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IL Division Series Preview
Wilmington Wildcats (94-68)
Morgantown Mohawks (90-72)
Who gets the Game One call?: Jaylen "Beanpole" Mitchell (17-5, 1.90, .86) and Regin "Moondog" Baisden (9-10, 2.81, 1.10)
Ironically, "Beanpole" was selected just two picks before "Moondog" in the 2008 draft. Credit to the scouting departments of Pawtucket and Morgantown. In just his 2nd season in the IL, Mitchell was arguably the BLB's best pitcher. There is a lot of pressure on the 25-year-old to set the tone in the first game of the series. While the Wildcats rotation behind him is decent, they will be hard pressed to take the series if "Beanpole" doesn't perform to his 2015 regular season level.
This is exactly what the Mohawks had in mind when they selected "Moondog" 7th overall in 2008 out of High School. The 26-year-old Missouri product throws in the low 90s but is equipped with arguably the best change-up in the entire BLB. While he doesn't go late into games he rarely gives up the long ball (.5 HR/9).
Players to Watch: C Norm Deiwart (WIL) and 1B Hector Feliciano (MOR)
The 24-year-old Deiwart had one of the best seasons in the league in 2015 hitting .287 with 37 HRs. Despite his relative inexperience, his power will be much needed against a team that was 3rd best in HR allowed. After struggling through August (.627 OPS), the Wildcats rode Deiwart's hot September (.980) to a clinch the Stout Division. They are counting the hot streak to continue. His defense will also be on display as the Muckdogs lead the BLB in stolen bases. His CS% was 35%.
Could anyone possibly be more excited for this game than Feliciano? The Muckdogs all-time slugger twice considered testing Free-Agency in 2008 and 2012 after playing for a franchise who not only has never made the post-season but had never had a .500 record. That all changed in 2013 when the Muckdogs just missed the playoffs going 90-72 and then making it this year. The 36-year-old looked like he had lost all ability by hitting just one HR in Spring Training and one regular season HR before July. However, he mashed in the 2nd half, finding new life playing for a legitimate contender. After 14 seasons, and 467 HR later, he makes his post-season debut.
Prediction: Wildcats in Six
The Mohawks will surely miss staff leader William Maher as well as rookie Dave Baldwin, two key parts to a rotation that finished 2nd in the IL in ERA. The key to the series will be keeping the Wildcats bats cold, a group that finished tied for 1st in the IL in runs scored. The Mohawks score with contact and speed, while the Wildcats score with home runs and incredible patience at the plate.
The Wildcats haven't made the playoffs since 1989, almost as long as the franchise drought (1984) the Mohawks have suffered. They also only won 67 games last year, improving by 27 in just one season. What an amazing storyline for two fan bases who will be going completely insane every game. Both GMs are likely to finish #1 and #2 in the GM of the Year voting.
Both teams are probably just happy to be there but both would love to advance. I lean towards the team with the best player in the series, Wilmington's "Beanpole." Upsets happen, and for Morgantown to advance they will need some luck. Their +4 PYT was good for 3rd best in the BLB.
Wilmington Wildcats (94-68)
Morgantown Mohawks (90-72)
Who gets the Game One call?: Jaylen "Beanpole" Mitchell (17-5, 1.90, .86) and Regin "Moondog" Baisden (9-10, 2.81, 1.10)
Ironically, "Beanpole" was selected just two picks before "Moondog" in the 2008 draft. Credit to the scouting departments of Pawtucket and Morgantown. In just his 2nd season in the IL, Mitchell was arguably the BLB's best pitcher. There is a lot of pressure on the 25-year-old to set the tone in the first game of the series. While the Wildcats rotation behind him is decent, they will be hard pressed to take the series if "Beanpole" doesn't perform to his 2015 regular season level.
This is exactly what the Mohawks had in mind when they selected "Moondog" 7th overall in 2008 out of High School. The 26-year-old Missouri product throws in the low 90s but is equipped with arguably the best change-up in the entire BLB. While he doesn't go late into games he rarely gives up the long ball (.5 HR/9).
Players to Watch: C Norm Deiwart (WIL) and 1B Hector Feliciano (MOR)
The 24-year-old Deiwart had one of the best seasons in the league in 2015 hitting .287 with 37 HRs. Despite his relative inexperience, his power will be much needed against a team that was 3rd best in HR allowed. After struggling through August (.627 OPS), the Wildcats rode Deiwart's hot September (.980) to a clinch the Stout Division. They are counting the hot streak to continue. His defense will also be on display as the Muckdogs lead the BLB in stolen bases. His CS% was 35%.
Could anyone possibly be more excited for this game than Feliciano? The Muckdogs all-time slugger twice considered testing Free-Agency in 2008 and 2012 after playing for a franchise who not only has never made the post-season but had never had a .500 record. That all changed in 2013 when the Muckdogs just missed the playoffs going 90-72 and then making it this year. The 36-year-old looked like he had lost all ability by hitting just one HR in Spring Training and one regular season HR before July. However, he mashed in the 2nd half, finding new life playing for a legitimate contender. After 14 seasons, and 467 HR later, he makes his post-season debut.
Prediction: Wildcats in Six
The Mohawks will surely miss staff leader William Maher as well as rookie Dave Baldwin, two key parts to a rotation that finished 2nd in the IL in ERA. The key to the series will be keeping the Wildcats bats cold, a group that finished tied for 1st in the IL in runs scored. The Mohawks score with contact and speed, while the Wildcats score with home runs and incredible patience at the plate.
The Wildcats haven't made the playoffs since 1989, almost as long as the franchise drought (1984) the Mohawks have suffered. They also only won 67 games last year, improving by 27 in just one season. What an amazing storyline for two fan bases who will be going completely insane every game. Both GMs are likely to finish #1 and #2 in the GM of the Year voting.
Both teams are probably just happy to be there but both would love to advance. I lean towards the team with the best player in the series, Wilmington's "Beanpole." Upsets happen, and for Morgantown to advance they will need some luck. Their +4 PYT was good for 3rd best in the BLB.
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