The Inventors finally put the demons to rest, as they qualified for the postseason in 2007 for the first time in their three year history. Picked in last place in all of the public preseason predictions, they shocked everyone by finishing in 2nd place, behind the powerful play of GM Sergey Kudrin, who finished at an undefeated +2.
Although they lost to New York in the first round of the playoffs, the Inventors were very satisfied with their season. This year the expectations will be higher but the road may be tougher. The 2nd place finish has given Philadelphia a tough schedule, with Boston and New York twice, and Dallas and San Fran in interleague play, and the competition around the league hasn't gotten any lighter.
On the plus side Philadelphia has acquired the services of FM Thomas Bartell, who should help to provide quite a bit of depth to their lineup. Also the Inventors expect that NM Daniel Yeager has improved quite a bit since last season, as evidenced by his recent National High School Championship victory. Will Philadelphia show that last season was no fluke? We'll soon find out!
