The rain game continues

The Ryley Centennial’s rain delay at the beginning of Saturday pushed a couple games back. It also created time for three of the league’s teams to vent on a situation that is coming to a head this week.

Under the condition of anonymity, representatives from Holden, Bardo and Tofield all voiced displeasure at the rush to get playoffs started this week with Bardo and Holden both trying to finish two games before Wednesday.

“We’ve rushed to play make-ups Saturday, Sunday and now Monday after playing Thursday and then we’re expected to start playoffs on Wednesday or Thursday?” one player said. “This is (crazy).”

Holden has two make-ups left with Tofield while Bardo has two left with Leduc (a possible first-round matchup). The teams play tonight in attempt to solve third place, but if Bardo loses, then the second games would have to be played.

Bardo appears to be backing away from the proposal from Leduc to do two five-inning doubleheaders Monday night. It’s uncertain but unlikely that Holden and Tofield would do the same.

If that’s the case, Tofield and Holden would still need to play Tuesday or Thursday, and Leduc and Bardo would meet on Wednesday.

The situation has heated playoff tensions with Leduc who some are accusing of rushing the playoffs due to upcoming summer holidays.

“We have guys going on holidays, too,” said one player. “That’s life, deal with it.

Leduc does have the awkward scheduling conflict of only having the diamond on Wednesdays. Another full week to the season could mean a championship not starting until Aug. 10 or 11 – the latest start to a championship in documented history. In 2004, the championship finale took place on Aug. 12. At that point, darkness becomes an issue.

Sitting back and watching this all unfold in the clubhouse are the second place Ryley Rebels who got hammered by Holden on Saturday before beating Tofield to create the current mess.

The PBL playoff schedule cannot be posted until standings are finalized.

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Jason Buzzell