Keeping The Faith: Mad Popes Stave Off Collapse (2064.5)

[lordtoffee]

After an August and September swoon, the Mad Popes looked like they were in danger of an epic collapse and entered the final day in a flat footed tie with Twin Cities for the final playoff spot. For a team who was looking to win now, missing the playoffs for a second straight year would have meant huge questions about the roster composition and if the team was past their prime. The Sacramento Bee was direct in their preview.

"Should the Mad Popes miss the playoffs in light of what Shoeless has done since taking over Cobble Hill, Ben Heuring is going to be the one who has to wear this collapse and be the biggest goat in franchise history. There is a possibility that he would have inherited a team that was designed to win now and done nothing with them, and rumors are rife that he is feeling the pressure. The Mad Popes are playing a game in Valencia that could be either a huge relief to the team or Götterdämmerung. The difference is that stark."

The Mad Popes knew that a win would mean that they would at least play a tiebreaker, and as it turned out they came through swimmingly. Mario Reyes came through by pitching shutout ball into the 6th, and after getting a 3 run lead the bullpen finished the combined shutout. The Mad Popes knew that they had done their jobs, and settled into the visiting clubhouse to watch the action from Minnesota to see if they would make the playoffs or face a tiebreaker. When Victor Frazier grounded out to end the game, the Mad Popes could fully celebrate and get ready to fly to Nashville and work out ahead of their season series.

Ben Heuring was a happy man as he watched from the press box. After waiting 20 years, he was finally a playoff GM. "I am more happy for our players than me. Having to knock off Nashville isn't going to be easy, but we are 1 of 6 competing for the Frick pennant. As far as I am concerned, everyone has a 0-0 record at this point."

Heuring then checked the standings, and a smile came up on his face. "I also want to thoroughly congratulate Shoeless for the immense accomplishment he did with Cobble Hill. While I feel really comfortable now out here running the Mad Popes, the Robins took a chance on me to run their baseball operations back in the 2040s and I hope that the fans in Brooklyn enjoy a playoff game that they richly deserve."

[JRamirez]

Dramatic Heartland races this season!

[lordtoffee]

Dramatic Heartland races this season!

What happened in the Frick was incredible theater. I really feel bad for Alan because he did nothing wrong.