Vancouver clinched the first half championship on Saturday and will be in the playoffs come September. The lower level teams seem to be the best bets for the playoffs this season. Buffalo, New Hampshire, Dunedin and Lansing haven't shown playoff form although Dunedin have a chance for the second half title if they can finish strong. Bluefield and the GCL Jays, along with Vancouver, could be playoff bound. For Vancouver this is the first time they have made the playoffs from the first half of the season, they have previously qualified from the second half. Vancouver in the playoffs could impact the Jays promotion plans, they could prefer that players stay in Vancouver to experience the playoffs rather than go to Lansing and get their heads beaten in most nights. Lansing are desperate for Justin Maese and Patrick Murphy to return and both are pitching in the GCL and getting close.
Elsewhere, Ryan Borucki had a great start to his AA career. Michael Saunders had a good weekend in AAA, as did Dwight Smith. Nate Pearson made his first start for Vancouver and pitched well. The Bats are hot for several of the affiliates.