Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Boston Heat (#3 seed) vs. Pawtucket G-Maniacs (#2 seed)
Lineup:
Boston has a veteran lineup that has been there before with success. Donte Wright, Rico Estrada, Stone Duran, and Carlos Gomez anchor a solid lineup top to bottom. The G-Maniacs have a very nice contact hitting lineup that works the count with nearly every at bat. Heath Robbins, Carl Saturria, and Terrence Wheat are the standouts.
Advantage: Even
Rotation and Bullpen:
Boston has a nice rotation led by veterans Rabbit Leyritz and Matthew Pryce. The bullpen features two dominant players in Bobby Davidson and Elvis Kennedy, giving the Heat a nearly unbeatable 1-2 punch in the late innings. Pawtucket boasts a rotation of Cy Young candidates, headlined by Albert Franco, big acquistion Dean Hernandez, Kory Burrell, and Richard Sasaki. All four of them are top tier starters. Dan Hunter gets it done in the pen, but isn't as imposing as the Boston duo. Still, with the top to bottom quality of the Pawtucket starters, they get the edge.
Advantage: Pawtucket
Intangibles:
Boston has been a playoff regular, and has won a World Series. They are also tested by the brutal divisional races seen each season in the AL Beast. Pawtucket has had an easy ride the last few season in the AL North, and have yet to prove themselves on the big stage.
Advantage: Boston
Pick: Pawtucket in Five. Pitching wins championships, and Pawtucket has it in abundance. Even if one of their starters has a bad game, the other three should be able to pick it up.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Divisional Round Preview - Jackson vs. Omaha
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Jackson Pollocks (#6 seed) vs. Omaha Sluggers (#1 seed)
Lineup:
Jackson is led by mega-slugger SS Domingo Montana and a bunch of contact hitters. The lineup is solid but not spectacular outside of Montana. Omaha has one of the top lineup in the leagues and is a run scoring machine. Barrios, Price, Warden, Norton, Daniels, McConnell, the list goes on and is filled with all-stars.
Advantage: Omaha
Rotation and Bullpen:
Jackson's strength is it's rotation, and the one-two punch of Rivers and Brantley was again enough to get them to the post-season. But the quality starts to drop after those two. Branch Hall is a very good closer, having converted 21/22 chances. Omaha's rotation has four legitimate Cy Young contenders, led by Kazuhiro Ong. Canseco, Steenstra, and Gates would be #1 starters on any other team. The bullpen is anchored by the steady Sean Hill, a cagey vet who gets it done.
Advantage: Omaha
Intangibles:
Both teams are nearly even with their fielding, but there is no contest when it comes to playoff skills as the Pollocks have made the series twice, and are fresh off of sweeping the defending champions. They are adept at overcoming the odds. Omaha on the other hand has managed to flame out early in nearly all of their post-season appearances to date.
Advantage: Jackson
Pick: Omaha in four. The Pollocks have enough luck and skill to steal a game, but Omaha should be too powerful for the Pollocks to handle. Of course that's what I thought about the Fug Nuts as well.
Hee Martin - Man of the Hour
Buster Gunns - Cobb Times Herald
It was an extra innings shocker in Mexico City as unheralded Hellraiser 2B Hee Martin came through with a 10th inning blast to RF that sealed the series win for Helena.
"This greatest moment as player in history of life," said the Japanese international. His teammates were ecstatic as well. "I'd like to give a big up to my homey!" shouted MVP hopeful Orber Olivo, who continued, "Hee's da man! And don't forget to vote Olivo for MVP, WHAT?" As the champaign rained down in the visitors clubhouse and Lil' John blasted from a boombox, spirits were high and Hee and Orber were getting the party started.
It was an extra innings shocker in Mexico City as unheralded Hellraiser 2B Hee Martin came through with a 10th inning blast to RF that sealed the series win for Helena.
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"This greatest moment as player in history of life," said the Japanese international. His teammates were ecstatic as well. "I'd like to give a big up to my homey!" shouted MVP hopeful Orber Olivo, who continued, "Hee's da man! And don't forget to vote Olivo for MVP, WHAT?" As the champaign rained down in the visitors clubhouse and Lil' John blasted from a boombox, spirits were high and Hee and Orber were getting the party started.
Divisional Round Preview - Sioux Falls vs. Louisville
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
The Wildcard round went out with a bang, ousting the defending world champion Fug Nuts. There were also two exciting five game series won by the Helena Hellraisers and the Sioux Falls Corn Cleats, who came back from a 2-0 deficit. Finally the Boston Heat took the kid gloves off vs. their division rivals and took out the SSP in three games. Now it is time to look the Divisional round of the playoffs, and the matchups within.
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats (#5 seed) vs. Louisville Tysons (#1 seed)
Lineup:
Sioux Falls has four of the best hitters in the game at the top of their order with Sierra, Harris, Booker, and Jones. After Pineda in the 5 spot there is a big production drop, but the first four can score some runs. Louisville boasts arguably the most powerful lineup in the bigs with Hall of Fame candidates Kline and Barber, all stars Lowell, Castillo, and Quinn. Solid from top to bottom, the Tysons lineup has all of the tools to score in a big way.
Advantage: Louisville
Rotation and Bullpen:
Sioux Fall has two former Cy Youngs in Weaver and Heathcott, and red hot closer Parrish and setup man Gao. But due to the unfortunate injury to Cy Young candidate Rodriguez, the Cleats are having to lean heavily on unproven rookie Wally Moore and an otherwise erratic bullpen. Louisville brings a former Cy Young of their own in Rosado, but he has been a disappointment this season. But his off year has been more than made up for by all stars Young and Serra and an overachieving Villafuerte. The bullpen boasts a collection of cagey vets, but hasn't proven as effective as the Corn Cleats
Advantage: Even
Intangibles:
Sioux Falls has been able to dig themselves out of big holes in the playoffs before, as is evidenced by the wildcard round in the past two seasons. But other than that they have been complete playoff busts. But they do boast the league's best defense, and don't give up many easy runs. Louisville has always been able to advance in the playoffs, but never has been able to make the big stage. Their lineup has also been quite disappointing in the clutch in past seasons. Their fielding has also been only average, but it certainly isn't a game killer.
Advantage: Sioux Falls
Pick: Louisville in five. Ultimately the Corn Cleats lack of a third quality starter and the Tysons deeper lineup will be the deciding factors, and the Tysons should advance.
The Wildcard round went out with a bang, ousting the defending world champion Fug Nuts. There were also two exciting five game series won by the Helena Hellraisers and the Sioux Falls Corn Cleats, who came back from a 2-0 deficit. Finally the Boston Heat took the kid gloves off vs. their division rivals and took out the SSP in three games. Now it is time to look the Divisional round of the playoffs, and the matchups within.
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats (#5 seed) vs. Louisville Tysons (#1 seed)
Lineup:
Sioux Falls has four of the best hitters in the game at the top of their order with Sierra, Harris, Booker, and Jones. After Pineda in the 5 spot there is a big production drop, but the first four can score some runs. Louisville boasts arguably the most powerful lineup in the bigs with Hall of Fame candidates Kline and Barber, all stars Lowell, Castillo, and Quinn. Solid from top to bottom, the Tysons lineup has all of the tools to score in a big way.
Advantage: Louisville
Rotation and Bullpen:
Sioux Fall has two former Cy Youngs in Weaver and Heathcott, and red hot closer Parrish and setup man Gao. But due to the unfortunate injury to Cy Young candidate Rodriguez, the Cleats are having to lean heavily on unproven rookie Wally Moore and an otherwise erratic bullpen. Louisville brings a former Cy Young of their own in Rosado, but he has been a disappointment this season. But his off year has been more than made up for by all stars Young and Serra and an overachieving Villafuerte. The bullpen boasts a collection of cagey vets, but hasn't proven as effective as the Corn Cleats
Advantage: Even
Intangibles:
Sioux Falls has been able to dig themselves out of big holes in the playoffs before, as is evidenced by the wildcard round in the past two seasons. But other than that they have been complete playoff busts. But they do boast the league's best defense, and don't give up many easy runs. Louisville has always been able to advance in the playoffs, but never has been able to make the big stage. Their lineup has also been quite disappointing in the clutch in past seasons. Their fielding has also been only average, but it certainly isn't a game killer.
Advantage: Sioux Falls
Pick: Louisville in five. Ultimately the Corn Cleats lack of a third quality starter and the Tysons deeper lineup will be the deciding factors, and the Tysons should advance.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Playoff Preview - Wildcard Round
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
The playoffs have arrived and the wildcard round is upon us. Who will win these titanic matchups? Lars has looked them over and with the help of his tarot cards and crystal ball has determined the outcomes. Just don't take these bets to Vegas!
National League:
Fargo Fug Nuts (100-62) vs. Jackson Pollocks (95-67)
--Intriguing matchup between two playoff regulars. Jackson has been riding the power of Domingo Montana and it's usual strong pitching, while Fargo survived a tough division race on the back of it's developing youth. The Fug Nuts will start their world series defense off with a wildcard win.
Pick: Fargo in 4
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats (95-67) vs. Syracuse Beagles (87-75)
--Sioux Falls came up short again in their quest for a division title despite having a vastly improved offense over last seasons 109 win team. Syracuse won it's first division title and playoff berth through the strength of it's starting pitching and the ageless closer Orber Martinez. Ultimately though the Cleats should have enough to get past the newcomers
Pick: Sioux Falls in 5
American League:
Boston Heat (102-60) vs. Pittsburgh SSP (97-65)
--Divisional grudge match between two bitter rivals. Boston got the better of Pittsburgh in the regular season, but these teams are pretty evenly matched. Look for the Heat to use their playoff experience and survive this matchup.
Pick: Boston in 5
Helena Hellraisers (100-62) vs. Mexico City Diablos Rojos (86-76)
--Mexico Cities playoff hopes took a big hit with the injury to future Hall of Famer Philip Brown, but they still had enough left in the tank to win their division. Helena hit the century mark with a very strong team, and should have no problem dispatching the Brownless Diablos Rojos.
Pick: Helena in 3
The playoffs have arrived and the wildcard round is upon us. Who will win these titanic matchups? Lars has looked them over and with the help of his tarot cards and crystal ball has determined the outcomes. Just don't take these bets to Vegas!
National League:
Fargo Fug Nuts (100-62) vs. Jackson Pollocks (95-67)
--Intriguing matchup between two playoff regulars. Jackson has been riding the power of Domingo Montana and it's usual strong pitching, while Fargo survived a tough division race on the back of it's developing youth. The Fug Nuts will start their world series defense off with a wildcard win.
Pick: Fargo in 4
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats (95-67) vs. Syracuse Beagles (87-75)
--Sioux Falls came up short again in their quest for a division title despite having a vastly improved offense over last seasons 109 win team. Syracuse won it's first division title and playoff berth through the strength of it's starting pitching and the ageless closer Orber Martinez. Ultimately though the Cleats should have enough to get past the newcomers
Pick: Sioux Falls in 5
American League:
Boston Heat (102-60) vs. Pittsburgh SSP (97-65)
--Divisional grudge match between two bitter rivals. Boston got the better of Pittsburgh in the regular season, but these teams are pretty evenly matched. Look for the Heat to use their playoff experience and survive this matchup.
Pick: Boston in 5
Helena Hellraisers (100-62) vs. Mexico City Diablos Rojos (86-76)
--Mexico Cities playoff hopes took a big hit with the injury to future Hall of Famer Philip Brown, but they still had enough left in the tank to win their division. Helena hit the century mark with a very strong team, and should have no problem dispatching the Brownless Diablos Rojos.
Pick: Helena in 3
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Manager In Depth - phillyfan33
Cortez Mack - Cobb Times Herald
Today I was able to sit down for an interview with another one of Cobb's famous franchise flip floppers, the owner of the Philadelphia Floppin' Phils, phillyfan33. Noted in the HBD forums for his inability to commit to a team, he has somehow managed to stay in Cobb World since season 3, where he guided the Nashville Nyncompoops (now the Syracuse Beagles) to his only winning record at 85-77. Also known for his general affability and good natured trading skills, here is what he had to say...
So judging by your username we can assume that you are a Mets fan?
--Phillies fan since I saw Mike Schmidt play in 1976.
Your Floppin' Phils have flip flopped franchises almost as much as the Heat. Which city have you enjoyed playing in the most, Nashville, Norfolk, St. Louis, or Philadelphia?
--Nashville, closer to where I live.
Better Mascot, Phillie Phanatic or Vincent Von Vulture?
--Phanatic by far
Has your team been able to hire a mascot this season, or have the fans been too violent?
--They want a mascot so we can have an extra body when the next injury occurs.
Who is the most famous celebrity to be mercilessly booed at a Floppin' Phils game?
--It's a toss-up between Mike Schmidt and Santa Claus.
How does it feel to be on the receiving end of so many of mrploppies best prospects?
--It would feel a lot better if I kept some of them.
And how does it feel to deal them right back?
--It does not feel good to be so impatient sometimes.
Which young player of yours are you most looking forward to seeing dominate the big leagues? --Andres Quixote.
Does Andres Quixote have a nickname yet? If so, what is it?
--His new nickname is "Anthrax."
Do you feel any regret watching the Syracuse Beagles play competitive baseball over in the NL? Or have you left your feelings for your old squad at the AL door?
--At times it is hard, knowing I had a hand in their development, but as time goes on and zooey trades them to me, it will be fine.
DH, abomination or necessary evil?
--Necessary evil
Best local advertisement on the Citizen's Bank Park jumbotron?
--Viagra, where your phillies get their lift from.
Who is the baddest dude in the Phils organization?
--Charles Sauveur.
And who is the ugliest mug in your system?
--Toss up between Peter Coles in Low A and Tris Eaton in AA.
If you could have one pitcher and hitter from any other team, who would they be?
--Rudy Jacobsen(evangeline world)
It is safe to say you have made a lot of trades through the years, which was your best and which would you like to have back?
--Quixote will be the best. The worst, any great player I traded away...
When can we count on the Floppin' Phils making the playoffs?
--Within 2 seasons
How disappointing was it to have such a gifted lineup this season, only to see it routed by injuries and underperformers?
--Injuries are part of life, and I have been fortunate the past few seasons. They just all caught up to me at once.
You are stuck on a desert island and can only choose between these three cartoons, which one would it be: Space Ghost Coast to Coast, the Tick, or Beavis and Butthead?
--Hard to answer, I don't like Beavis and Butthead, and never heard of the other 2...can I throw in Scooby Doo?
Who is the best player to ever play for any of your teams?
--Ronnie Dunn (evangeline world).
What song really pumps up the crowd in Philly?
--Hit the road jack, don't you come back no more (we play it to the recently traded players).
Playoff predictions for season 7, who will represent each league, and who takes it all home?
--I think Pawtucket will surprise alot of people in the playoffs. Omaha has Barrios (another one of my ex's) but I'll pull the upset and take Pawtucket all the way.
Today I was able to sit down for an interview with another one of Cobb's famous franchise flip floppers, the owner of the Philadelphia Floppin' Phils, phillyfan33. Noted in the HBD forums for his inability to commit to a team, he has somehow managed to stay in Cobb World since season 3, where he guided the Nashville Nyncompoops (now the Syracuse Beagles) to his only winning record at 85-77. Also known for his general affability and good natured trading skills, here is what he had to say...
So judging by your username we can assume that you are a Mets fan?
--Phillies fan since I saw Mike Schmidt play in 1976.
Your Floppin' Phils have flip flopped franchises almost as much as the Heat. Which city have you enjoyed playing in the most, Nashville, Norfolk, St. Louis, or Philadelphia?
--Nashville, closer to where I live.
Better Mascot, Phillie Phanatic or Vincent Von Vulture?--Phanatic by far
Has your team been able to hire a mascot this season, or have the fans been too violent?
--They want a mascot so we can have an extra body when the next injury occurs.
Who is the most famous celebrity to be mercilessly booed at a Floppin' Phils game?
--It's a toss-up between Mike Schmidt and Santa Claus.
How does it feel to be on the receiving end of so many of mrploppies best prospects?
--It would feel a lot better if I kept some of them.
And how does it feel to deal them right back?
--It does not feel good to be so impatient sometimes.
Which young player of yours are you most looking forward to seeing dominate the big leagues? --Andres Quixote.
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Does Andres Quixote have a nickname yet? If so, what is it?
--His new nickname is "Anthrax."
Do you feel any regret watching the Syracuse Beagles play competitive baseball over in the NL? Or have you left your feelings for your old squad at the AL door?
--At times it is hard, knowing I had a hand in their development, but as time goes on and zooey trades them to me, it will be fine.
DH, abomination or necessary evil?
--Necessary evil
Best local advertisement on the Citizen's Bank Park jumbotron?
--Viagra, where your phillies get their lift from.
Who is the baddest dude in the Phils organization?
--Charles Sauveur.
And who is the ugliest mug in your system?
--Toss up between Peter Coles in Low A and Tris Eaton in AA.
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If you could have one pitcher and hitter from any other team, who would they be?
--Rudy Jacobsen(evangeline world)
It is safe to say you have made a lot of trades through the years, which was your best and which would you like to have back?
--Quixote will be the best. The worst, any great player I traded away...
When can we count on the Floppin' Phils making the playoffs?
--Within 2 seasons
How disappointing was it to have such a gifted lineup this season, only to see it routed by injuries and underperformers?
--Injuries are part of life, and I have been fortunate the past few seasons. They just all caught up to me at once.
You are stuck on a desert island and can only choose between these three cartoons, which one would it be: Space Ghost Coast to Coast, the Tick, or Beavis and Butthead?
--Hard to answer, I don't like Beavis and Butthead, and never heard of the other 2...can I throw in Scooby Doo?
Who is the best player to ever play for any of your teams?
--Ronnie Dunn (evangeline world).
What song really pumps up the crowd in Philly?
--Hit the road jack, don't you come back no more (we play it to the recently traded players).
Playoff predictions for season 7, who will represent each league, and who takes it all home?
--I think Pawtucket will surprise alot of people in the playoffs. Omaha has Barrios (another one of my ex's) but I'll pull the upset and take Pawtucket all the way.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sexson Records Near Perfect KILL
Tito McQueen - Cobb Times Herald
Helena Hellraisers pitcher Wendell Sexson came within one walk of tossing a perfect game vs. the Kansas City Kill last evening. Sexson recorded 13 K's, and was truly dominant in dismissing the KILL. "I had my 'A' game tonight," said Sexson, "the way I was pitching I was untouchable. Not even David Rosado could have matched my filthiness tonight." KILL DH Brace Davey drew a walk to lead off the 8th, but that was all the offense K.C. could muster as Sexson continued his amazing pitching performance. "I was lucky to score the walk," said Davey, "I think the ump took pity on me and gave me the free pass, because there was no way I was going to get a hit tonight." The no-hitter has drawn interest from around the league, notably from Fug Nuts owner mrploppie. "He'll be a Fug Nut by next spring training, you just wait," said the cantankerous owner of the Nuts. Helena GM cosmicblob may have something to say about that, but has yet to make a comment on the issue.
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Helena Hellraisers pitcher Wendell Sexson came within one walk of tossing a perfect game vs. the Kansas City Kill last evening. Sexson recorded 13 K's, and was truly dominant in dismissing the KILL. "I had my 'A' game tonight," said Sexson, "the way I was pitching I was untouchable. Not even David Rosado could have matched my filthiness tonight." KILL DH Brace Davey drew a walk to lead off the 8th, but that was all the offense K.C. could muster as Sexson continued his amazing pitching performance. "I was lucky to score the walk," said Davey, "I think the ump took pity on me and gave me the free pass, because there was no way I was going to get a hit tonight." The no-hitter has drawn interest from around the league, notably from Fug Nuts owner mrploppie. "He'll be a Fug Nut by next spring training, you just wait," said the cantankerous owner of the Nuts. Helena GM cosmicblob may have something to say about that, but has yet to make a comment on the issue.
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