That's What Cheesehead - 99.11 - Wolves Clinch

[7teen]

It was a foregone conclusion. It was a matter of when, not if. That when came in the last sim when the Madison Wolves, in unclimactic fashion, wrapped up the Johnson League Midwest crown. Thanks to a 6-3 start to the month by the Wolves, and losing starts to the month by both Phoenix and Chicago, the Wolves are headed towards their 3rd consecutive post-season, but still in search of that first elusive title.

"We feel real good about our chances this season" said Hurley Reyes. "Last year we were the favorites in the JL and couldn't close the deal in the post-season. But we feel as though the experiences of last season have made us stronger as a club. We're more prepared for the post-season and our primed to make a real run at the Cartwright Cup this season."

Last season was a real let down for the Wolves. Winning 109 games, the Wolves were a full 20 games better than the next team in the league. No one gave anyone else a shot at knocking off the juggernaut Wolves. When the Wolves disposed of Valencia in the first round in rather easy fashion, Madison faced divisional foe Chicago in the JL Doubleday Series. Having beaten Chicago by a full 25 games within the division, no one gave the Sox a chance. But that's why you play the games on the field. After a stunning game 7 upset, the Wolves were devastated, but are vowing to use that experience in their favor this time around.

"We won't be over looking anyone this time around" said veteran pitcher Chet Steadman, who went 0-2 in last year's playoffs. "We learned last year that every game is important, every opponent is important, and teams just don't reach the playoffs for no reason. We're ready for whatever comes our way this time."

With approximately 2 weeks and 20 games remaining on the schedule, the Wolves appear primed for a 2 seed in the JL playoffs this season. It would appear that would put them on a track to play California in the first round of the playoffs. Barring a late rally from Greenville or Valencia, the post-season will likely see Madison take on California in one series, with Vancouver hosting Baltimore in the other. The Wolves have winning records against all 3 of those opponents, including a whopping 10-2 mark over the Bobwhites.

[recte44]

Congratulations, Chris. I think Steadman could actually be the difference between this years Wolves and those Wolves teams of years past.