FL Doubleday Series

[cramsey51]

Hackensack vs. Birmingham
Both teams sport relatively new GMs, so it will be interesting to see how they handle the excitement of jumping in and steering a playoff team. The series schedule may not be a factor in which team ha shome field advantage, as both teams are playing over .600 ball entering the playoffs. The Bandits are without top of the rotation pitcher Damian Bedgood, as he went down late in the season with an injury. That may not faze Birmingham as most of their wins are driven by their offensive exploits. They have the 3rd ranked offense backed by their 2nd year player Brett Farve. He has help in the lineup with guys like hard hitting third baseman Jack Dark and journeyman CF Medric Wood. The pitching staff will have to hold it together behind SP Sammy Bodeen who was only able to muster 12 wins in 35 starts this season, his 6th in the bigs.

Over on the Bulls side of things, there is balance starting with the great 1-2 punch on the pitching staff with John Ross Riles, Jr. and Ron Burgundy. When those two take the mound, you know you will be in for a long day if you ar trying to hit off of them. The Bulls ranked 1st in most team pitching categories this season. They were middle of the road on the batting side of things, but they definitely have some bright spots in the lineup. Rafael Rodriguez can just rake while also playing Gold Glove caliber defense. The gifted 2B put up a monsterous 1.026 OPS this season and is truly a difficult out. But one guy cannot represent all of the offense, so he has guys like Edward Framaggio to get on base in front of him and Alistar Sharpe to help him drive in the runs. Unfortunately, star Tom Mohler was injured just prior to the start of the playoffs.

So, weighing the pros & cons here, this is what it looks like. Hackensack has the clear edge when it comes to pitching, it's pretty much a slight edge on offense to the Bandits and in the field the Bulls don't have any clear holes. In my world, pitching & defense win championships, so I have to lean towards Hackensack winning this series in 4 games.


Seattle vs. Austin
Everything is bigger in Texas and Austin proved it by collecting the most wins in the Frick. This battle comes down to the #2 offense in the Frick versus the #2 pitching team in the Frick. Seattle averages 5.1 RPG, while Austin only yields 4.0 RPG. Staying true to form that pitching edges out offense, Austin leads the season series 8-4.

The bullpen is where the Riverbats have the bread buttered. Once the ball is handed to Hans Velkommen, Adrian Nelson and Chester Palabra you can pretty much close the book. The young trio average about 10 K/9IP and have ERAs under 3.00. That's not to say the guys in the rotation are any slouch. SP Felix Pan heads up an impressive staff all around. On the offensive side of things, another trio of players are the foundation. Perennial threats OF Jack Robbins, 1B Kevin Greene and OF Guam Fantomhorsfli just plain get it done. While Seattle may have a better ranked offense overall, this team excels in getting the extra base hits to drive runners in because they led the Frick in EBH, with an astonishing 517. That's over 3 EBH per game!

In Seattle's world, it's all about the scoreboard, because they can produce some runs. They get on base, steal bases, hit for average and get runners in. Trailing only Hackensack for total runs produced, running up the score the name of their game. Former Sawyer Silk Silver Slugger Trophy winner Morris Pennebaker leads the charge and is backed by speedy OF Dash Kelly and powerhouse 2B Mack Randall. When these gus get hot, it could spell trouble for the that bullpen Austin flashes. The Storm have some pitchers of note though. SP Dick Spivey and SP John Rhoades will pair up for some interesting duels against the Riverbats. The bullpen is anchored by all star closer Ted Dever.

Overall this matchup is a lot closer on paper than what played out during the season series. Austin cruised into the postseason as winners of only 2 out of their last 10. If they get their act together and can buckle down, their superior pitching along with decent hitting, will take the series in 6 games.

[aaronweiner]

Wow. Predicting a sweep? I'd say that's beyond harsh.

[Afino]

JL Preview!

[cramsey51]

Wow. Predicting a sweep? I'd say that's beyond harsh.

Not harsh, just reality.

[mad0die]

We definitely coasted toward the end there, but we are rested, healthy and raring to go!