2053 Cartwright Preview: Talons vs Aztecs (Best of 7)

[neugey]

The Talons somehow slid by the Charm City, prevailing in 7 games. Amayas Moeling came up big in game 7, keeping the Jimmies off the scoreboard for 7.1 innings and garnering a clutch win. Steven "Scooter" Collins III kept his postseason contributions going, with 7 hits and 6 runs vs Charm City. The last 3 games of the series were a bit nerve-wracking however, with the Talons committing 5 errors. They certainly won't be able to commit that many mistakes against a loaded Mexico City squad.

The pitching behind ace Moeling has been spotty. The other starters have been inconsistent, and even when they pitch well management has a short leash and goes to bullpen quickly. Phoenix also needs to get more out of catcher Ichizo Sugiyama, who is only hitting .171 and hasn't gone yard since game 1 of the Atlantic City series. If the Talons are to beat the defending champs, hitters 1B Ernest Bride, Collins and RF Chris Thomas are going to need to catch fire and dominate games.

Mexico City was surprisingly challenged and taken to 7 games by the upstart Oysters. But in the four games that the Aztecs prevailed, they outscored Rocky Mountain by a combined 26-4. No team in the BBA can match the Aztecs' firepower when they are on. CF Felix Roman was named MVP of the series after hitting .286 with 3 homers and driving in 8 runs. Supporting him has been LF Fernando Moreno, hitting .290 with a homer and 5 RBI. As you can see, the Aztecs hitters have been spreading wealth and each doing their part at the plate. They seem almost entirely slump-proof.

SP Bill Constable has yet to give up an earned run in two starts. SP Arthur Dunn got roughed up in game 2 for 8 hits and 6 earned runs, but rebounded nicely in the deciding game 7 with 7 strong innings of 1-run baseball. Mexico City did commit 6 errors in the series, and that may be one of the few weaknesses Phoenix can expose.

The Verdict: Mexico City seems like it might be too consistent and too strong for Phoenix to handle. The BBA has a tradition of back-to-back champions, and Mexico City is looking to be the next franchise with that designation. I think the Aztecs will prevail in 6.