Quakes, 66ers in playoff deadlock

The overall records aren't impressive, both with 50 wins and 60 losses, after the Quakes downed the 66ers 8-4 on Wednesday night. But the Quakes not only tied the Sixers for the final playoff spot, but with a 20-20 record in the second half, they moved within one game of High Desert in the race for the second-half title.

In a league where 60 percent of teams in each division make the playoffs each year, the Quakes have not made the playoffs since 2004. In the last 10 years, the 66ers and San Bernardino Stampede only failed to make the playoffs once.

The Quakes problem usually isn't talent, it's depth. They have prospects but plenty of holes, while the Sixers might have fewer prospects but a more well-rounded team.

At this point, with still 30 games remaining in the season, the roles appear to be reversed. With Alexander Torres gone to Double-A, it's a struggle to find any prospects on the Quakes' roster. Yet they have few holes. Bench players and bullpen pitchers have not been liabilities like in the past.

The Sixers, meanwhile, have legit prospects in OF Trayvon Robinson, OF Scott Van Slyke, and P Tim Sexton. But beyond that, they have holes in the starting rotation, bullpen and the bottom of the lineup.

There's still some time left in the season, but it'll be interesting to see what happens down the stretch.