I'm down to my final two posts. The two teams slotted in here were tied for third so again the tiebreak went to the team that will win it's division.
#4---Julian Javelina
Strengths--ERA/WHIP
Weaknesses--K's
Although Jamie's team does not turn in many really high rankings he has outstanding balance throughout his team, especially on offense. Five guys will go yard 20+ times and Bautista will probably reach the seats 40 times as well. Pena will probably chip in 20 but will have a difficult time getting off the pine as long as he finds it hard to get up to a 200 average. There is very little not to like about this offense other than perhaps the bench is a little thin. The only other downside it the division he plays in. Other than Arizona this division is stacked. On the pitching side six starters will get 10+ wins anchored by the great, opps, the GREAT Justin Verlander. His value simply cannot be overstated. CJ Wilson is the only other starter with high K potential but the others are ok at around 6 per 9. The relievers are good although the saves may be dicey with League, Pestano (at least for awhile) and Mo, provided he retains his old form and there really isn't any reason not to believe he can. Jamie may have to get some saves later in the year. This could be the second year in a row that one division places 3 teams in the Championship Playoffs. It will be tough but it could happen. That sixth team will certainly not come from the East or Great Lakes division contrary to what some may think.
#3--Gaylord Dingers
Strengths--BB/HR/RBI/R/Saves
Weaknesses--SB/Holds
Being in the Great Lakes Division will certainly be of benefit (again) to Mike (the gay lord) Wagner. Always wondered where that team name came from, now we know. Like several other teams the offense is loaded for bear. Six 20+ HR guys and a couple more will chip in 30+ IMO. Ortiz is an early question mark for this team. The big man may be hobbled for quite some time and that would hurt the Dingers. In this division it won't hurt as much though. Other than Upton there is very little speed on the roster that will play much. almost certainly will be punting this category each week. On the pitching side he may be in the same boat with holds. Very few with solid holds among their track record but holds are pretty fickle from year to year so you never know. Three solid 10+ winners and very good K potential along with some other solid starters. If Buckholz and Garza can return to form this staff goes from good to very good. The only downside is having two Cub starters. Will diminish their value for sure. They would look better if we had QS, but I digress. That's a topic for next winter...again. The division will be wrapped up soon after the All Star break and once again Mike will cruise into the playoffs.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
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I'll admit I'm surprised to see you have me at #4 after you picked me to go to the consolation bracket in your divisional breakdown. Honestly, I think one would be justified in picking Adrian, Adam or myself to win the West; I think it's that close between us.
ReplyDeleteI'll respectfully disagree with your assessment of my pitching. I think you're shortchanging Peavy (averaging 8K/9IP with the Sox) and Zimmerman (averaging 7K/IP in the majors). ZImmermann certainly has the stuff to approach 8K/IP this season as he continues to mature.
The longer I looked the better your team got. Although I think it's a longshot to get 3 teams in the championships playoffs it could happen. Sorry not a Peavy fan but Zimmerman keeps getting better.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying Peavy will ever go back to being a 10K/9IP guy again, and I've been as critical of his durability as anyone the last few years. But stats don't lie, if he remains healthy there is no logical reason to expect he won't give me around 190K's. The key is his health.
ReplyDeleteFor Peavy to get 190 Ks he is going to have to throw about 219+ innings in a season, something he has only done twice in his career. I believe that he is a better than average SP still, but expecting him to throw more than 180 innings is asking for a lot from him.
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