EXAMINING THE PLAYOFF POSSIBILITIES AS THE DUCKS CONTINUE WINNING

Long Island's exceptional second half, including its current nine-game winning streak, is making it very likely the Ducks will win both halves in the Liberty Division and at least one wild card will get into the playoffs. Two wild cards will make it if Lancaster, which trails York by percentage points in the second half of the Freedom Division race, wins both halves.

York is in the No. 1 wild card position if the Ducks and Barnstormers both win two half-season titles, but the Revolution only lead Bridgeport by one game. York is 53-42 for the year, the Bluefish are 52-43.

Southern Maryland is the Liberty Division's last place team in the second half, but the Blue Crabs are within two and a half games of Bridgeport for the full year while Camden is seven games behind the Bluefish.

Camden has been a solid 19-12 in the second half, but the Riversharks' best shot at reaching postseason is to make up the six-game deficit against Long Island and win the second half crown.

SCOTT SPIEZIO GETS A NICE MOMENT

It has been well documented that Scott Spiezio had various personal battles about the time his lengthy major league career ended in 2007 so it is great seeing the Los Angeles Angels have invited their 2002 World Series hero back for a ceremonial first pitch on Sunday as part of the club's 50th anniversary celebration.

His father Ed, also a major league player, will be Scott's catcher and the younger Spiezio's sons, 11 and nine, also will be on the field.

Scott Spiezio, who also helped St. Louis to its World Series title in 2006, last played one year ago when he was in 52 contests with Newark, hitting .279 with three homers and 35 runs batted in.

Subscriptions to the Insider now only $33 for the remainder of 2011.

REQUEST A FREE SAMPLE COPY OF THE INDEPENDENT BASEBALL INSIDER