American League
#4 Scottsdale Camels (83-79)
Lineup: 8th
Pitching: 12th
Fielding: 8th
vs.
#5 Norfolk Whiskey Jacks (91-71)
Lineup: 3rd
Pitching: 7th
Fielding: 9th
Keys to the Series:
The Camels enter the playoffs with fewer wins than any other playoff team. They are over matched in this series too. The Jacks have one of the most potent offenses in the league, and lead the AL in OBP. The Camels will need to play fundamental in the field, and not give up any extra outs, because the pitching staff will already be hard pressed to keep the Jacks from scoring. The one area where to Camels do have an advantage is team speed. They were 3rd in the AL in stolen bases, while the Jacks were one of the worst teams in the league at throwing out would-be base stealers. For the Camels to have a shot at the upset, they need to run wild on the bases, and play clean in the field.
SPN Prediction: Norfolk wins in four.
#3 Kansas City T-Bones (94-68)
Lineup: 4th
Pitching: 6th
Fielding: 3rd
vs.
#6 Charlotte Dukies (89-73)
Lineup: 5th
Pitching: 2nd
Fielding: 4th
Keys to the Series:
Two of the most well-rounded, balanced teams in the AL square off in a series that is truly a toss-up. These two squads put up nearly identical numbers in the way of FLDG%, though the T-Bones have a definate edge in +/- plays. The Dukies have better starters at the top of their rotation, while the T-Bones have Junior Chang and AJ Cone. I think this series is simple. If Chang and Cone ave a big series, the T-Bones will win. If the Dukies keep those two under wraps, they will advance.
SPN Prediction: Charlotte wins in five.
National League
#4 Oakland Athlectics (86-76)
Lineup: 14th
Pitching: 1st
Fielding: 9th
vs.
#5 Richmond Rebellion (90-72)
Lineup: 11th
Pitching: 4th
Fielding: 2nd
Keys to the Series:
This series will likely be the lowest scoring, most nail-biting series in the Wild Card round. Both squads have good fielding, and very good pitching to go with below average offenses. Two out hitting will be the key to this series. Either of these teams has the capability to win the Pennant, but we give the slight edge to the A's due to their home field advantage and a slightly better starting rotation.
SPN Prediction: Oakland wins in five.
#3 Little Rock Mockingbirds (90-72)
Lineup: 6th
Pitching: 2nd
Fielding: 4th
vs.
#6 Atlanta Soda Poppers (86-76)
Lineup: 2nd
Pitching: 7th
Fielding: 3rd
Keys to the Series:
Considering the talent they have on paper, the Mockingbirds have really underachieved this season. You just kept waiting for the to rise to the top of NL. And they never did. Instead they barely won the division, courtesy of a friendly tie-breaker. Now the question is, will the back-to-back NL Champs show up as expected? Or will the fatigued team of underachievers keep playing during the playoffs? The Soda Poppers on the other hand were quietly a very good team this year. They are solid in the field, have pitching that is good-enough and score alot of runs. On paper, the Mockingbirds are the clear favorite, but they have yet to play like that this season.
SPN Prediction: Little Rock wins in three.
