#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63) vs #2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66)
How they got here.
Seattle – After Seattle’s first round be they went and swept a very good New Britain team. In the American League Championship series Seattle beat a good Florida team in 6 games. Now as they take on New Orleans one has to wonder if there continued poor post season hitting will come back to haunt them.
New Orleans – After a first round bye New Orleans came out and they swept Atlanta in the 2nd round. New Orleans appeared to be overmatched in the National League Championship series as they dropped the first three games. Then New Orleans pulled off the unthinkable breaking the hearts of fans throughout Ottawa as they decisively won Game 7 to move onto the World Series.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63)
Regular Season>
Offensively Seattle hit .266 for the season as a team which put them above the combined League average of .256. The team ERA for the season was 3.44 which was the best of both Leagues and well below the combined League ERA average of 4.14
Post Season
Offensively Seattle has been terrible in the Post Season hitting a paltry .223, 3rd worst in the entire post season. On the other end of the spectrum is the pitching as Seattle brings in the best Post Season ERA at 1.78.
#2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66)
Regular Season
Offensively New Orleans hit .258 for the season which put them slightly above the combined League Average of .256. The team ERA for the season was 3.67 which was below the combined League ERA average of 4.14.
Post Season
Offensively New Orleans is hitting .251 which isn’t too far removed from their regular season average. The team ERA for the Post Season is a respectable 3.60.
Edge: New Orleans. Yes, I realize that I’m going against my belief that pitching is what wins the in play offs. Seattle is living proof of that concept but their meager batting average throughout the playoffs is my biggest concern. Can their bats wake up and finally compliment their awesome post season pitching staff and if not can their pitching staff continue to pitch them to victory? I’ve got to believe that if their bats can’t wake up then New Orleans will take the series.
New Orleans on the other hand just came back from an 0-3 deficit to get here which didn’t do any favors for the fatigue that the team has been dealing with. If New Orleans can continue to hit and their pitching staff can pitch like they did the last 4 games they have a solid shot of taking the series. New Orleans has to avoid poor start to the series because should they go down 0-2 or even 0-3 and Seattle finds a way to start hitting and magic in New Orleans may come to abrupt end.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
National League Championship Series
#1 Ottawa Outlaws (99 – 63) vs #2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66)
How they got here.
Ottawa – After a first round bye that collective sigh of relief you heard around the baseball world was Ottawa’s fans after being taken to 5 games by Los Angeles. Ottawa went up 2 games to nothing and all appeared to be well in hand and then Los Angeles stormed back winning the next 2 games forcing the 5th and decisive game 5 which Ottawa won 3-2 to move on to the League Championship.
New Orleans – After a first round bye they swept Atlanta in the 2nd round giving their players much needed extra rest. I thought fatigue might be an issue in that series but New Orleans won each game by at least 2 runs.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Ottawa Outlaws (99 - 63)
Offensively Ottawa hit a National League leading .273 for the season as a team. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
#2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66)
Offensively New Orleans hit .258 for the season which put them above the National League Average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.67 which was below the National League ERA average of 4.01.
Edge: Ottawa. This team was the best hitting team in the league and tied with LA for the league in team ERA. How can you pick against that? I can’t in good faith but I wouldn’t be surprised if New Orleans finds a way to win the series. I think this could be a series for the ages with a lot of close games and in the end one fan base will be heartbroken while the other moves on to the World Series.
How they got here.
Ottawa – After a first round bye that collective sigh of relief you heard around the baseball world was Ottawa’s fans after being taken to 5 games by Los Angeles. Ottawa went up 2 games to nothing and all appeared to be well in hand and then Los Angeles stormed back winning the next 2 games forcing the 5th and decisive game 5 which Ottawa won 3-2 to move on to the League Championship.
New Orleans – After a first round bye they swept Atlanta in the 2nd round giving their players much needed extra rest. I thought fatigue might be an issue in that series but New Orleans won each game by at least 2 runs.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Ottawa Outlaws (99 - 63)
Offensively Ottawa hit a National League leading .273 for the season as a team. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
#2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66)
Offensively New Orleans hit .258 for the season which put them above the National League Average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.67 which was below the National League ERA average of 4.01.
Edge: Ottawa. This team was the best hitting team in the league and tied with LA for the league in team ERA. How can you pick against that? I can’t in good faith but I wouldn’t be surprised if New Orleans finds a way to win the series. I think this could be a series for the ages with a lot of close games and in the end one fan base will be heartbroken while the other moves on to the World Series.
American League Championship Series Preview
#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63) vs #3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
How they got here.
Seattle – Seattle had a first round bye. In the second round they had a surprising sweep of a very good New Britain team and made it look easy in the process as none of the games were decided by less than 2 runs.
Florida – Florida breezed through the first round with a sweep of Colorado. In the second round they took care of Syracuse in 4 games rattling off 3 straight wins after dropping the first game.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63)
Offensively Seattle hit .266 for the season as a team which put them above the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.44 which was the best in the American League and well below the League ERA average of 4.28
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Offensively Florida hit .260 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.66 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
Edge: Seattle – Both teams are well rounded and evenly matched. The beauty of a 7 game series is that anything can happen and that is sure to be the case in this series. During the regular season Seattle only finished 4-6 in head to head match ups against Florida. Florida has been extremely hot during the play offs but I’m still a firm believer that pitching, with timely hitting, wins in the playoffs and I think at the end of the day Seattle’s pitching puts them over the top. Would I be surprised if Florida came away the winner of the series? Not at all because if the playoffs have shown anything, it's that regular reason records are not indicative of playoff success.
How they got here.
Seattle – Seattle had a first round bye. In the second round they had a surprising sweep of a very good New Britain team and made it look easy in the process as none of the games were decided by less than 2 runs.
Florida – Florida breezed through the first round with a sweep of Colorado. In the second round they took care of Syracuse in 4 games rattling off 3 straight wins after dropping the first game.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63)
Offensively Seattle hit .266 for the season as a team which put them above the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.44 which was the best in the American League and well below the League ERA average of 4.28
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Offensively Florida hit .260 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.66 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
Edge: Seattle – Both teams are well rounded and evenly matched. The beauty of a 7 game series is that anything can happen and that is sure to be the case in this series. During the regular season Seattle only finished 4-6 in head to head match ups against Florida. Florida has been extremely hot during the play offs but I’m still a firm believer that pitching, with timely hitting, wins in the playoffs and I think at the end of the day Seattle’s pitching puts them over the top. Would I be surprised if Florida came away the winner of the series? Not at all because if the playoffs have shown anything, it's that regular reason records are not indicative of playoff success.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
National League 2nd Round Preview
#1 Ottawa Outlaws (99 – 63) vs #4 Los Angeles Entertainers (84 – 78)
After a first round bye Ottawa takes on Los Angeles who won their series in 4 games. Los Angeles now gets the task of facing the best team in the National League.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Ottawa Outlaws (99 - 63)
Offensively Ottawa hit a National League leading .273 for the season as a team. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
#4 Los Angeles Entertainers (84 – 78)
Offensively Los Angeles hit .254 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the National League average of .253. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
Edge: Ottawa. This team was the best hitting team in the league and tied with LA for the league in team ERA so it’s hard to pick against them. Los Angeles has a chance in the series because they do pitch so well but they’re going to have to figure out how take a game or two from Ottawa on the road and not give up any more than a game at home.
#2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66) vs #6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
New Orleans got to rest up during the first round and take on an Atlanta team that won their series in a 5 game dramatic series. New Orleans certainly needed the rest and still face some fatigue issues which could work in Atlanta’s favor
Tale of the Tape
#2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66)
Offensively New Orleans hit .258 for the season which put them above the National League Average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.67 which was below the National League ERA average of 4.01.
#6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
Offensively Atlanta hit .256 as a team which is slightly above the National League average of .253. The team ERA was 3.64 which is under the National League average of 4.01.
Edge: Atlanta – Atlanta was a slightly better pitching team during the regular season but not enough to give them a clear cut advantage. I think Atlanta’s biggest advantage is that they aren’t facing some of the fatigue issues that face New Orleans. I think Atlanta will extend the series to the point that New Orleans fatigue issues could decide the series.
After a first round bye Ottawa takes on Los Angeles who won their series in 4 games. Los Angeles now gets the task of facing the best team in the National League.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Ottawa Outlaws (99 - 63)
Offensively Ottawa hit a National League leading .273 for the season as a team. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
#4 Los Angeles Entertainers (84 – 78)
Offensively Los Angeles hit .254 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the National League average of .253. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
Edge: Ottawa. This team was the best hitting team in the league and tied with LA for the league in team ERA so it’s hard to pick against them. Los Angeles has a chance in the series because they do pitch so well but they’re going to have to figure out how take a game or two from Ottawa on the road and not give up any more than a game at home.
#2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66) vs #6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
New Orleans got to rest up during the first round and take on an Atlanta team that won their series in a 5 game dramatic series. New Orleans certainly needed the rest and still face some fatigue issues which could work in Atlanta’s favor
Tale of the Tape
#2 New Orleans Zydeco (96 – 66)
Offensively New Orleans hit .258 for the season which put them above the National League Average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.67 which was below the National League ERA average of 4.01.
#6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
Offensively Atlanta hit .256 as a team which is slightly above the National League average of .253. The team ERA was 3.64 which is under the National League average of 4.01.
Edge: Atlanta – Atlanta was a slightly better pitching team during the regular season but not enough to give them a clear cut advantage. I think Atlanta’s biggest advantage is that they aren’t facing some of the fatigue issues that face New Orleans. I think Atlanta will extend the series to the point that New Orleans fatigue issues could decide the series.
American League 2nd Round Preview
#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63) vs #5 New Britain Rock Cats (95 – 67)
After a first round bye Seattle gets New Britain in the second round. New Britain had to go 5 games to get past El Paso after dropping the first 2 games so can they carry that momentum in against Seattle.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63)
Offensively Seattle hit .266 for the season as a team which put them above the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.44 which was the best in the American League and well below the League ERA average of 4.28
#5 New Britain Rock Cats (95 – 67)
Offensively New Britain hit .264 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.79 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28
Edge: Seattle – While both teams hit well and pitch well, Seattle did both better during the regular season and it’s hard to pick against the team that lead the league in team ERA. One thing New Britain did prove is that even with faced with elimination they will not quit and go quietly. The biggest concern for New Britain is will there be a letdown after their dramatic series come back or can they use that momentum to propel them to the Conference Championship.
#2 Syracuse Orange (99 – 63) vs #3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Syracuse had a first round bye and now take on Florida, who swept their way into the second round. Both teams won 90 plus games and neither team has a glaring weakness.
Tale of the Tape
#2 Syracuse Orange (99 – 63)
Offensively Syracuse hit .264 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.87 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Offensively Florida hit .260 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.66 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
Edge: Syracuse Orange – It’s hard to pick against a 99 win team who does everything so well and tied for the League lead in wins. Florida has a well-rounded team so it’s not going to be a cake walk for Syracuse but I think the edge for Syracuse is how well they play at home as well as the road.
After a first round bye Seattle gets New Britain in the second round. New Britain had to go 5 games to get past El Paso after dropping the first 2 games so can they carry that momentum in against Seattle.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Seattle Redhooks (99 – 63)
Offensively Seattle hit .266 for the season as a team which put them above the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.44 which was the best in the American League and well below the League ERA average of 4.28
#5 New Britain Rock Cats (95 – 67)
Offensively New Britain hit .264 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.79 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28
Edge: Seattle – While both teams hit well and pitch well, Seattle did both better during the regular season and it’s hard to pick against the team that lead the league in team ERA. One thing New Britain did prove is that even with faced with elimination they will not quit and go quietly. The biggest concern for New Britain is will there be a letdown after their dramatic series come back or can they use that momentum to propel them to the Conference Championship.
#2 Syracuse Orange (99 – 63) vs #3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Syracuse had a first round bye and now take on Florida, who swept their way into the second round. Both teams won 90 plus games and neither team has a glaring weakness.
Tale of the Tape
#2 Syracuse Orange (99 – 63)
Offensively Syracuse hit .264 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.87 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Offensively Florida hit .260 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.66 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
Edge: Syracuse Orange – It’s hard to pick against a 99 win team who does everything so well and tied for the League lead in wins. Florida has a well-rounded team so it’s not going to be a cake walk for Syracuse but I think the edge for Syracuse is how well they play at home as well as the road.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
National League 1st Round Preview
#4 Los Angeles Entertainers (84 – 78) vs #5 Cleveland Force (92 – 70)
This is an interesting matchup as neither team has much playoff experience. This is the first time since season 3 that LA has made a post season while Cleveland did make the post season just 2 seasons ago.
Tale of the Tape
#4 Los Angeles Entertainers (84 – 78)
Offensively Los Angeles hit .254 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the National League average of .253. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
#5 Cleveland Force (92 – 70)
Offensively Cleveland hit .256 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the National League average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.77 which was below the National League ERA average of 4.01
Edge: Los Angeles. I'm going with the team that has better pitching even though Cleveland took the regular season series 6-4. Both teams hit about the same during the season but the pitching edge has to go to LA and I think in a short playoff where the majority of the games are going to be pitcher friendly LA, they move on to the second round.
#3 Charleston River Dogs (93 – 69) vs #6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
Both teams come into this series with playoff experience and nearly identical records. Neither team has a glaring advantage or disadvantage.
Tale of the Tape
#3 Charleston River Dogs (93 – 69)
Offensively Charleston hit .269 for the season which put them well above the National League Average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.99 which was a shade below the National League ERA average of 4.01.
#6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
Offensively Atlanta hit .256 as a team which is slightly above the National League average of .253. The team ERA was 3.64 which is under the National League average of 4.01.
Edge: Charleston – Both teams went 5-5 in head to head regular season play. Charleston has the advantage in that they were the second best home team in the NL. Combine that with solid pitching and their hitters and I think that’ll be enough to get them into the second round.
This is an interesting matchup as neither team has much playoff experience. This is the first time since season 3 that LA has made a post season while Cleveland did make the post season just 2 seasons ago.
Tale of the Tape
#4 Los Angeles Entertainers (84 – 78)
Offensively Los Angeles hit .254 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the National League average of .253. The team ERA for the season was tied for the National League lead at 3.46
#5 Cleveland Force (92 – 70)
Offensively Cleveland hit .256 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the National League average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.77 which was below the National League ERA average of 4.01
Edge: Los Angeles. I'm going with the team that has better pitching even though Cleveland took the regular season series 6-4. Both teams hit about the same during the season but the pitching edge has to go to LA and I think in a short playoff where the majority of the games are going to be pitcher friendly LA, they move on to the second round.
#3 Charleston River Dogs (93 – 69) vs #6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
Both teams come into this series with playoff experience and nearly identical records. Neither team has a glaring advantage or disadvantage.
Tale of the Tape
#3 Charleston River Dogs (93 – 69)
Offensively Charleston hit .269 for the season which put them well above the National League Average of .253. The team ERA for the season was 3.99 which was a shade below the National League ERA average of 4.01.
#6 Atlanta Peaches (92 – 70)
Offensively Atlanta hit .256 as a team which is slightly above the National League average of .253. The team ERA was 3.64 which is under the National League average of 4.01.
Edge: Charleston – Both teams went 5-5 in head to head regular season play. Charleston has the advantage in that they were the second best home team in the NL. Combine that with solid pitching and their hitters and I think that’ll be enough to get them into the second round.
American League 1st Round Preview
#4 El Paso Diablos (85 – 77) vs #5 New Britain Rock Cats (95 – 67)
This is a battle of two completely different teams. New Britain is no stranger to the play offs having made them 3 out of the last 4 seasons. El Paso completed the worst to finish turn around while winning the most games in franchise history and only making the play offs for the 2nd time in team history.
Tale of the Tape
#4 El Paso (85 – 77)
Offensively El Paso hit .257 for the season as a team which put them slightly under the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.94 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28
#5 New Britain Rock Cats (95 – 67)
Offensively New Britain hit .264 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.79 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28
Edge: New Britain Rock Cats – while El Paso has had a good season I don't envision them getting past New Britain unless they figure out how to win a couple of home games. While home advantage would seem to be a good thing El Paso was the only playoff team in the American League to post a losing record at home during the regular season.
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68) vs #6 Colorado Springs Sky Sox (84 – 78)
Another battle between one team with plenty of playoff experience and another with relatively no playoff experience. Florida has made the playoffs 6 seasons running while this is Colorado’s first trip to the playoffs for just the second time in the last 6 seasons.
Tale of the Tape
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Offensively Florida hit .260 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.66 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
#6 Colorado Springs Sky Sox (84 – 78)
Offensively Colorado hit an American League high .271 for the season as a team. However the team ERA was 4.69 which is over the American League average of 4.28.
Edge: Florida Tropics – While Colorado is a great offensive team they have the worst team ERA of all the American League playoff teams. Colorado faces another issue in that they are just under .500 on the road and the only team with a losing road record. All in all for Colorado to continue their season they need their pitching to come together and learn to win on the road.
This is a battle of two completely different teams. New Britain is no stranger to the play offs having made them 3 out of the last 4 seasons. El Paso completed the worst to finish turn around while winning the most games in franchise history and only making the play offs for the 2nd time in team history.
Tale of the Tape
#4 El Paso (85 – 77)
Offensively El Paso hit .257 for the season as a team which put them slightly under the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.94 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28
#5 New Britain Rock Cats (95 – 67)
Offensively New Britain hit .264 for the season as a team which put them slightly over the American League average of .260. The team ERA for the season was 3.79 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28
Edge: New Britain Rock Cats – while El Paso has had a good season I don't envision them getting past New Britain unless they figure out how to win a couple of home games. While home advantage would seem to be a good thing El Paso was the only playoff team in the American League to post a losing record at home during the regular season.
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68) vs #6 Colorado Springs Sky Sox (84 – 78)
Another battle between one team with plenty of playoff experience and another with relatively no playoff experience. Florida has made the playoffs 6 seasons running while this is Colorado’s first trip to the playoffs for just the second time in the last 6 seasons.
Tale of the Tape
#3 Florida Tropics (94 – 68)
Offensively Florida hit .260 for the season which put them right at the American League Average. The team ERA for the season was 3.66 which was below the American League ERA average of 4.28.
#6 Colorado Springs Sky Sox (84 – 78)
Offensively Colorado hit an American League high .271 for the season as a team. However the team ERA was 4.69 which is over the American League average of 4.28.
Edge: Florida Tropics – While Colorado is a great offensive team they have the worst team ERA of all the American League playoff teams. Colorado faces another issue in that they are just under .500 on the road and the only team with a losing road record. All in all for Colorado to continue their season they need their pitching to come together and learn to win on the road.
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