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Baseball Season Opens in Japan
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Five Teams Eliminated From the Playoffs
TOKYO, JAPAN - The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs split their two-game opening series this week in baseball's first trip to Japan to play official games. In the process five teams were eliminated from playoff contention.
When the first pitch was thrown early Wednesday morning the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates all found themselves planning on staying home come October. They were mathematically eliminated when the season started without any recompense made for the small market teams to compete for the large market teams.
"We want to compete, but it is hard when you can't attract the same talent as the Yankees and Dodgers of the world," noted Twins Manager Tom Kelly. "I still expect our guys will play hard and compete the rest of the season and maybe we can be a spoiler."
Expos Manager Felipe Alou agreed, "You start each season hoping things come together and you make the playoffs. That is the goal. So of course we are disappointed to be eliminated so early."
It is also believed, at this time that the five teams already eliminated have been permanently eliminated from all future playoff contention. Although unofficial, sources say they will remain eliminated until there is financial equity between teams.
While the Yankees, Braves, and Indians have already clinched playoff spots, several teams continue to fight for the few playoff spots still remaining. The tightest battle is in the National League Central where an amazing three teams could still win the division race and an early exit from the playoffs.
The reigning Central champs, the Houston Astros, along with the revamped Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals have been battling all pre-season for pre-season hype and it still remains to be seen who will prevail.
One thing is for certain about this season, no one will really care what happens, except for the home run race.
©2000 Copyright David Oliver
DISCLAIMER: These stories are not true. No really. It's all just a joke, you know for fun.
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