T-Bears Prepare for Grand Slam Cup Series – 64.12

[neugey]

Just two years ago, Moscowwas in this same situation in the middle of autumn. They were itchy, bored and more than ready for the GBC Grand Slam Cup Series to begin. Due to the need to schedule the BBA and GBC playoffs in related timeframes, there’s a built-in down period of nearly two weeks while the final two GBC teams await their best-of-nine standoff. Practices go stale quickly, and the players have a look of desperation as they kill time in the clubhouse. The puzzles, board games, Mario Kart and even the ping pong soon wears out its welcome for these players. They’re ready to show what they’ve got.

The Thunder Bears pitching, which saw a major resurgence in 2064 during the regular season and their postseason conquest of London, will have a challenge to overcome. Journeyman starter Larry Soukup, who had a wonderful bounce-back season in 2064, will need nine months to recover from torn elbow ligaments. Taking his place in Moscow’s 4-man starting rotation will be veteran Shimpei Ono. During Moscow’s 2062 championship journey, Ono was a valuable starter during the regular season, but a mid-September shoulder injury put him on the shelf for the remainder of that campaign. He’ll also need to banish the demons of 2061, when he was hit hard and recorded a 6.75 ERA and a loss in 2 postseason starts. As of late, he has pitched wonderfully in relief. But starting playoff games is another thing altogether.

Another emerging storyline for Moscow is LF Godfredo Chucha. Chucha was the #1 overall pick in 2059 and the first player Moscow ever drafted. But this Denny’s series will be his swansong with the Thunder Bears. Management and Chucha were unable to meet in the middle on a contract extension, and the 28-year-old will leave soon in free agency. On the right day, he’s capable of carrying a team, as evidenced by his 4 RBI day in a 4-3 win over London in the fourth game of the previous playoff series. But other days he’s plagued by groundouts and disappointments at the plate. The pressure will be on for Chucha to play exceedingly well for his next contract. The corner outfield position is extremely crowded in both the BBA and GBC and finding his next team may be a challenge.

The final T-Bear we’ll focus on is powerhouse closer Riyadi Subandrio. In recording 50 saves this year, he’s proved to be quite unhittable. 2065 will be his final year of arbitration and from there his future is uncertain. Will he continue to be a dominating closer in the GBC or will he join a crowded field of talented young relievers in the BBA?

Moscow will have their hands full with Sao Paulo, who won the regular season series between the two teams 4-2. The biggest challenge will be holding star 1B Katsunan Hashimoto in check. The switch-hitter recorded 42 HR and 112 RBI during the regular season. He’s also a soon-to-be free agent who will be plenty motivated to slug the ball on this big stage and attract new suitors. The Thunder Bears will have to attack the Pilots veteran pitching staff to make sure they can keep pace with the homers that Hashimoto and his teammates are well known for.

Will Moscow manage to take 2 out of the last 3 Grand Slam Cups? Or will streakers race through the Sao Paulo streets to celebrate the franchise’s and South America’s first-ever GBC title? We’ll find out shortly.

[BTuck2112]

Bring the Cup home for Moscow!

[OKCMarinersFan]

Rooting for Moscow here since they took down that powerhouse London team..

[mragland]

Good luck. Tough to string together three must-win victories in row. Ask me how I know.

[neugey]

Good luck. Tough to string together three must-win victories in row. Ask me how I know.

I drive a Subaru and I once bought my dad breakfast at a Denny's. Hope the Brewster gods are with me!