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OVERVIEW:
The "other" game in the 1998 IL opening series pits the IL Wildcard winning Washington Bats (92-70) against BLB's team with the best regular season record, the Baltimore Bulldogs (101-62). The teams are 6-6 in regular season play this year, with Washington winning the last 5 of 6. With Washington and Baltimore having the IL's top two pitching staffs (1st and 2nd in Team ERA, respectively), this match up should be very entertaining.
WASHINGTON PLAYOFF HISTORY:
* 2 Brewmaster’s Cups (1983, 1988)
* 11th Appearance (’83-’88, ’90-’91, '94-'96)
* Most Recent Appearance - 1996 - Lost to Virginia in the ILCS 4-2
BALTIMORE PLAYOFF HISTORY:
* 5th Appearance (’78, '80, '92-'93, '97)
* Most Recent Appearance - 1997 - Lost to Virginia in the ILCS 4-1
SEASON SERIES:
Series Tied 6-6
<table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width:460.0pt;mso-cellspacing:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="460"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> Top Performers
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> Batters
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width:440.0pt;mso-cellspacing:1.5pt" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="440"> <thead> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Player
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> AVG
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> R
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> H
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> HR
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> RBI
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> SB
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> OPS
</td> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Mal Brady, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .238
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 6
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 10
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 5
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .878
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Shawn Burton, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .271
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 13
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .869
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:3"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Jeremiah Kelly, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .270
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 10
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .955
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:4"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Rex Knight, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .293
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 11
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 12
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 10
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.076
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:5;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Geoff Scott, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .379
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 6
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 11
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 11
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.388
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> Pitchers
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width:440.0pt;mso-cellspacing:1.5pt" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="440"> <thead> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Player
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> W
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> L
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> SV
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> IP
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> ERA
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> K
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> WHIP
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> OAVG
</td> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Wade Coates, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 24.3
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 3.70
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.40
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .250
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Pat Kane, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 16.0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.69
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0.81
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .193
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:3"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Don Leonard, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19.7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2.75
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 13
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.37
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .257
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:4"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Ignado Sánchez, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19.7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2.75
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0.81
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .181
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:5;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Derek Vleugel, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 12.3
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2.92
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 9
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.38
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .234
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
MATCHUPS:
Catcher -- Hector Gonzalez vs. Artie Walker
Although both teams look to use a platoon at the catcher position, these two are the main head to head matchup. For Baltimore, Gonzalez has been an admirable replacement for the injured Kyoden Kubota, hitting a tad over .270, while maintaining a .400+ OBP. A bonefide star in his own right, Gonzalez will also be very helpful against the aggressive Bats baserunners as he has thrown out the 2nd most base runners in the BLB.
Walker, a Gold Glove candidate in his own right, may not have the # of RTO, but its likely because runners are much more cautious to run against a catcher who throws out nearly 50% of base runners. Walker has had a nice bounce back season in 1998, raising his average nearly 40 points over 1997.
Wes Foster (BAL) and Doug Briggs (WAS) well both see a few at-bats in a back up role. Foster has struggled against the Bats going just 1/16 in the regular season while Briggs did manage to OPS .750 in the regular season match ups.
ADVANTAGE - BALTIMORE - The difference is slight, but the push probably goes to Hector Gonzalez and the Bulldogs.
***
First Base -- Mal Brady vs Joe Rojas
Mal "The Crow" Brady has put his name in the hat as one of the blossoming young stars of the IL. After a promising 1997 season, Brady exploded for 35 home runs this year, good for 2nd in the IL. Brady also lead the Bats in hits, doubles, and RBI, making Brady a guy who can change the game with a single swing of the bat.
Joe Rojas was brought in to replace the injured HOF, Gremades, but has been extremely underwhelming. After leaving Pawtucket, Rojas has sulked a bit and hit just under .250 in a park that should be well suited to his abilities. Rojas' only saving grace may be his extensive playoff experience gained with his years in Mississippi.
ADVANTAGE - WASHINGTON - Brady has proven he's a legit IL star while Rojas has not.
***
Second Base -- Jeremiah Kelly vs Brad Antell (Geoff Scott)
Kelly is still young at only 24 and has some real talent. Upping his home run numbers from 18-20 over 1997, Kelly is another young bopper for the Bats that can turn on a ball to send it a long way. He’s a stud defensively, and still has a bit of growth left. Kelly is hitting .270 against the Bulldogs with a .955 OPS. If both he and Brady can turn it on this series, it may be a short playoff series for the Bulldogs.
Brad Antell will be standing in for the injured Geoff Scott, who may make a return this series. Antell is now 30 years old, but is still a surprisingly underrated player. The Hawaiian native can play four infield positions and has maintained a positive VORP throughout his career in Baltimore. Geoff Scott, still out for 4 more days, may see some action half way through the series. If Scott returns and plays at the level he was playing before the injury, the playing field is even.
ADVANTAGE - PUSH – I think the Geoff Scott injury gives the edge to Washington early in the series, but his return will likely push the difference back in Baltimore’s favor.
***
Third Base – Sammy Knowlton vs. Antonio Trujillo
Sammy Knowlton is a defensive wizard at 3<sup>rd</sup> base and a decent hitter at the plate. He’s a durable player averaging over 151 games the past three years. Knowlton usually makes great contact and is an extremely tough out against lefties.
The Bulldogs have young utility player, Antonio Trujillo playing at third base. Trujillo had a monster year, increasing his average, OBP, BB, HR, 3B, and hits. You don’t have to look much further than the .179 average that Trujillo posted in last year’s playoffs to see why the Bulldogs were bounced 4-1 by Virginia.
ADVANTAGE - BALTIMORE- Trujillo IS a budding star, but the Bulldogs will need his regular season production to translate playoff performance.
***
Shortstop – Shawn Nolan vs Kazuyoshi Maekawa
Shawn Nolan is the 2-time DWI winning shortstop who makes up his shortcomings at the plate by being rock solid at one of the toughest positions in baseball to play. A bit of a down offensive year for the 27 year old star, Nolan will still have value by helping out his pitching staff with amazing defense at the shortstop position.
Kazuyoshi Maekawa was the talk of Baltimore last year after making the All-Star team and ending the year as the IL ROY Runner-Up. A freak injury at the end of the regular season left Maekawa out of the playoffs last year and a second injury to start 1998, has hampered the 24 year old. Still, Maekawa remains dangerous as a switch hitter and a solid defender.
ADVANTAGE -PUSH – Nolan’s defense is amazing, but Maekawa’s ability to switch hit gives him a lot more value at the plate.
***
Outfield
Outside of left fielder Shawn Burton, the Bats outfield mantra is speed. Of the teams, 98 stolen bases, 71 were stolen by either Bowers, Monchez, or Parker. Bowers is a 2-time All-Star while Monchez seems to have found a home in Washingotn. B.J. Parker has seen a bit of a resurgence since coming to the IL, hitting 12 home runs in just 214 at-bats. Finally the outfield seems to be anchored by the play of Burton, who hit 22 home runs during the 1998 regular season.
The Bulldogs outfield is headlined by Rex “Thrifty” Knight who led the the BLB in homeruns in 1998. 24 year old outfielder, Alex Gomez has finally begun to hit his potential, hitting above .300 for the first time in his 3-year career. Ernie Bornstein patrols center field for the Bulldogs while Pat Marlin gives the Bulldogs much needed power against right-handed pitchers.
ADVANTAGE - BALTIMORE – Washington has more speed, but the overall talent lies with the Bulldogs.
***
Starting Pitching
The Washington starters have put together an amazing season. With the decline of Pat Daniel, Washington has reloaded the rotation with productive starters like Hector Pagan, Kel Murphy, and Ivan Gutierrez. With the underrated performance of young starter, Troy Hanback, Washington matches up well with the Baltimore lineup.
The Bulldogs’ starters have been a tough group to handle for most lineups. The 1-2 combo of Derek Vleugel and Ignado Sanchez has been a welcome change to the normally, pitching-challenged Baltimore starting rotation. Add Pat Kane as an extra lefty and Lonnie Fowler as the 4<sup>th</sup> pitcher, the Bulldogs can pitch with nearly anyone in the BLB.
ADVANTAGE - BULLDOGS – The Bulldogs staff has been consistent through the year and that consistency is what gives them a slight edge.
***
Bullpen
The Washington bullpen is the best in the IL. Anchored by young reliever, Edgar Salazar, the Bats have four relievers with a sub 3.00 ERA. Washington will likely also move a starter or two to the pen to bolster their already, formidable ability to close out games.
The Bulldogs are not far behind when it comes to strength in the pen. The Bulldogs have confident, young pitchers in Danny Rodriquez and Angelo Falconieri. Baltimore will also move 1 or 2 of their normal six-man rotation to give added depth in the pen.
ADVANTAGE – WASHINGTON
The stats show that Washington is the clear winner here. The Bulldogs will have to hope that their starters can maintain a lead because if they do not, look forward to another 1<sup>st</sup> round upset by the Bats.
***
BOTTOMLINE:
This should be a good series between two evenly matched teams. Many would consider the Bulldogs a slight favorite, but in reality, it is really not that clear. The 2-3-2 format is one that favors the away team (in my opinion), plus Washington just seems to have that winning DNA. The game will likely come down to which offense gets hot, because both bullpens are good enough to keep a lead. Look towards Mal Brady or Rex Knight to push the series in their respect teams favor. The one bright spot for Baltimore is that they do have home field advantage and are built to win in Phillips Field.
BALTIMORE IN 7
The "other" game in the 1998 IL opening series pits the IL Wildcard winning Washington Bats (92-70) against BLB's team with the best regular season record, the Baltimore Bulldogs (101-62). The teams are 6-6 in regular season play this year, with Washington winning the last 5 of 6. With Washington and Baltimore having the IL's top two pitching staffs (1st and 2nd in Team ERA, respectively), this match up should be very entertaining.
WASHINGTON PLAYOFF HISTORY:
* 2 Brewmaster’s Cups (1983, 1988)
* 11th Appearance (’83-’88, ’90-’91, '94-'96)
* Most Recent Appearance - 1996 - Lost to Virginia in the ILCS 4-2
BALTIMORE PLAYOFF HISTORY:
* 5th Appearance (’78, '80, '92-'93, '97)
* Most Recent Appearance - 1997 - Lost to Virginia in the ILCS 4-1
SEASON SERIES:
Series Tied 6-6
<table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width:460.0pt;mso-cellspacing:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="460"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> Top Performers
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> Batters
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width:440.0pt;mso-cellspacing:1.5pt" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="440"> <thead> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Player
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> AVG
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> R
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> H
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> HR
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> RBI
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> SB
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> OPS
</td> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Mal Brady, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .238
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 6
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 10
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 5
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .878
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Shawn Burton, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .271
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 13
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .869
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:3"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Jeremiah Kelly, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .270
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 10
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .955
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:4"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Rex Knight, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .293
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 11
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 12
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 10
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.076
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:5;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Geoff Scott, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .379
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 6
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 11
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 4
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 11
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.388
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> Pitchers
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width:440.0pt;mso-cellspacing:1.5pt" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="440"> <thead> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Player
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> W
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> L
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> SV
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> IP
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> ERA
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> K
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> WHIP
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> OAVG
</td> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Wade Coates, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 24.3
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 3.70
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.40
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .250
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Pat Kane, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 16.0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.69
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 8
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0.81
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .193
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:3"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Don Leonard, WAS
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19.7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2.75
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 13
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.37
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .257
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:4"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Ignado Sánchez, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19.7
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2.75
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 19
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0.81
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .181
</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:5;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> Derek Vleugel, BAL
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 0
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 12.3
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 2.92
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 9
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> 1.38
</td> <td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"> .234
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
MATCHUPS:
Catcher -- Hector Gonzalez vs. Artie Walker
Although both teams look to use a platoon at the catcher position, these two are the main head to head matchup. For Baltimore, Gonzalez has been an admirable replacement for the injured Kyoden Kubota, hitting a tad over .270, while maintaining a .400+ OBP. A bonefide star in his own right, Gonzalez will also be very helpful against the aggressive Bats baserunners as he has thrown out the 2nd most base runners in the BLB.
Walker, a Gold Glove candidate in his own right, may not have the # of RTO, but its likely because runners are much more cautious to run against a catcher who throws out nearly 50% of base runners. Walker has had a nice bounce back season in 1998, raising his average nearly 40 points over 1997.
Wes Foster (BAL) and Doug Briggs (WAS) well both see a few at-bats in a back up role. Foster has struggled against the Bats going just 1/16 in the regular season while Briggs did manage to OPS .750 in the regular season match ups.
ADVANTAGE - BALTIMORE - The difference is slight, but the push probably goes to Hector Gonzalez and the Bulldogs.
***
First Base -- Mal Brady vs Joe Rojas
Mal "The Crow" Brady has put his name in the hat as one of the blossoming young stars of the IL. After a promising 1997 season, Brady exploded for 35 home runs this year, good for 2nd in the IL. Brady also lead the Bats in hits, doubles, and RBI, making Brady a guy who can change the game with a single swing of the bat.
Joe Rojas was brought in to replace the injured HOF, Gremades, but has been extremely underwhelming. After leaving Pawtucket, Rojas has sulked a bit and hit just under .250 in a park that should be well suited to his abilities. Rojas' only saving grace may be his extensive playoff experience gained with his years in Mississippi.
ADVANTAGE - WASHINGTON - Brady has proven he's a legit IL star while Rojas has not.
***
Second Base -- Jeremiah Kelly vs Brad Antell (Geoff Scott)
Kelly is still young at only 24 and has some real talent. Upping his home run numbers from 18-20 over 1997, Kelly is another young bopper for the Bats that can turn on a ball to send it a long way. He’s a stud defensively, and still has a bit of growth left. Kelly is hitting .270 against the Bulldogs with a .955 OPS. If both he and Brady can turn it on this series, it may be a short playoff series for the Bulldogs.
Brad Antell will be standing in for the injured Geoff Scott, who may make a return this series. Antell is now 30 years old, but is still a surprisingly underrated player. The Hawaiian native can play four infield positions and has maintained a positive VORP throughout his career in Baltimore. Geoff Scott, still out for 4 more days, may see some action half way through the series. If Scott returns and plays at the level he was playing before the injury, the playing field is even.
ADVANTAGE - PUSH – I think the Geoff Scott injury gives the edge to Washington early in the series, but his return will likely push the difference back in Baltimore’s favor.
***
Third Base – Sammy Knowlton vs. Antonio Trujillo
Sammy Knowlton is a defensive wizard at 3<sup>rd</sup> base and a decent hitter at the plate. He’s a durable player averaging over 151 games the past three years. Knowlton usually makes great contact and is an extremely tough out against lefties.
The Bulldogs have young utility player, Antonio Trujillo playing at third base. Trujillo had a monster year, increasing his average, OBP, BB, HR, 3B, and hits. You don’t have to look much further than the .179 average that Trujillo posted in last year’s playoffs to see why the Bulldogs were bounced 4-1 by Virginia.
ADVANTAGE - BALTIMORE- Trujillo IS a budding star, but the Bulldogs will need his regular season production to translate playoff performance.
***
Shortstop – Shawn Nolan vs Kazuyoshi Maekawa
Shawn Nolan is the 2-time DWI winning shortstop who makes up his shortcomings at the plate by being rock solid at one of the toughest positions in baseball to play. A bit of a down offensive year for the 27 year old star, Nolan will still have value by helping out his pitching staff with amazing defense at the shortstop position.
Kazuyoshi Maekawa was the talk of Baltimore last year after making the All-Star team and ending the year as the IL ROY Runner-Up. A freak injury at the end of the regular season left Maekawa out of the playoffs last year and a second injury to start 1998, has hampered the 24 year old. Still, Maekawa remains dangerous as a switch hitter and a solid defender.
ADVANTAGE -PUSH – Nolan’s defense is amazing, but Maekawa’s ability to switch hit gives him a lot more value at the plate.
***
Outfield
Outside of left fielder Shawn Burton, the Bats outfield mantra is speed. Of the teams, 98 stolen bases, 71 were stolen by either Bowers, Monchez, or Parker. Bowers is a 2-time All-Star while Monchez seems to have found a home in Washingotn. B.J. Parker has seen a bit of a resurgence since coming to the IL, hitting 12 home runs in just 214 at-bats. Finally the outfield seems to be anchored by the play of Burton, who hit 22 home runs during the 1998 regular season.
The Bulldogs outfield is headlined by Rex “Thrifty” Knight who led the the BLB in homeruns in 1998. 24 year old outfielder, Alex Gomez has finally begun to hit his potential, hitting above .300 for the first time in his 3-year career. Ernie Bornstein patrols center field for the Bulldogs while Pat Marlin gives the Bulldogs much needed power against right-handed pitchers.
ADVANTAGE - BALTIMORE – Washington has more speed, but the overall talent lies with the Bulldogs.
***
Starting Pitching
The Washington starters have put together an amazing season. With the decline of Pat Daniel, Washington has reloaded the rotation with productive starters like Hector Pagan, Kel Murphy, and Ivan Gutierrez. With the underrated performance of young starter, Troy Hanback, Washington matches up well with the Baltimore lineup.
The Bulldogs’ starters have been a tough group to handle for most lineups. The 1-2 combo of Derek Vleugel and Ignado Sanchez has been a welcome change to the normally, pitching-challenged Baltimore starting rotation. Add Pat Kane as an extra lefty and Lonnie Fowler as the 4<sup>th</sup> pitcher, the Bulldogs can pitch with nearly anyone in the BLB.
ADVANTAGE - BULLDOGS – The Bulldogs staff has been consistent through the year and that consistency is what gives them a slight edge.
***
Bullpen
The Washington bullpen is the best in the IL. Anchored by young reliever, Edgar Salazar, the Bats have four relievers with a sub 3.00 ERA. Washington will likely also move a starter or two to the pen to bolster their already, formidable ability to close out games.
The Bulldogs are not far behind when it comes to strength in the pen. The Bulldogs have confident, young pitchers in Danny Rodriquez and Angelo Falconieri. Baltimore will also move 1 or 2 of their normal six-man rotation to give added depth in the pen.
ADVANTAGE – WASHINGTON
The stats show that Washington is the clear winner here. The Bulldogs will have to hope that their starters can maintain a lead because if they do not, look forward to another 1<sup>st</sup> round upset by the Bats.
***
BOTTOMLINE:
This should be a good series between two evenly matched teams. Many would consider the Bulldogs a slight favorite, but in reality, it is really not that clear. The 2-3-2 format is one that favors the away team (in my opinion), plus Washington just seems to have that winning DNA. The game will likely come down to which offense gets hot, because both bullpens are good enough to keep a lead. Look towards Mal Brady or Rex Knight to push the series in their respect teams favor. The one bright spot for Baltimore is that they do have home field advantage and are built to win in Phillips Field.
BALTIMORE IN 7
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