern – back in the old MLB days there was the same concern about clubs in Oakland and Pittsburgh.
There was then a discussion regarding changes to the Leagues financial accounting process that the former-CFO of the Borealis presented that created more confused looks from the attending reports and spectators; even the Commissioner, himself, seemed unsure about what he was talking about as he tried to reassure everyone that this was a good thing – if it were to pass muster with the League owners committee.

Then the bombshell followed. “Today we announce the expansion of the PEBA playoffs – a concept we have investigated thoroughly by polling GM’s, players, and fans – with an overwhelming approval percentage.” Castle stated. “It is our hopes that the addition of an extra wild card to the post-season – to face the division champ with the lowest win percentage, will help bring a bit more parity to the League, through potentially increased revenue and improved player acquisition.”

Whether that is something that happens – or not, will be determined. Had the extra spot been available this year, it would have been Okinawa as the 3rd wild card, playing Duluth in the SL, and 3rd wild card London playing the rival Scottish in the IL.
Amongst the most vocal opponents of the increase in playoff teams is former-Player Union boss, Steve ‘Steve “Steve Hott” Hott’ Hott, who unleashed a verbal tirade against the commissioner for his decision, suggesting that ‘Harry’ Castle ‘must be smoking some ayahuasca with Aurora broadcaster George Crocker’. Hott elaborated further by stating “We all know what a cracked head Crocker is.”
For the record, Crocker’s radio partner, Mark Gunter, defended Crocker, blasted Hott for his irresponsible commentary, and praised the PEBA leadership for ‘all in all a solid decision.’

[Alleghenies]

This might be a first, Steve Hott and I agree LOL.