Quarterfinals Recap
#3 AntarcticanAmericans squeezes by #6 Schweddy Balls: 318.83 to 304.43
Our first quarterfinal was a tight one, as Doug sneaks by Ralph by a meager 14.4 points. In fact, it looked like Ralph might have a chance to take this one, but Hector Santiago's disastrous start at home against the Astros spelled his doom. Santiago only pitched 2 innings, enough to allow 10 baserunners to reach, 3 of them to score, and pick up the loss. Ralph only needed 10 points from this start, and instead got -10. Doug survives as sets up a classic matchup against Luis.
#5 Good Will Bunting upsets #4 Walker Texas Rangers: 345.33 to 310.50
Jon A. rides strong performances from Chris Sale (31 points) and Matt Holliday (31.50) in a matchup that was never in doubt. A steady performance highlighted by 4 players scoring 30 or more points. As for Ryan, this is the second year in a row that he loses in the quarterfinal as the higher seed. Is some kind of trend developing here? Or is just pure coincidence? I guess we'll find out next year. Then again, Anthony Rizzo and Dustin Pedroia combined for -0.50 pts. Can't win when your two best hitters no-show.
Semifinals Preview
#1 The Duda Abides vs. #5 Good Will Bunting:
Dugan dominated the regular season series, winning both matchup, including that mythical Week 6 shellacking: 440 to 178. Our regular season champion relied on strong, power hitting from David Ortiz, a bounceback campaign from Ian Kinsler and a 20/20 season from Brian Dozier to lead the way. There's also Lucroy, Ryan Braun, The Artist Formerly Know as E5, and Hanley. This is a scary team when it comes to hitting. However, the MVP is one Mr. Johnny Cueto. The Reds ace has been just that, currently 3rd in total pitching points, only behind Cy Kershaw (Clayton Young?) and ...
... King Felix Hernandez. He of the 18-8 record with 225 strikeouts in 219 innings. He of the microscopic 0.92 WHIP. Let's just say this is definitely not that same GWB team that got walloped early this year. A resurgent Matt Holliday leads the way, and new addition Kennys Vargas has provided an offensive spark. The loss of Paul Goldschmidt earlier in the year is a big blow to GWB's aspirations, as he is replaced in the lineup by Casey McGehee (!!!). The strength of this team lies in the bullpen, where power arms Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel dominated all year long. The recent Braves slump must worry Coach Allen, but a 6-game homestand against the Nats and Mets could do wonders for him. And don't forget about Felix's AL Cy Young competition, Chris Sale, his 1.99 ERA, and equally microscopic 0.92 WHIP.
Key Matchup:
Felix Hernandez (@LAA) against Johnny Cueto (@CHC, @STL?)
King Felix travels to Anaheim, where he owns the Angels. Meanwhile, Cueto faces Jake Arrieta Tuesday and could be in line for a Sunday start if given normal rest. This is the key to victory for both teams.
Prediction:
Dugan was unable to use the bye week to set up his starting rotation, deciding to wait until Monday morning to make 2 moves, meaning his down to only 1 left for the remainder of the week. If he had done those moves at any point last week, he could've had all 3 moves to work with. This may come back to haunt him, and what should've been a comfortable victory might turn into a huge upset. The Cubs clubber the Reds at Wrigley early in the week and Jon streams late to make the finals for the 2nd straight year.
#2 AbsolutDomination vs. #3 AntarcticanAmericans:
This are equally tight in the other side of the bracket, as myself and Doug will face-off with another final spot on the line. Doug dominated in the total points scored department, outpacing his nearest competitor by 400 points. His team was the only one to surpass the 8,000 point mark. However, some bad luck and poorly timed cold streaks left him in 3rd place. The season series finished 1-1, with me taking the first matchup and Doug getting revenge later in the year.
My team relies on Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer to provide the fireworks. Midseason acquisition Joey Bats provides the home runs, and Josh Donaldson the flair. I mean, look at that hair. Meanwhile, Doug's team relies on Miggy and Trout, that deadly 1-2 punch. Add Michael Brantley and Nelson Cruz to the mix, and AA boasts of having 4 of the top 10 hitters in points scored. The loss of Melky Cabrera, another top 25 hitter, will be huge as well.
Key Matchup:
H. Street, J. McGee, and D. Storen vs. F. Rodriguez, Z. Britton, M. Melancon. and G. Perkins
If one of the two teams can get a decisive edge in the closer battle, it'll go a long way in deciding who advances to the final.
Prediction:
Given the difference in talent between these two teams, as evidenced by the 500 point gap in points scored during the year, Doug is the clear favorite to advance. Anything else would be shocking. Expect some aggressive streaming from the two most active add/droppers of this league. Hopefully, this won't turn into a blowout but I just don't see how my team can compete, especially in hitting. If Scherzer struggles tonight in Minnesota, it's over before it even gets started.
Consolation Bracket
Oh and quick mention of our consolation bracket! Mike beat Pearse and Shidler beat Drew. Wait, what??? Mike won??? He's not going to finish last???? Nooooo!!!! What happened???
It'll be #7 Kyle vs #12 Mike and #8 Bill vs #10 Jon S. in the semifinals of the consolation bracket. Pearse and Drew will duke it out for 11th place, a.k.a the Sacko Bowl.
Come back next week to find out who'll play in the final (and who will play for the 3rd place money).... and who finished last!
Keep enjoying your football! How about them Irish.
Keep enjoying your football! How about them Irish.
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