Baltimore Bulletin 2012-3 Playoff Report

[nverhoev]

Monarchs Take Series over Black Sox

Despite being outscored on the series the Baltimore Monarchs managed to squeak past the Chicago Black Sox in 6 games. Up next is Madison who are coming off a big win over rivals Vancouver. This is the third year in a row that Baltimore will compete in the JL Cartwright Series.

What was good:

Juan Rivera – Rivera had two excellent starts against his former team. Rivera has never quite lived up to his potential but can make up for it with some playoff magic. He will be looked upon to again be strong against Madison.

Jim Wilson – Wilson, fresh off signing a big money extension, paced the offence with a 1.091 OPS in the series. Madison doesn’t have the shut down starting pitching that Chicago has so hopefully he can continue to post big numbers.

What was bad:

Jim Dunn– Staring catcher Jim Dunn struggled in the series. His .125 average was second lowest amongst regulars. Shane Nobbs is a capable backup and some are wondering if Nobbs will get the call against right handed pitching against the Wolves.

Richard Wilcox – Wilcox, a former Rule 6 signing, struggled. I like his patience and hope he can catch fire soon.

Up Next:

Madison went 95-67 and was the wild card team in the JL. We went 4-5 against the Wolves this year. The scouting report on Madison starts and ends with the one-two punch of Charles Puckettand Bopper Kengos. Handle them and we’ll have a good chance of advancing. Madison scored the third most runs in the JL and also allowed the third fewest. I feel like we will be able to score some runs on the backend of the rotation and if we can take one from Ayala I like our chances. Should be a good one.

[7teen]

I like your chances well. My starting rotation has to rank right up there with one of the weakest in MBWBA history in the terms of playoff teams. Ayala, a career .500 pitcher, goes 21-3 is some sort of computer glitch.

Neither of us have the pitching staff to go and just dominate a short, playoff series. Whichever team can neutralize the other's big studs in the lineup will win.

[nverhoev]

Ive been trying for ten seasons to get a good staff... Don't think it will ever happen in Baltimore. Good luck.