2054 Frick’in Cartwright Preview: Mad Popes vs Cyclones

[neugey]

It took the full seven games, but the Mad Popes finally cast out the River Monsters with a powerful final prayer in game 7. Sacramento used a 14-3 outburst to close out the series and advance to face the Cyclones, who are no strangers to high scoring games themselves.

Omaha required 5 games to dispatch the Bluebirds, finishing with a 17-2 clobbering of Nashville. They hit a home run in every game in that series, but such a feat will be much more difficult against Sacramento’s Frick-leading pitching staff.

It’s hard not to look at this series and boil it all down to Omaha’s powerful offense versus Sacramento’s dominant pitching. Despite their last game, Sacramento is not the type of team to put up huge runs. And Omaha doesn’t have the quality of staff to consistently compete in pitchers’ duels.

Putting aside the broader thinking, let’s look at what is happening on the injury front. Omaha will be getting back all-star 2B Angel Zalapa who is important to the team both offensively and defensively. But that good news is offset by a new injury to their rotation – Haravira Chandar has significant shoulder tendinitis and seems doubtful to play this series. On the Sacramento side, there is no new injury news except for the collective increased heart rate experienced by their coaches and fans.

Sacramento and Omaha played 6 times during the regular season and each won 3 games, so there’s not might insight to be found there. Both teams have some bats going: Sacramento’s Dallas Dixon is hitting .444 so far this postseason. Omaha’s 3B Rhys Brickell is on fire with a .429 and 4 home runs thus far.

Verdict: This is a tough series to call, but I think I’ll give Sacramento the edge because of their pitching. Starters Joe King and Thomas Turner have been red hot and it’s nearly impossible to score more than 1 run on them, even if you are a powerhouse like Omaha. It’s not a pick I have much confidence in, but I forecast the Mad Popes will win in 6 games.

[niles08]

Very well written preview...until the end.

[Jwalk100]

It's so close. I will give the edge to Omaha with home field advantage. Cyclones in 7.

[shoeless.db]

I hate Omaha and all it stands for.

[Jess64]

Interested to see how this all ends up...