With the playoffs coming up in March I thought I’d do a playoff preview. The Champions seem to be the clear favorite – but will they close the deal? I’ve looked at run differential, the likely pitching rotations, and if there are any part-timers who look to take a bigger role in the postseason…
Chicago Champions (+136) vs. Three Rivers Gamblers (+69)
Probable playoff rotation: A, CZ, CZ, CZ vs. BZ, B, BW, C
The Champs have to be the favorites to take it all this year, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have weaknesses. This applies especially in Round One, as Lincecum can only pitch twice if the series goes five. That means the Gamblers have a slight pitching advantage. Both pens go reasonably deep, but the Champs have got good control all over the place, while the Gamblers are shaky. Offensively both teams have great hearts of the order (A-Rod, Morneau, Sizemore, Lee and Rollins for the Champs, Pedroia, Jeter, Braun, Fielder, Glaus and Bay for the Gamblers). Neither really has a "secret weapon" they can trot out in the playoffs. The Champs should win this one – I’ll say Champs in 5.
Rising Bamm! Beanos (+67) vs. Molly Putts Marauders (+26)
Probable playoff rotation: AW, B, B, B vs. AW, BZ, BZ, BZ
The Marauders only scored 26 more runs than they allowed as they had the second worst offense in the league. On the other hand, they’ve got a deep rotation, and the luxury of adding a couple of starters to their pen, making it also extremely deep. The Bamm! Beanos, on the other hand, have an excellent offense with lots of depth; Hanley Ramirez and Mark Teixeira are top-notch while Matt Kemp, Russ Martin, and Dan Uggla are a good supporting cast. Their pen is not as deep as the Putts but still adequate – they also can add a B starter to their pen. It could come down to a couple of rookie part-timers; Denard Span for the Beanos and Kung Fu Panda (Pedro Sandoval) for the Marauders. Neither will be able to play every day but will have a big effect when they are in the game. In the end though, I think the Marauders have too many holes on offense – Sandoval can only plug one – and the Bamm! Beanos will advance to the World Series in 4 games.
The division rival in me wishes that Don and John weren’t facing off in the first round but I’d love to see a Beano-Champion showdown.
err.. not to say I don’t want Don to win. It just be interesting to see that rivalry play out.
/trying to extract this foot out of my mouth. umm.. Go West!!
Sounds like Moly Putts shouldn’t even bother to show up. This is basically good.
I wonder what time ILL-INI will end up playing on Friday in the Big Ten Tournament.
DonS.
Guys,
I know how to spell “Molly.” My typing and my proofreading suffer the morning after BIG ILL-INI wins.
One Other thing: Maybe I’m not aware (I was accused of that last night. Actually, it was both “insensitive” and “unaware,” but that’s neither here nor there). But I didn’t know that BammBeanos vs Champions was a rivalry.
Back when Tom Reisdorph was the manager of the Cardinals (previous name of BammBeanos), it absolutely was a rivalry. Those two managers didn’t like each other (putting it mildly) and both of them “play APBA for blood.” So that one WAS fierce. But now? I don’t sense that.
Maybe I’m missing something.
Also, people don’t seem to be giving Todd much of a chance. Molly (two L’s) went 6-12 against the Gamblers. I think they are “very capable.”
DonS.
I think Todd has the advantage if he can close it out in 4. If it goes to game 5 with Lincecum back on the hill Tedd advances. Of course then Tedd would be at a disadvantage against whoever he faces, as they could pitch 3 A starts to his 2 in the World Series.
I think all 4 teams have a chance.