#4 Scottsdale Camels (83-79)
Lineup: 8th
Pitching: 12th
Fielding: 8th
vs.
#2 St. Louis Redbirds (96-66)
Lineup: 6th
Pitching: 5th
Fielding: 5th
Keys to the Series:
The magical run continues in the desert. Not to take away from what they have accomplished thus far (especially considering the injury to Almanza), but it is much harder to pull off an upset in a 5-game series than it is in a 7-game series. Still, this is already a very special season for the Camels. In only the franchise's 4th trip to the playoffs, this is their 2nd trip to the ALCS. With yet another upset win, it'll be the team's first ever Pennant. The Redbirds are on the other end of the spectrum. They are are one of the AL's legacy teams and one of the most successful franchises in league history. This is their is their 8th trip to the ACLS and the 2nd with this group. With a win, the Redbirds would capture their 5th AL Pennant. Once again, on paper, this looks like a mismatch. The Redbirds are superior in every facet of the game. Better rotation. Better lineup. Better bullpen. Home field advantage.
SPN Prediction: St. Louis wins in five.
National League
#5 Richmond Rebellion (90-72)
Lineup: 11th
Pitching: 4th
Fielding: 7th
vs.
#2 Iowa City Badgers (94-68)
Lineup: 5th
Pitching: 3rd
Fielding: 6th
Keys to the Series:
The Rebellion were able to take advantage of their playoff experience to pull off the upset over the slightly favored Generals. Both of these teams have been at the top of the NL in recent SP history. The Rebellion were able to win a WS in Season 19, and return to the NLCS in Season 20, but haven't made too much noise in the playoffs since. The Badgers have now made the NLCS for the 2nd time in the last four seasons. Entering this series, the Badgers will be slight favorites. The fielding is very comparable. Matos is clearly the best pitcher on either team, but after him to staffs are pretty close. The real advantage is in the offense, with the Badgers have better numbers in most of the key offensive categories including OPS.
SPN Prediction: Iowa City wins in seven.
