American League
#5 Baltimore Revolution (96-66)
vs.
#1 Norfolk Whiskey Jacks (113-49)
THE MATCH-UP- These two rivals have been the top teams in the AL for the last five or so seasons. They've both been in the playoffs in each of the last five seasons and, surprisingly, this will only be the second meeting between these two. In Season 16, Baltimore defeated Norfolk in the ALDS on their way to their third consecutive World Series title. Despite being one of the top regular season teams in recent seasons, the Jacks have yet to even advance to the LCS even with two Cy Young winners on the roster in prior seasons. Going into Season 19, with big questions over their ability to retain Matos and Leonard long term, the Jacks made the very controversial decision to trade their pair of aces. Initial reactions throughout the league were that the team would take a step back and no longer be the favorite to win the title. When you look at the final team statistics though, you wouldn't know they traded away two top pitchers. They were still ranked 3rd in the AL in fewest runs scored, but their team ERA actually improved from 4.10 to 3.92. There were also scored the most runs in the AL and had the highest team OPS at .832. They also improved their win total from 102 to 113. So much for taking a step back. But this team, this franchise is used to regular season dominance already. This team will be judged not on its 113 wins, but on what it does in the playoffs. Its underachieved in the postseason for many seasons now, and they are long overdue to take the next step and win the AL Pennant. Standing in their way is the most successful franchise in SP history. That franchise is also at a crossroads. The Rev still have the core of their team together (less Frank Edwards) that won five AL Pennants in the last eight seasons (including four straight) and three consecutive World Series titles. That core though is getting older, and this franchise has seen its regular season win totals go down over the last two seasons. Management will soon be making a decision. Is this team and its veterans still of a championship caliber? Or has its time already past? The fact that they struggled to defeat the 77-win Minnesota Target in a difficult 5-game series has many fans raising their eyebrows. This should be a fun series. The Jacks lineup is brutal though. The team' #9 hitter is Toby Barry for crying out loud. The Rev's pitching staff has been up-and-down all season long and the absence Triple Crown winner Deivi Borges will be felt in a big way. Norfolk wins in five.
#6 Philadelphia Stomp (95-67)
vs.
#2 Honolulu Rainbow Warriors (100-62)
THE MATCH-UP- The Rainbow Warriors are coming off of their first AL Pennant in franchise history. They responded by having the franchises' highest win total since Season 6 and securing the #2 seed and a bye. Hector Brown, though now a bit of a liability in CF, had what was probably his best season since moving to the Aloha State. He did a great job of setting the table for the Warriors offense, ranking 4th in the AL in runs scored (118) with a .390 OBP, 25 home runs and 20 steals. Not too bad for 35-year old outfielder with over 2000 career games worth of mileage on his knees. Perhaps the biggest reason for the Rainbow Warriors improvement this season is the surprising play of starting pitcher Sandy Carver, acquired who was acquired from Richmond in the offseason. After three pedestrian seasons pitching with the Rebellion, Carver put together one hell of a season in Hawaii. He started 30 games, threw 186 innings, going 16-6 with a 3.18 ERA. He was probably the Warriors most reliable starting pitcher and should play a major role in the coming series. Their opponents, the Stomp will be trying to make their fourth LCS appearance in the last five seasons. The franchise is desperate to get over the hump and finally win a pennant. And this season they have a great chance to finally make that jump. With a great starting tandem of Cy Young favorite Quilvio Lee and Al Francisco, the Stomp have the potential to go a very long way in these playoffs. Philadelphia wins in five.
National League
#5 San Diego Wiley Coyotes (91-71)
vs.
#1 Vancouver Tragedy Twins (101-61)
THE MATCH-UP- The reigning World Series Champions entered the season as the favorite to repeat. They were the best team in the NL for the entire season, and cruised to the #1 seed. They were the only NL team to finish with 100 or more wins. The team was the best all around team in the NL. They were the highest scoring team and ranked third in fewest runs allowed. There isn't alot to write about the Twins. Because there wasn't much drama. The quest to repeat is well on track. The only real chase was early in the season when the Coyotes were keeping up in the division. But the Twins pulled away and left the Coyotes to the Wild Card. On the part of the Coyotes, the ironic part of the Wild Card round was the only game they lost was the one that Pepe Sosa started. He lost to fellow Cy Younger, Hipolito Matos, 2-0 in a great pitchers' duel. The advantage that San Diego will always have in the playoffs is Pepe Sosa starting multiple games. If he wins in his starts (which he usually does) it is very difficult for the Coyotes to lose. And as good as the Twins are, they don't have a Matos to counteract Sosa. They should have the advantage in all of the other pitching matchups. If the series goes as planned, that means Sosa should get two wins and the Twins should have three. Just enough for them to get back to the NLCS. Vancouver wins in five.
#6 Atlanta Soda Poppers (90-72)
vs.
#2 Richmond Rebellion (98-64)
THE MATCH-UP- The Rebellion are another team that has had plenty of regular season success (winning the division in six of the last seven seasons) but has been unable to translate the to playoff success. They have yet to advance to the LCS, getting repeatedly eliminated early in the postseason, much to the disappointment of fans and the front office. Standing in their way after the bye is the up-and-coming Atlanta Soda Poppers. The Poppers eliminated the aging Polar Bears in a decisive four games, holding them to six combined runs in their three wins. This season though, the Rebellion have something they haven't had in past playoffs runs: a true ace pitcher. All Star Gary Scott was signed in the offseason to a 4-year, $90M contract. So far, he's earned every penny. In his first full season, he went 19-9 with a 3.68 ERA throwing 235 innings. He proved to be an able mentor to young pitcher Brian Sasaki. Sasaki had a great season, improving on last year's performance. In his 32 starts, he threw 199 innings, went 14-10 with a 2.66 ERA. The Rebellion tandem is a worthy one, and capable of potentially getting this squad further than its ever gone before. This year should be the breakout one for the Rebellion. Richmond win in four.
