The showdown

It was about eight weeks ago that I noticed Bob and Adam were primed for a division-title showdown in Week 22.

I had my eye on it the whole time, hoping that the two would stay close in the standings to set up a dramatic final week.

It's here. Both competitors are pumped, both competitors have done and still are doing some trash talk, and both want this win badly.


"It's a big week for the Miners, which goes without saying," Bob said. "We have risen up to the challenge in the past and I don't see it being any different this week."

Led by Josh Hamilton, Adam is at the top of just about every offensive ranking, so it's crucial for hm to take the majority of hitting categories. If Bob can steal a few, he should take the win.

"I'm confident in my players," Adam said. "I believe they can come through and win the week. However, I would like my team to not feel pressured and gear up for our playoff run."

Adam leads Bob in the standings by a half-game. The winner gets the top seed in the playoffs. The loser is the No. 3 seed. That is a HUGE difference. No wild-card team has ever won a championship.

"Capturing our third division title in four years is a big deal to us, as well as the best single season record in Keeper League history," Bob said. "We've had a tough few weeks, but we showed signs of life over the weekend, and I think that will carry over into this week."

Bob has answered the challenge all year of defending his title, and the fact that Adam is the one challenging him is a huge surprise. We keep waiting for Adam to fall flat, but credit to him because it hasn't.

"I'm excited," Adam said. "It's just refreshing to finally be in contention and make the playoffs for once."

Everyone expects a close match. The poll of managers voting on who will win is currently 5-4. Bob predicts a 10-9 win by himself. And why shouldn't he?

"My confidence factor is a 7.5 on a scale of 10," Bob said. " My words for Adam are may the best manager (me) win."

And Adam's words for Bob?

"Beware," he said.