American League
#6 Philadelphia Stomp (95-67)
vs.
#1 Norfolk Whiskey Jacks (113-49)
THE MATCH-UP- For the fourth time in the last five seasons, the Stomp have advanced to the ALCS. They have yet to make it to the WS. This will be the first time though, that they didn't have the Baltimore Revolution waiting for them. Instead, its their other division rival, the Whiskey Jacks. The Stomp have an organization that specializes in finding and developing pitchers from overseas. This postseason especially, that has paid off as their starting pitchers have been untouchable. Quivio Lee, Al Francisco and Jimmie Pulido, all of whom were developed in the Stomp's Latin American pitching academy, have made six starts. They've thrown 42 innings, only allowed a combined 5 earned runs for an ERA of 1.07. If those three continue to pitch anywhere close to that level for another two weeks, then the Stomp will be raising a World Series banner. The pitching has been so good actually, that its completely overshadowed to offense which has also been very good. A number of players have hit well for Philadelphia so far in the playoffs, including Rick Jamison, Yannick Broome and Orber Martin. Its been the DH, Jim Andrews, who has really led the way though. In seven games, he has 10 hits, 3 home runs and 7 RBI. He is hitting .357 with an OPS of 1.114. On the other side of the diamond, the Whiskey Jacks finally exercised their playoff demons. In each of the four previous seasons, the Jacks were eliminated in Game 5 in their opening round playoff series. Each year, as the team continued to be one of the best in the league, the pressure mounted and mounted for this team to finally perform in the postseason. Who would have figured the answer to their playoff riddle would be to trade away two Cy Young award pitchers? This time, the Jacks won their Game 5, against the Revolution no less, and finally... finally won a playoff series. The match-up will definitely be a contrast in styles. The Jacks have the highest scoring team in the AL, while the Stomp have the best starting rotation in the AL. If the series is a high scoring one, the Jacks should win their 1st AL Pennant. If the games become contests of pitchers, then the Stomp are likely to raise their 1st AL Pennant. At the SPN, we always give the edge to the pitching. And Philadelphia just seems due to finally win one of these ALCS's. Philadelphia wins in six.
National League
#5 San Diego Wiley Coyotes (91-71)
vs.
#2 Richmond Rebellion (98-64)
THE MATCH-UP- Just like in the AL, the NL will have some fresh meat featured as the Pennant winner. The Coyotes are trying to prove that a team can ride one ridiculously good pitcher, who gets hot in the playoffs, all the way to a World Series title. If there is one pitcher who would be capable of this feat, Pepe Sosa would certainly be the guy. He has pitched 24 of the Coyotes 71 innings during this post season, 34%. He has actually been better during the playoffs, if you can believe that, than he was during the regular season. He has posted a 1.50 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. Despite Sosa being the one household name on the pitching staff, its actually misleading to say he is carrying the team. The pitching staff as a whole has been untouchable. The team ERA is 1.52. The offense has been solid as well, averaging over 4 runs per game. It those numbers continue, then San Diego will be moving on to the WS. Like in the AL, this will be a clash of opposites, an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. The San Diego pitching has been uhittable, while the Richmond offense has been prolific in their sweep of Atlanta, averaging an intimidating 8.5 runs per game. During the season, the Rebellion were 3rd in the NL in home runs, so this team is certainly capable of hitting the long ball, though it will be harder to hit those bombs in games 3 and 4 which will be hosted in the spacious confines of Petco Park. Former MVP and super-slugging LF Ted Westmoreland, had a historic NLDS. In the series' three games, he hit .500 with 7 hits, 7 RBI and 5 home runs. His slugging for the series was 1.571. And though it was overlooked, it wasn't just Ted who brought his boom-stick to the park, the whole Rebellion team did. The team had 11 home runs for the three game series, with six other players hitting one out. And though nothing may have the dramatic buildup that Sosa vs. Matos did in the NLDS, when Pepe Sosa is on the mound in Richmond for Game 1 we may have a moment that comes close. It'll be in the first or the second inning. Richmond's PA announcer's voice will boom throughout the stadium, "Now hitting cleanup, for your Richmond Rebellion... Ted Westomorelaaaand..." As Animal by Three Days Grace blares over the speakers, there won't be a fan not standing as the league's hottest pitcher, Pepe Sosa toes the rubber against the league's hottest and most powerful hitter. It will be a moment of high drama. Its what baseball is all about. The only moment that may even surpass that one, is if Westmoreland gets a shot at Sosa at one of the games critical junctures. It should be a fun, competitive series. Richmond will struggle with Sosa to be sure, the their powerful lineup should be able to get to the other starters. If they do that, Richmond will advance. Richmond in six.
